US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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
text search
2984 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

CS760

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Location

البحرة, Al Bahra desert, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.7475, 40.796111

Airwars assessment

Sharqiya Voice reported that “Abu Al Zabir al Maghribi, responsible for buying weapons from the locals in what is called al Furat State, was killed along with seven other people after they were targeted by the International Coalition in a raid on Al Bahra desert in eastern Deir Ezzor countryside.”

No further details are currently available – and the combatant status of the seven victims is unclear.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 April 30th-May 1st, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed four ISIS well heads.”

For Mays 1st - May 2nd, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr; three strikes destroyed 12 ISIS fuel tankers, an ISIS well head, and an ISIS oil pump"

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS761

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8295049, 38.5360909 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a previously unknown allegation, the Coalition denied involvement in an incident that they said was reported on social media. In their July 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition wrote: “May 1, 2017, near Tabqah, Syria, via social media report: The report contained insufficient information on the time, location and details to assess its credibility.”

Our researchers were unable to identify any reported event this might relate to.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • 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

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 30th-May 1st, the Coalition reported: “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.”

For May 1st - May 2nd, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah; one strike destroyed a fighting position and suppressed a mortar team" and "Near Tabqah; four strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI679

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Location

الموصل: غرب, Mosul, West, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.336843, 43.117979 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources – which referred to a statement by Al Amaq (ISIL press agency) and residents of West Mosul – up to 79 civilians were killed and 159 wounded, mostly women and children, after airstrikes of the Coalition and Iraqi forces hit many neighbourhoods in West Mosul over a four day period.

M.N.N. (Mosul News) reported on Facebook that Mohammed Abdullah Ramadan was a victim “of Coalition and Iraqi forces shelling” (photo below). And the facebook page Victims of the International Coalition in Mosul published three photographs which it said featured victims Shehab al-Hassu, his son Hudayfah, and a cousin Riad Hazem.

Al-Araby News reported that the “Iraqi Air Force on Monday renewed the shelling for the liberation of neighborhoods in West Mosul, while members of the provincial council confirmed the presence of more than 200,000 civilians in areas controlled by the Islamic State.

A local source in Mosul told Al-Araby that the Iraqi air force bombed the neighborhoods of Rifai and Zanjili and July 17, and pointed out that the shelling was indiscriminate and did not focus on the ISIL headquarters. He also pointed to the number of victims whose number was not known, as a result of the fall of a number of rockets on some inhabited houses, adding that the rest of the old neighborhoods of Mosul under the control of “Daash”, were full of civilians, who fled to these areas to escape previous battles.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Shehab al-Hassu
Adult male Father killed
Hudayfah
Adult male Son killed
Riad Hazem
Adult male Cousin killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Abdullah Ramadan
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    79
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    159
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    GRAPHIC: The body of Mohammed Abdullah Ramadan after airstrikes hit New Mosul neighbourhoods (via MNN)
  • Images of Shehab al-Hassu, his son Hudayfah, and a cousin Riad Hazem, all allegedly killed in the strikes
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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 May 1st-2nd 2017 the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul; two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two mortar systems, a front-end loader, an artillery system, a fighting position, a VBIED factory, and a medium machine gun.” It additionally stated that “Near Mosul, May 1st, three strikes destroyed three VBIEDs and three ISIS fuel tankers, and suppressed three mortar teams.”

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
    79
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    159
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS762

Incident date

May 2, 2017

Location

تل الجاير, Tall al-Jayer, Al-Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.033926, 41.0987592 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five named civilians died in an alleged ‘Coalition’ airstrike on al Dashisha market in Tal al Jayer town east of al Shadadi on the Syrian/Iraqi border, according to local sources.

JisiT V, which pointed towards the Coalition, reported that a commercial shop was hit.

No Coalition strike was publicly reported in the area that day despite its being the only party blamed. However unilateral US strikes in Syria are not declared – which is what this may have been.

The victims were named by Al Hassaka Youth Union, Soheb_alheskyi and Hasakah News – all blaming the Coalition.

The Coalition itself later denied conducting strikes in the geographic area that day which corresponded to claims of civilian harm.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Majed Mohammad al Aswad
Age unknown killed
Hassan al Abdallah al Aswad
killed

The victims were named as:

Hussein al Mohammad al A’kla
Age unknown male killed
Abd al-Lateef Mosa al-Kamel
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Bassam al-Amouri
Age unknown male killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Majed Mohammad al Aswad, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on market, May 2nd (via Hasakah Youth)
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
    market near Tal Al Jayer, Syria ()
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SFV889897
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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

The Coalition has not publicly reported any airstrikes in Hassakah governorate for May 1st-3rd.

Summary

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

Incident Code

CI682

Incident date

May 2, 2017

Location

Mosul, Al Hermat, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.323338, 43.112861 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Twenty five or more civilians were reported killed following a battle in the Hermat area of West Mosul. It was unclear whether Iraqi forces and/or the Coalition were responsible.

Amnesty International provided the following field report to Airwars citing an eyewitness: “On 2 May, in the early morning, there was a big attack on my street. The attack hit a house that was seven houses away from us. As a car bomb moved down the street, the tank targeted the car bomb, and then the ‘elephant bomb’ targeted the house. I don’t know how many people were killed, but we could hear the screams from the house. They were crying out “they killed our family”, “they killed my mother.”

Later, around 9 or 10am, there was an airstrike on our street. Seven houses were destroyed as a result. I didn’t see the attack, but as we were fleeing the next day, we saw all of the houses destroyed. That attack shock the ground. It felt like there was an earthquake. We could feel the whole earth move. I think it was a “bareena” missile – these go very deep – 3 meters into the ground. At least 23 people were killed from this attack, and one fighter. Most of the 23 were women and children. There were only two men among those killed. I didn’t see the bodies myself, but these are our neighbours, so we know who was killed. Only 13 survived who were living in those houses.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 Al Hermat, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF270259
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 May 1st-2nd 2017 the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul; two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two mortar systems, a front-end loader, an artillery system, a fighting position, a VBIED factory, and a medium machine gun.” It additionally stated that “Near Mosul, May 1st, three strikes destroyed three VBIEDs and three ISIS fuel tankers, and suppressed three mortar teams.”

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
    25
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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

CI683

Incident date

May 3, 2017

Location

الإصلاح الزراعي, Mosul, Islah al Zirai, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34939, 43.08767 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A newly married husband and wife were killed and two young children injured in an airstrike on al Islah al Zirae in West Mosul on May 3rd. The event was later confirmed to be an Australian action.

Amnesty International provided the following field report to Airwars citing an eyewitness: “We were getting dressed to leave and my brother’s family were still getting dressed and putting jackets on the children. I set off with my wife and children and we turned the corner and heard an air strike. I ran back and the house had caved in. My brother died. My sister-in-law (wife of another brother) also died. There were no Daesh around otherwise how could I have just walked out of my house.

Brother: [Name anonymised], aged 27 – dead

Sister in law, newly married 20 days ago: [Name anonymised], aged 20 – dead

Young nephew: [Name anonymised], aged 1.5 years – injured

Young niece: [Name anonymised], aged 2 years – injured

Those who come to apparently liberate us should know Daesh hide between us. They force us to hide them. How can the instruction tell us to stay away from them?”

On March 29th, 2018, Australia admitted to killing the two civilians and two young children. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) published information about the event in a civilian casualty report: “On 3 May 2017, one Australian aircraft conducted an airstrike in support of Iraqi Security Forces who were under direct fire from enemy fighters in West Mosul. Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were also engaged in the approval process. A low collateral, single precision-guided munition was released, striking the target and destroying a section of a building used by Daesh as a defensive fighting position. Based on a review of information now available, it is possible that civilian casualties may have occurred as a result of this strike. The personnel involved, using the information available to them, acted in compliance with the law of armed conflict and Australian rules of engagement.”

The ADF conducted “two thorough investigations” that concluded that civilian casualties were likely killed by an RAAF Super Hornet firing a GPS-guided bomb “hitting the second storey, collapsing the defensive fighting position inside the building,” said deputy chief of joint operations, Major General Greg Bilton.

At the time, Amnesty could not narrow down the precise date of the incident, stating that it likely had taken place between May 1st and May 3rd. However, in its March 28th civilian casualty report, the Coalition stated that on “May 3, 2017 near Islah al Zirai, […] The Coalition conducted a strike to destroy an ISIS fighting position. During the strike it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians were injured.”

Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne stated that the strike was called in “because the Iraqi security forces were under direct sniper attack from the building, and the sniper was causing injuries”. However, the witness interviewed by Amnesty had stated that “there were no Daesh around, otherwise how could I have just walked out of my house?”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 36.3507344, 43.0868769

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Islah al Zirai, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF284244
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2018

  • May 1, 2017 near Islah al Zirai, Iraq via Airwars report. The Coalition conducted a strike to destroy an ISIS fighting position. During the strike it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians were injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 1st-2nd 2017 the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul; two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two mortar systems, a front-end loader, an artillery system, a fighting position, a VBIED factory, and a medium machine gun.” It additionally stated that “Near Mosul, May 1st, three strikes destroyed three VBIEDs and three ISIS fuel tankers, and suppressed three mortar teams.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS763

Incident date

May 3, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8295049, 38.5360909 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least six civilians were reportedly killed and nine others wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on the Syrian city of Al Tabaqa, 55km west of Raqqa.

Nearly every source alleged that the US-led Coalition was responsible, with the Syrian Popular Movement saying the Coalition was “likely” the culprit. A later report from the Syrian Press Center said as many as many as 12 were killed and 15 injured, but is currently the only source to do so.

The strikes reportedly hit the First, Second and Third neighbourhoods of the city, referred to as the ‘Modern district’, with Jisr TV reporting that a “fruit market” was hit in the raids. Jisr TV also described the airstrikes as “intense aerial bombardment” with a tweet from NORS Study, referencing A’maq, saying that the number of airstrikes exceeded thirty.

The alleged Coalition strikes came in the context of heavy fighting between separatist SDF Kurdish militias and ISIL fighters for control of the city.

According to Al Hasaka Rasd, “American planes launched around 30 raids on the First, Second and Third neighbourhoods in Al Tabaqa, one of them using white phosphorous in conjunction with intense artillery shelling.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 12
  • Civilians reported injured
    9–15
  • 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Thawrah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV588670
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 May 2nd-3rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 12 fighting positions, an ISIS supply route, and a tactical vehicle; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit”
For May 3rd-4th the Coalition stated: “Near Tabqah, 18 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, four vehicles, two tactical vehicles, a VBIED; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally added that “Near Tabqah, Syria, on May 3rd, one strike destroyed a fighting position"
The Coalition later reported: "Near Tabqah, Syria, on May 3rd, one strike destroyed a fighting position"

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

CHAMMAL OPERATION ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION In Syria the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue their progress against Daesh. In the region of Raqqah they have proceeded this week to secure territorial gains made the previous week in the north of the city, neutralizing several pockets of resistance still occupied by terrorist fighters. Further west, the SDS continue to expand their controlled areas, gradually tightening those held by Daesh on the town of Tabqah and its dam. In Iraq, Daesh is still trying to maintain an atmosphere of insecurity in the Anbar and the Tiger Valley in order to divert the Iraqi military effort from Mosul. In the region of Mosul, the situation has changed little this week with the exception of a breakthrough in the south-west of the city. With unfavorable weather conditions, the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) marked an operational pause to regenerate their potential, while maintaining pressure on the Medina neighborhood. To the north-west, on the outskirts of the city, the 9th Division is still engaged in security actions of its control zone centered around Badush, and is still under attack by terrorist groups. Further south, in the city of Mosul, the ICTS and the FEDPOL maintained their position in and around the medina by repelling several attempts by Daesh fighters. 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. The 29 illumination and interdiction missions carried out in support of Iraqi units contributed to the security of the Iraqi zone control system in the face of harassing actions by Daesh groups seeking to infiltrate. Air support to the Levant This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal made 40 sorties, including 30 for armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS), 2 for air command and control, 5 for refueling, and 3 for intelligence gathering. 3 strikes were carried out by French planes in Iraq and Syria, in support of ongoing operations in Mosul and Tabqah, as well as in the Anbar Valley. '

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) poursuivent leurs avancées contre Daech. Dans la région de Raqqah elles ont procédé cette semaine à la sécurisation des gains territoriaux réalisés la semaine précédente au Nord de la ville, en neutralisant plusieurs poches de résistances encore occupées par les combattants terroristes. Plus à l’Ouest les FDS continuent d’étendre leurs zones contrôlées, resserrant progressivement celles tenues par Daech sur la ville de Tabqah et son barrage. En Irak, Daech cherche toujours à entretenir une atmosphère d’insécurité dans l’Anbar et dans la vallée du Tigre afin de détourner l’effort militaire irakien de Mossoul. Dans la région de Mossoul, la situation a peu évolué cette semaine à l’exception d’une avancée dans le sud-ouest de la ville. Avec une météo peu favorable aux opérations, les Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) ont marqué une pause opérationnelle pour régénérer leur potentiel, tout en maintenant la pression sur le quartier de la Médina. Au nord-ouest, sur les abords de la ville, la 9e division est toujours engagée dans des actions de sécurisation de sa zone de contrôle centrée autour de Badush, et qui fait toujours l’objet de tentative d’infiltrations de groupes terroristes. Plus au sud, dans la ville de Mossoul, l’ICTS et les FEDPOL ont maintenu leur position dans et autour de la médina en repoussant plusieurs tentatives de sorties des combattants de Daech. 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. Les 29 missions d’éclairement et d’interdiction réalisées en appui des unités irakiennes ont contribué à la sûreté du dispositif de contrôle de zone irakien face à des actions de harcèlement menées par des groupes de Daech cherchant à s’infiltrer. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 40 sorties aériennes dont 30 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 2 de commandement et de contrôle aérien, 5 de ravitaillement, et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 3 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, en appui des opérations en cours à Mossoul et Tabqah, ainsi que dans la vallée de l’Anbar.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 12
  • Civilians reported injured
    9–15
  • 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]

Incident Code

CS764

Incident date

May 3, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, al Thakanna, 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 killed alongside three ISIL fighters and five others were wounded in an airstrike on the city of Raqqa, according to a local source.

Smart News Agency reported that the civilian was arrested by ISIL’s religious police, known as the Hesba, on charges of “smoking” and was in a car driven by the terrorists when the airstrike took place.

The five civilians injured were reportedly near the car at the time of the strike.

Blame has not been directly apportioned to the Coalition for the strike, however Smart News Agency said they were “likely” responsible. Hope-fm-syria also reported the incident, blaming the Coalition, putting the death toll at one civilians, three members of ISIL – and the wounding of five further non-combatants – though it appears to be citing Smart.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ 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 Thakanna, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV005780
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 May 2nd-3rd, the Coalition did not initially report any strikes in Raqqa, though later added that “Near Raqqah, Syria, May 2nd, one strike destroyed a fighting position.”
For May 3rd-4th the Coalition stated: “Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a command and control node.” It later added that “Near Raqqah, May 3rd, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a mortar system.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]