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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Incident Code

CS797

Incident date

May 10, 2017

Location

الصور, Al Soor, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.508257, 40.662927 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least seven and as many 14 civilians were killed including four children and dozens more were reportedly injured in airstrikes on Al Soor, 55km northeast of Deir Ezzor city, according to local reports. The Coalition later confirmed killing one civilian in the town that day.

There were conflicting reports at the time as to who was responsible, with many sources blaming the Coalition (Deir Free, Halab Today, Step News, Al Nateq quoting A’maq, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Syrian Network for Human Rights and an activist on Twitter). Others said that Russia was responsible (including Al Araby, Al Hasaka Arabea, Smart News and Shaam News Network) and one alleging that the Syrian government was to blame (Syrian News Desk, which said regime warplanes carried out six raids.

Four children were reportedly among the dead, according to sources. Most reports said that “dozens” or “several” people were also wounded, however Syrian News Desk was the only source to report an exact figure – it said 13 people were injured.

Al Hassaka Rasd named the victims of unidentified warplanes.

In its August civilian casualty report, the Coalition conceded that it had killed at least one civilian:”May 10, 2017, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS headquarters, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

Coordinates supplied by the Coalition to Airwars placed the incident at al Soor.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Khalil Ahmad al Rajab
Age unknown killed
Ibrahim Ahmad al Rajab
Age unknown male killed
Fadi Ahmad al Rajab
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Mohamad al Khalaf
Age unknown male killed
Mohammad al Layli al Harib
Age unknown male killed
Khitab Al Awwad al Bahathi
Age unknown killed
Mohammad al Moheissan
Age unknown male killed
Khalil al Msaytar
Age unknown killed
A person called Hamadi
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 14
  • (4 children4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (28) [ collapse]

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
    1
  • Stated location
    near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV5080730680
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

  • May 10, 2017, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS headquarters, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 9th-10th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed a front-end loader an and ISIS well head.”
For May 10th-11th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed two ISIS headquarters"

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 14
  • (4 children4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS790

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

34.7146658, 40.7555866 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Twelve civilians including up to eight women and four children died and dozens more were wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Salhiya village, according to local sources.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at ten victims including four children and four women – and blamed the Coalition, while Bassam Jaara specifically blamed a “US bombardment”.

In a video published by the IS media agency Al’Amaq, a long haired bearded man says [at 1’07]: “The crusader coalition today carried out a raid on al Salhiya village north of Raqqa city. They bombed a home belonging to Muslims. When the residents of the village came to rescue the family from under the rubble the planes came back again and bombed the gathering with two further raids killing many more. We have dead and injured children and muslims stuck under the rubble.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently published a series of graphic images from the video which depicted children among the casualties.

Al Raqqa truth named 11 victims of a Coalition strike.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named an additional victim and said the death toll had risen to 12.

An August 2017 Amnesty International report documented a civilian casualty incident on a farm in Al Salhiya/Hukumya area, north of Raqqa, killing 14 members of the same family and severely wounding two children on the evening of May 11th, 2017. Aiwars researchers have assessed that given the same specific location of the airstrike and the similar number of men, women and children perished and injured, this event is likely related. It is important to note that there is a slight discrepancy in the reporting on the exact date of the airstrike: most local sources state that the civilians were killed on May 9th, whereas Amnesty pinpoints the date of the incident at May 11th.

Amnesty International’s researchers interviewed two survivors of the strike, aged 14 and 15, who stated that apart from the 14 family members who lived there no one had been present in the farm. One of the children stated to Amnesty: “The planes were circling all night and we could not even approach the house to get the two injured children out from under the rubble until the following day.”

When the organization’s researchers visited the site it was clear to them that the destruction was a result of air strikes. Additionally, the field researchers found a fragment of a GPS-guided air-delivered bomb.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Ismail Ibrahim al Khalaf
Age unknown male killed
Hamadi Ismail al Khalaf Abu Mayzar
Age unknown male killed
Fatima Ismail al Khalaf
Age unknown female killed
Shamsa al Khalaf
Age unknown female killed
Sara Ibrahim al Khalaf
Age unknown female killed

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim Khalaf al Himmo
Age unknown male killed
Bra’a Ismail al Jumaa
Age unknown female killed
Wife of Ismail al Ibrahim Hanaa
Age unknown female killed
Huda Khalil al Halawi
Age unknown female killed
Rahaf Ismail al Ibrahim
Age unknown female killed
Sajida Khalaf al Ismail
Age unknown female killed
Omar Ramadan Al Allous
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 14
  • (4 children7–8 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    ISIL's media wing released a graphic video depicting children reportedly killed and injured in an alleged Coalition strike on Al Salhiya, May 9th 2017
  • Fragment of a guidance fin from a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) - a GPS-guided air-delivered bomb (via Amnesty).
  • Photographs of a civilian home destroyed in alleged Coalition strikes on Raqqah - the images appear in CS789, May 9th therefore it is unclear whether they are to be attributed to this incident (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A young boy wounded following alleged Coalition raids on Al Salhiya, May 9th (via RBSS) [Page no longer available accessed via Airwars archive - photo is a still from Ala'maq video]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A small child victim of alleged Coalition raids on Al Salhiya, May 9th (via RBSS) [Page no longer available accessed via Airwars archive - photo is a still from Ala'maq video]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A photograph of a small child who appears wounded following alleged Coalition raids on Al Salhiya, May 9th (via RBSS) [Page no longer available accessed via Airwars archive - photo is a still from Ala'maq video]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A distressing image of two child civilians severely wounded or killed following alleged Coalition raids on Al Salhiya, May 9th (via RBSS) [Page no longer available accessed via Airwars archive - photo is a still from Ala'maq video]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An elderly man killed or severely wounded in alleged Coalition raids on Al Salhiya, May 9th (via RBSS) [Page no longer available accessed via Airwars archive - photo is a still from Ala'maq video]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child is treated for injuries following alleged Coalition raids on Al Salhiya, May 9th (via RBSS) [Page no longer available accessed via Airwars archive - photo is a still from Ala'maq video]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A young boy wounded following alleged Coalition raids on Al Salhiya, May 9th (via RBSS) [Page no longer available accessed via Airwars archive - photo is a still from Ala'maq video]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian child wrapped in injured and wrapped in blankets following alleged Coalition raids on Al Salhiya, May 9th (via RBSS) [Page no longer available accessed via Airwars archive - photo is a still from Ala'maq video]
  • Omar Ramadan al Alloush killed in alleged Coalition raids on Al Salhiya, May 9th (via RBSS)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Shalhiya, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU606432
    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 8th-9th: “Near Raqqah, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed five weapons storage caches and an ISIS barge. Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions.” It later added that “Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria on May 8 that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position and a mortar system; and damaged an ISIS supply route.”

For May 9th-10th: "Near Tabqah, seven strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three vehicles; damaged a fighting position; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit" It later reported, "Additionally, 10 strikes were conducted in Syria on May 9th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Raqqah, Syria, 10 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, a VBIED factory, an ISIS headquarters; damaged a bridge, a road; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit."

For May 10th - 11th: "Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven vehicles, three fighting positions, an ISIS barge, a VBIED factory, a weapons storage facility; and damaged two ISIS supply routes. Near Tabqah, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions "

For May 11th: From CJTFOIR on May 11th:

‘SAC and SDF Liberate Tabqah

SOUTHWEST ASIA – The Syrian Arab Coalition and their Syrian Democratic Force partners completed the liberation of the Tabqah Dam, as well as the city of Tabqah and its nearby airfield May 10.

The multi-ethnic SDF forced the surrender of Tabqah Dam and the remainder of Tabqah City, continuing the trend of ISIS’s diminished control of territory and people. The SDF has now further isolated ISIS in Raqqah, the terror group’s stronghold, and will continue to pursue the military defeat of ISIS throughout Syria.

“This is yet another victory by the SAC and the SDF, our most committed and capable ground force partners in the fight against ISIS who remain hard at work erasing ISIS from the battlefield, liberating their own people and lands,” said the Coalition Spokesman, Col. John Dorrian.

In Tabqah, the SDF’s increased pressure on ISIS from each flank allowed it to accelerate the pace of the fight, clear the final neighborhoods of the city, and isolate Tabqah Dam. Approximately 70 ISIS fighters conceded to the SDF’s terms, which included the dismantling of IEDs surrounding the dam, the surrender of all ISIS heavy weapons, and the forced withdrawal of all remaining fighters from Tabqah City.

The SDF accepted ISIS’s surrender of the city to protect innocent civilians and to protect the Tabqah dam infrastructure which hundreds of thousands of Syrians rely on for water, agriculture, and electricity.

The Coalition tracked fleeing fighters and targeted those that could be safely hit without harming civilians.

The SAC and SDF liberation of the ISIS stronghold of Tabqah, an operation that began March 22 with a surprise aerial infiltration behind enemy lines to the south of Lake Assad, severs ISIS’s ability to reinforce Raqqah and denies ISIS a key coordination hub that its foreign terrorist fighters used since 2013 to plan local operations and external attacks against the West.

With its seizure, the coalition has prevented a potential humanitarian disaster and ensured local citizens will continue to receive the dam’s basic services.

After ISIS’s defeat in northern Syria, ISIS moved its foreign fighters and external attack planning operations to Tabqah in order to avoid coalition airstrikes within Raqqah. The operation to seize the Tabqah dam, airfield and city disrupts ISIS operations in Raqqah and their ability to defend the city and plan and execute external attacks against the West.

With Tabqah now liberated and Raqqah further isolated, the Coalition and its partner forces continue to hinder ISIS’s ability to reinforce its self-proclaimed capital in Raqqah, prevented a potential humanitarian disaster, and ensured local citizens will continue to receive the dam’s basic services.

“The SDF’s success against ISIS demonstrates the power of working by, with and through local partner forces fighting ISIS, among their own people, in their own territory” said Dorrian. “The SDF, fighting to liberate their own people and lands, have freed more than 8,000 square kilometers of Syria from ISIS since November.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Wednesday 10 May – Typhoons struck a terrorist mortar team north of Raqqa, Syria, while Tornados attacked a sniper team and another Daesh position in Mosul…The following day [May 10th], Typhoons also patrolled over Syria, and successfully struck a Daesh mortar team that was firing on Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) some five miles north of Raqqa. Tornados also operated over western Mosul, where they used a Brimstone missile to silence a sniper team which had opened fire on Iraqi troops, and used a Paveway IV against a Daesh-held building.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

[In the past week, France reports nine strikes in Iraq and Syria. Eight of them were carried out in support of the ongoing operations in Mosul and Tabqah and a planned strike occurred in Iraq to destroy a site used to assemble and store suicide vehicles. Task Force Wagram carried out 76 artillery strikes.] Situation of Operations FRENCH ARMY - MILITARY OPERATIONS · THURSDAY, 11 MAY 2017 CHAMMAL ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION In Syria, the flight of the last jihadists entrenched in isolated neighborhoods in the north of the city and on the edge of the dam allowed the Syrian democratic forces (SDF) to liberate the city of Tabqah and its dam. In the Raqqah region, the SDS maintains offensive pressure on Daesh positions around the city to weaken them or detect weaknesses. In Iraq, ISIS is again strongly under pressure from the Iraqi security forces (ISF) in Mosul and is still seeking to compensate for its military setbacks by a resurgence of its harassing actions elsewhere in the country, mainly in the Anbar regions. from Hawijah. In the Mosul region, the week was marked by the resumption of the ISF offensive that opened a new front north of the city. The 9th Division, supported by TF Wagram, has progressed rapidly since its positions around Badush. It has seized all the western suburbs of the city still in the hands of Daesh. After working with the ICTS, she then continued her efforts to reach the banks of the Tigris River and is now looking for progress towards the Medina. In this sector, Daesh is still fighting hard, but it does not succeed in blocking the isolation that is continuing from the south. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMMAL FORCE Fire support - TF Wagram The Task Force (TF) Wagram supported this week the 9th Iraqi Division's offensive to seize the western suburbs of the city. It carried out 76 firing missions in support of the Iraqi units, contributing by firing of destruction to the rapid progression of the division between Badush and the urban area, then by firing of illumination and prohibition to the securing of the zone against Daesh's counterattack attempts. Air support to the Levant This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal made 40 sorties, including 31 armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS), 1 air command and control, 4 refueling, and 4 intelligence gathering. 9 strikes were made by French planes in Iraq and Syria. 8 of these were conducted in support of ongoing operations in Mosul and Tabqah, and a planned one in Iraq to destroy a site used to assemble and store suicide vehicles.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·THURSDAY, 11 MAY 2017 CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie, la fuite des derniers djihadistes retranchés dans des quartiers isolés du Nord de la ville et aux abords du barrage a permis aux forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) de libérer la ville de Tabqah et son barrage. Dans la région de Raqqah les FDS maintiennent une pression offensive sur les positions de Daech autour de la ville afin de les fragiliser ou de déceler les faiblesses. En Irak, Daech subit à nouveau fortement la pression des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) à Mossoul et cherche encore à compenser ses revers militaires par une recrudescence de ses actions de harcèlement ailleurs dans le pays, essentiellement dans les régions de l’Anbar et de Hawijah. Dans la région de Mossoul, la semaine a été marquée par la reprise de l’offensive des FSI qui ont ouvert un nouveau front au Nord de la ville. La 9e division, appuyée par la TF Wagram, a rapidement progressé depuis ses positions autour de Badush. Elle s’est emparée de l’ensemble des faubourgs Ouest de la ville encore aux mains de Daech. Après avoir opéré sa jonction avec l’ICTS elle a ensuite poursuivi ses efforts pour atteindre les berges du Tigre et cherche désormais à progresser en direction de la Médina. Dans ce secteur Daech oppose toujours une vive résistance sans pour autant réussir à entraver la manœuvre d’isolement qui se poursuit depuis le Sud. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a appuyé cette semaine l’offensive de la 9e division irakienne pour s’emparer des faubourgs Ouest de la ville. Elle a réalisé 76 missions de tir en appui des unités irakiennes, contribuant par des tirs de destruction à la progression rapide de la division entre Badush et la zone urbaine, puis par des tirs d’éclairement et d’interdiction à la sécurisation de la zone face aux tentatives de contre-attaque de Daech. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 40 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 1 de commandement et de contrôle aérien, 4 de ravitaillement, et 4 de recueil de renseignements. 9 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. 8 d’entre elles ont été conduites en appui des opérations en cours à Mossoul et Tabqah, et une planifiée, en Irak, afin de détruire un site servant à assembler et stocker des véhicules suicides.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 14
  • (4 children7–8 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS791

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

الحي الثاني, Tabaqah, al Thani, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.846667, 38.543889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Smart News Agency reported that a likely Coalition airstrike killed “a family of five people and wounded three others on Tuesday evening following raids on the consumer association in the Second [al Thani] district.”

The VDC later named one adult civilian male “as a victim of international coalition raids on Tabaqa.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mosa Ibraheem Al Daeif
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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]

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 Thani, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV588670
    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 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions.” It later added: “Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria on May 8 that closed within the last 24 hours: Near Tabqah, Syria, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position and a mortar system; and damaged an ISIS supply route.”

For May 9th - 10th, the Coalition reported: "Near Tabqah, seven strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three vehicles; damaged a fighting position; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit" and "Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven vehicles, three fighting positions, an ISIS barge, a VBIED factory, a weapons storage facility; and damaged two ISIS supply routes" It later added, "Additionally, 10 strikes were conducted in Syria on May 9th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Raqqah, Syria, 10 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, a VBIED factory, an ISIS headquarters; damaged a bridge, a road; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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

CS792

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.466049, 40.907593 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A number of civilians were reported injured alongside ISIS fighters, after Coalition aircraft disrupted a public execution by ISIS in Abu Kamal’s Fayhaa Square.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “the Coalition carried out airstrikes and targeted an Islamic State headquarters in al-Bokamal city on the border with Iraq. The bombing killed at least three members of the organization and injured about 20 other people, mostly civilians. The bombing was followed by the area being targeted with machine guns, while local sources confirmed that the bombing coincided with preparations in Fayhaa Square in the city for an execution.”

The event appears to have been linked to actions by UK forces within the Coalition, with the RAF reporting that “A Reaper intervened during a public execution staged by Daesh in Abu Kamal, Syria, killing a Daesh guard and dispersing the crowd gathered to witness the atrocity.”

Despite acknowledging the presence of a large number of civilians, a UK Reaper nevertheless released a munition, the UK’s MoD reported: “An RAF Reaper remotely piloted aircraft observed a group of Daesh fighters in Abu Kamal, eastern Syria, mustering a large crowd of civilians in one of the town’s main streets on Tuesday 9 May. When a van then unloaded two shackled prisoners in front of the crowd, it became clear that Daesh were organising a public execution.

“Given the large number of civilians present, the Reaper’s crew could not target directly the Daesh fighters about to carry out the murders. However, two armed extremists were stationed as sentries on the roof of a building overlooking the scene. A Hellfire missile was fired immediately, and scored a direct hit which not only killed one of the sentries but also brought the execution to an immediate halt, as the Daesh fighters fled the scene, and the crowd of civilians dispersed.”

The RAF also released a video of the strike in September 2017. Air Commodore Johnny Stringer, commander of UK air operations in Iraq and Syria at the time, told the Daily Telegraph: “The individual whom we engaged was a sniper in over-watch to shoot civilians who sought to move away from the execution, let alone to protect the planned execution itself. That particular example for us very much brought it home because civilians had been herded in, forced literally at gunpoint, to go and watch this going on in their hundreds.”

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on December 5th of the same year – the US-led Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, noting: “May 9, 2017, in Abu Kamal, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 1457/S697 37SFU762140”.

The Coalition published a location for the assessment identifying to within 100 metres the area where it had focused its review.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–20
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from 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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Abu Kamal, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU762140
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 5, 2019

  • May 9, 2017, in Abu Kamal, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 1457/S697 37SFU762140

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS oil rig.”

For May - 9th - 10th, the Coalition reported: "Near Abu Kamal, two strikes [1 British] engaged an ISIS sniper and destroyed a front-end loader"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Tuesday 9 May – A Reaper intervened during a public execution staged by Daesh in Abu Kamal, Syria, killing a Daesh guard and dispersing the crowd gathered to witness the atrocity… The RAF is continuing to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian casualties. An RAF Reaper remotely piloted aircraft observed a group of Daesh fighters in Abu Kamal, eastern Syria, mustering a large crowd of civilians in one of the town’s main streets on Tuesday 9 May. When a van then unloaded two shackled prisoners in front of the crowd, it became clear that Daesh were organising a public execution. Given the large number of civilians present, the Reaper’s crew could not target directly the Daesh fighters about to carry out the murders. However, two armed extremists were stationed as sentries on the roof of a building overlooking the scene. A Hellfire missile was fired immediately, and scored a direct hit which not only killed one of the sentries but also brought the execution to an immediate halt, as the Daesh fighters fled the scene, and the crowd of civilians dispersed.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–20
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Incident Code

CI699

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Zanjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3502851, 43.1098795 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local press sources reported that ‘dozens of civilians were killed and injured’ in raids by the Iraqi government and/or the Coalition on Zanjili neighboordhood, in West Mosul.

Yaqein Agency spoke of “heavy and indiscriminate shelling”.

No further details are presently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • 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]

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
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF308246
    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 8th-9th: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 12 fighting positions, seven rocket-propelled grenade systems, four medium machine guns, three mortar systems, two VBIED facilitation areas, two front-end loaders, a sniper position, a weapons cache, an IED facility, a roadblock, a VBIED; damaged 13 ISIS supply routes, three fighting positions; and suppressed a mortar position.

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
    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]

Incident Code

CI703

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

July 17 neighbourhood, West Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3667014, 43.0854607 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single local source – a relative of the victim – said on Facebook that her cousin Laith Azhar Saadallah al-Obeidi died after an airstrike hit his house in July 17 neighbourhood in West Mosul.

“My cousin was martyred on Monday. Laith Azhar Saadallah al-Obeidi, after he was hit on his house on July 17, killing him and neighbors buried him in the garden of the house. God is patient with his children.”

Presently no further details are known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Laith Azhar Saadallah al-Obeidi
Age 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 (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 9th-10th: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed seven mortar systems, five fighting positions, three VBIEDs, two supply caches, two vehicles, and a command and control node; damaged 18 ISIS supply routes, a fighting position, a tunnel; and suppressed four mortar teams and four ISIS tactical units.”

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

CI700

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

الرفاعي, Mosul, Rifae, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A father and son were caught in a bombing in western Mosul, according to local reports.

Several sources, including Sawlf Ateka, reported that Dr. Nuri Saeed al-Rawaji was killed along with his son Omar in the Rifae neighborhood of western Mosul. Ajel Al Mosul blamed their deaths on Iraq security forces, as did Yaqein, which reported they were killed by “random” mortar fire. Some reports said that Omar was instead injured.

In addition, Sawef Ateka reported “The martyrdom of the national shooting team member and Nineveh Sports Club member Hamza Maan Ahmed Al Sufi, son of national team coach Maan Ahmed Sufi, due to the impact of a mortar.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Dr. Nuri Saeed al-Rawaji
Adult male Father killed
Omar
Adult male Son killed

The victims were named as:

Hamza Maan Ahmed Al Sufi
Adult male Member national shooting team, Son of Maan Ahmed Sufi killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Hamza Maan Ahmed Al Sufi
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2018

  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 8th-9th: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 12 fighting positions, seven rocket-propelled grenade systems, four medium machine guns, three mortar systems, two VBIED facilitation areas, two front-end loaders, a sniper position, a weapons cache, an IED facility, a roadblock, a VBIED; damaged 13 ISIS supply routes, three fighting positions; and suppressed a mortar position.

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
    2 – 3
  • (3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI701

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

عنة والقائم, Al Qaim and Anah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.36857, 41.98194 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 27 civilians were reportedly killed and dozens wounded by airstrikes in Anbar province, according to local sources.

Iraqi Spring Media Center said that 27 civilians were killed and 50 wounded in strikes on the towns of Anah and Al Qaim, in western Anbar. Yaqein put the death toll at 38 – “mostly civilians” – and said that 50 were wounded in strikes. Iraq News Center also reported 38 deaths, but said that 11 were members of ISIL – leaving a total of 27 civilians among those who perished.

None of these reports stipulated who was responsible. Al Jazeera however cited government sources which claimed a series of strikes in western Anbar. It suggested that up to 100 ISIL fighters and 25 civilians died.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    27 – 37
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    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
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU8312607751
    Military Grid Reference System

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 that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 8th-9th: “Near Rutbah, two strikes destroyed a bunker and a VBIED facility.”

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
    27 – 37
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]