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

CI804

Incident date

July 7, 2017

Location

مكاوي, Makkawai, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3466708, 43.1327319 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A father and son died as a result of being buried under the rubble in Makkawi, Old Mosul, reported Nineveh Media Center, following likely Coalition airstrikes.

Four families in total were trapped under the rubble, but Iraqyoon News Agency reported that most were still alive. The families were believed to be trapped in the basement of the house next to the Al Masafi Mosque at the entrance of Al Makawi Street.

One child reportedly sustained a broken leg as a result of the incident.

No further details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    16–36
  • 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]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Location of the strike

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the basement the families were trapped in was located under a house next to Al Masafi Mosque, which is “the next building at the entrance from Al Makawi Street towards the river”. Images published by Iraqyoon News point to this exact location: 36.3466708, 43.1327319.

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
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 6th-7th, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units, destroyed one fighting position, damaged one fighting position, and suppressed a mortar system.” It additionally reported that “On July 6, near Mosul, Iraq, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position, a medium machine gun, and a command and control node; and damaged two supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    16–36
  • 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

CS1194

Incident date

July 12, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.016667, 40.444167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten civilians reportedly died in up to 25 alleged airstrikes by the Coalition in different areas of Al Mayadin, according to local media.

Multiple sources reported Coalition airstrikes in Al Mayadin. Step News Agency reported that the Coalition had intensified strikes on Al Mayadin, but had no reports on the “size of losses”.

According to Euphrates Post, mosques asked people to go donate blood, though sources didn’t given any casualty figures. However, AlKul said that 10 civilians had died in the strikes.

Sources reported that the following areas were hit:

Grain silo;

The vicinity of the Agricultural Bank;

The market area surrounding the Nuri al-Said hospital;

The perimeter of the commercial bank and Abdul-Mun’im Reyad school;

The Al-Nadi building – which, according to RFS led to the burning of a number of IS vehicles;

Khan al-Khalouf – which, according to RFS, is used by IS as a garage for its cars;

Oil burners on the outskirts of the city;

Corniche Street;

Areas holding barges;

The sports club.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • 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 (15) [ 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 Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 11th-12th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed 25 ISIS oil refinement stills, five oil tanks, and 10 oil tankers.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1223

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS) reported the death of one civilian following an “aerial bombardment”. It didn’t say who was responsible.

The victim was also named by Raqqa rwb , however, the report was a carbon copy of the one published by RBSS.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdullah Saeed al-Dibs
Age unknown male killed

Summary

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

Sources (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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 17th-18th: “Near Raqqah, 16 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positions, two ISIS-held buildings, a tactical vehicle and an UAS.” It additionally reported that “On July 17, near Raqqah, Syria, nine strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed a fighting position and an ISIS command and control node.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1256

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Location

نزلة شحادة, Ar Raqqah: Nazlah Shahadah/Furat neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9395172, 38.9994049 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians, displaced from Palmyra, died in an airstrike on Nazlet Shahata according to local media.

Only one source, @PalmyraRev1, explicitly blamed the Coalition. Other sources referred only to “bombing” and did not identify the culprit.

In the first of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that 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.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Abdul Karim Hussein Al Hawara
Age unknown male killed
Sumaya Abdel Karim Al Hawara
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Ayat Jaber Al-Ali
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 women)
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV000774
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020

  • July 23, 2016, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 1946/CS1256 37SEV000774

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 23rd-24th: “Near Raqqah, seven strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed two fighting positions, a mortar tube, and a mortar facility; and damaged five fighting positions and a supply route.” It additionally reported that “On July 23, near Raqqah, Syria, nine strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, a vehicle, and a tunnel entrance; and damaged a supply route.” And that “On July 23, near Raqqah, two strikes damaged nine fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Sunday 23 July – Tornados and Typhoons attacked six Daesh positions in Raqqa… On 23 July, three flights of Tornados and Typhoons conducted missions over the city, in which they delivered successful attacks on six Daesh positions, using Paveways IV bombs and Brimstone missiles.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 women)
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1286a

Incident date

July 22, 2017

Location

ساحة شماس, Ar Raqqah: North of Shammas Square, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.94898, 39.01557 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A family of 15, including eight children and three women, died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on their home in Raqqa, according to local sources. Reports – all of which pointed towards the US-led Coalition – named the victims as the Al-Zanna family. According to SHRC, they were displaced from the city of Tadef in the Aleppo countryside.There was some confusion as to the exact location of the family’s home which was reportedly struck. Qasioun and Oman Daily said that it was in Al Mansour Street; Gate ahram and @7UFCmSxd0IUBffH reported that it was in Al Shammas square, in the center of Raqqa; while according to Smart and Almodon, it was near the museum (Al Muthaf). Sources said that other civilians were wounded in the strike and were likely still trapped under the rubble.

During investigations of this event for the April 2019 joint Airwars and Amnesty report War in Raqqa: Rethoric versus Reality (www.raqqa.amnesty.org), Amnesty field researchers established the location as Shammas Square. However, hours earlier another Coalition airstrike had killed nine members of the same family who were sheltering in a basement two streets away, near the museum (Al Muthaf), which is likely where the confusion in the reporting stems from. The report on the strike near the museum can be found here: CS1268b. The strike at Shammas Square killed 15 members of the Al-Zanna family, who were sheltering on the ground floor of a four-storey building. Amnesty researchers spoke to a relative of the family, Abdellatif: “The family had tried to leave Raqqa but Daesh (IS) prevented them, and Daesh also kicked them out of home near the old mosque. So, they took shelter in whatever place they thought they would be safe.” 1-3 Unnamed people were also injured in the strike.

Amnesty field researchers found the date of the strike to be July 22, 2017, rather than on July 28, as Airwars had previously reported.

In July 2019 the Coalition announced that it had classed this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (15)

Khaled Mohammed Rasool Al Zanna
54 years old male killed
Muna Mahmoud Al Zanna
51 years old female Khaled's wife killed
Mohamed Khaled
20 years old male Khaled and Muna's son killed
Mohammed Mohammed Rasool Al Zanna
48 years old male Khaled's brother killed
Asma’ Ahmad Abdel Karim al Zanna
42-43 years old female Mohammed Mohammed’s wife killed
Yassir
15 years old male Mohammed Moh and Asma’s child killed
Yusef
1-10 years old male Mohammed Moh and Asma’s child killed
Salam
1-10 years old male Mohammed Moh and Asma’s child killed
Manar
1-10 years old female Mohammed Moh and Asma’s child killed
Manal
1-10 years old female Mohammed Moh and Asma’s child killed
Marian Al Zanna
71 years old female Khaled's aunt killed
Mahmoud Mohammed
77 years old male Marian's husband killed
Khalil Mahmoud al-Zana
Adult male Marian and Mahmoud's son killed
Mariam
8 years old female Khalil's daughter killed
Mahmoud
5 years old male Khalil's son killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (8 children3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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 (38) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Mohammed al-Zana, killed with his wife and five children in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, July 27th (via sharqiya .voice)
  • Mr. Mahmud al-Zana and his wife, "Remi al-Zana", killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, 28th July 2017. (via Euphrates)
  • The wife and 5 children of Mohammed al-Zana, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, July 27th (via sharqiya .voice)
  • Victims of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 28th July 2017. (via Al Raqqa Alkher)
  • Khaled Mohammed Rasul Al Zanna (via Amnesty International)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • House in which 15 members of the Al Zanna family were killed, before the strike (July 19, 2017)

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

  • House in which 15 members of the Al Zanna family were killed, after the strike (July 29, 2017)

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

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
  • Stated location
    in Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV016779
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2019

  • Jul. 22, 2017, in Raqqa, Syria, via Amnesty International report. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 28th-29th: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, an artillery system, and a vehicle; and suppressed a fighting position.” It additionally reported that “On July 28, near Raqqah, Syria, 16 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units, destroyed an anti-air artillery system, and damaged seven fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 28 July – a Tornado and Typhoon pair struck a Daesh position in Raqqa…Another mixed Tornado and Typhoon pair assisted the SDF in Raqqa on Friday 28 July, and a Paveway IV was used to destroy a terrorist position.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (8 children3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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 (38) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1313

Incident date

August 1, 2017

Location

مقلة, Muqla, banks of Euphrates, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.797703, 39.497702 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several civilians were killed and wounded in airstrikes on boats on the Euphrates river near the village of Makla, according to local media – though it was unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame for the casualties.

According to Sound and Picture, “Coalition aircraft targeted civilian boats along the banks of the Euphrates, causing civilian injuries from the village of Makla, east of Raqqa. Coalition aircraft had dropped leaflets calling upon civilians to leave areas under the control of Daesh.”

However, Baladi reported that raids had been conducted by both Coalition and Russian jets on the Euphrates River, killing and wounding an unspecified number of civilians in Makla.

The incident was first reported on August 1, 2017 at 1:30 pm by @Raqqa24.

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted civilian boats on the Euphrates, near the village of Makla (مقلة), which is located on the river banks. The coordinates for the village of Makla (مقلة) are: 35.797703, 39.497702  

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 Makla, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV450611
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 August 1st-2nd: “Near Raqqah, seven strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions, two ISIS headquarters, an IED, an ammunition cache, and a fuel supply point.” It additionally added that “On Aug. 1, near Raqqah, Syria, 17 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, two ammunition caches, and a VBIED factory; and damaged a fighting position.” And that “On Aug. 1, near Raqqah, Syria, 17 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units, destroyed two staging areas and an ISIS headquarters; and damaged a VBIED factory.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1341

Incident date

August 6, 2017

Location

البوليل, Al Bouliyal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.215384, 40.370336 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian male died in an airstrike on al Boulial, however, there was uncertainty regarding the date of his death.

On August 9th, Euphrates Post reported “a resident of the town of Al-Boulial, died of wounds he sustained as a result of airstrikes on the water crossing in the town several days ago.”

Mohsen and AlBahkour and Moujham Al Hayal reported on August 10th that Hilal Saleh al-Thurdan died in a “bombing” of al Boulial.

Alpolil.shamar published an image of a leaflet announcing the man’s death.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hilal Saleh al-Thurdan
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Leaflet announcing the death of Hilal Saleh al-Thardan due to alleged Coalition airstrikes in Al Bouliyal, 6th August 2017. (via Alpolil.shamar)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a river crossing in the town of Al Boulail (البوليل). The coordinates for this river crossing are: 35.215384, 40.370336.

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 Bouliyal, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU247977
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 6th-7th the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed three ISIS oil stills.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1426

Incident date

August 28, 2017

Location

Tarif, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.546614, 39.858012 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One named civilian died and others were wounded in airstrikes on Tarif in the western suburbs of Deir Ezzor, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, the Assad regime or Russia were to blame.

Step News Agency blamed the Coalition and said that white phosphorous was used. It named one victim, adding that three houses were destroyed in the strike.The victim was also named by @DeirEzzor24 and Hasaka Rasd.

However, The majority of sources (Fresh Syria, Smart News and Micro Syria) pointed towards the regime.

According to Micro Syria, “the aircraft bombed at dawn today the houses of civilians in the town under the control of the Islamic State, killing civilians and wounding others. Sources did not specify the number of deaths, but noted the destruction of three houses completely.”

But Jisrtv and Baladi said that the strikes was likely carried out by Russian warplanes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Ramadan Habash
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the contested Coalition or Russian airstrike in Deir Ezzor, 28th August 2017. (via @SalamaAlhussein)
    xxx

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Tarif (طريف) village. Open source maps give the location for Tarif (طريف) as: 35.531451, 39.903867.

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 Tarif, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 August 28th-29th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an explosives facility and a weapons cache.” and “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS front-end loader.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 28, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS chemical weapons cache.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]