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

CS1129

Incident date

June 30, 2017

Location

عكيرشي, `Ukayrishah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.85817, 39.126332 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilian males were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on `Ukayrishah to the south of Raqqa, local sources reported.

Two sources, Baladi News and @24Raqqa, reported that the village was struck by an unmanned drone that was targeting an ISIL vehicle which was fleeing a nearby battle in Afnan. A number of sources said that the strikes hit “Petrol Road”.

Nine of the ten sources who reported the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Taher Al Rahmoun
Adult male killed
Abdulqader al Hamoud
Adult male killed
Abdul-Razzaq al Ibrahim
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • 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 (10) [ 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 Ukayrishah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV119680
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 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 June 30th-July 1st: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units, three fighting positions, three vehicles, a tactical vehicle and a mortar system.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 30 June – Tornados and Typhoons destroyed a truck-bomb and a Daesh-held building in Raqqa…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. Royal Air Force Tornados and Typhoons provided close air support to Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) pushing into Raqqa on Friday 30 June. The Typhoons worked closely with a coalition surveillance aircraft which had spotted a large truck-bomb. A direct hit from a Paveway IV removed the threat. A Tornado pair meanwhile bombed a Daesh-held building in the south-east of the city.’

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1182

Incident date

July 10, 2017

Location

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Dream Mall, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.026911, 40.450805 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least three civilians, including two children, were reported killed and dozens more injured in airstrikes on Al Mayadin, but it was contested who was responsible.

Euphrates Post described the incident as a “massacre” and reported that “scores” of people were killed, but was the only source to suggest more than three people were killed.

It alleged that Russia was responsible, as did the IS media agency A’amaq, which published a graphic video showing the aftermath of the event.

Other sources, including Sharqiya Voice, Smart News Agency and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights alleged that the Coalition was responsible. Jisr TV said that dozens of non-combatants were wounded.

However, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, it was unclear whether Russian or Coalition planes were responsible.

Some sources said the strikes were in the vicinity of the Nuri al Sa’id hospital and Shari’ya Mosque whereas some reported the strikes were near the Ali school, the Zubadayah school, the Dream Mall and Khan Alkhouf. It is a possibility they were referring to different incidents.

To add to the confusion, a report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed “regime warplane missiles” for three deaths including one child.

In their June 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • Moments after the Coalition airstrike hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the Coalition airstrike hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • An inured civilian in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU323770
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 24, 2020

  • July 10, 2017, in Al Mayadin, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3120/CS1182 37SFU323770

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 10th-11th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed 39 ISIS oil barrels, 28 oil storage tanks, 16 oil stills, and five oil trucks.“

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1271

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Location

ساحة شماس, Shammas Square, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.94864, 39.015409 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Shammas Square in Raqqa.

All sources blamed the Coalition for the victims’ deaths.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim Al – Hamoud Al Matar
Age unknown male killed
Mostafa Hassan Ataba
Adult male killed
Khadija Al – Hamoud
Age unknown killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mustafa Hassan Ataba, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 25th July 2017. (via RBSS)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • 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 July 26th-27th: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed five vehicles, four fighting positions, three supply caches, a command and control node and an ISIS communications facility.” It additionally reported that “On July 26, near Raqqah, Syria, 18 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, two command and control nodes, an IED facility, a supply cache, and a logistics node; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” And that “On July 26, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and suppressed eight 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.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 man)
  • 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

CI865 RS2613

Incident date

October 8, 2017

Location

Al Qaim, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

According to many reported, two brothers were killed in Al Qaim or al Hari in Syria, near the Iraqi border. Reports were contested: one source implied that Iraqi aircraft may have been responsible, while a number of sources identified Russia as the culprit, one source attributed the attack to the Coalition and others did not apportion blame. The Coalition itself has reported airstrikes in the vicinity at the time.

The Euphrates Post reported that the two brothers were killed as a result of an air strike targeting the city of Al-Qaim in Iraq today.

It is important to note that a number of sources reported that the brothers were killed in a village southeast of Abu Kamal, either by Coalition or Russian aircraft. A tweet by @Yousef339y noted: Russian occupation aircraft bombing the village of Hari on the border with Iraq.

Additionally, an adult man was reported killed in the same attack as the Al-Zein brothers.

The Violations Documentation Center in Syria stated that the three civilians were killed by international coalition forces.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammed Nasser Al-Zein
Child male Via Lawhat Bukmalna‎ FB account killed
Ahmed Nasser Al-Zein
Child male Via Lawhat Bukmalna‎ FB account killed

The victims were named as:

Anwar Hajem
Adult male Via Asaad Al Sattam killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2 children1 man)
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • A picture of Mohammed Nasser Al-Zein, killed following an alleged coalition or Iraq forces strike on Al Qaim, Anbar (via Lawhat Bukmalna)
  • A picture of Ahmed Nasser Al-Zein , killed following an alleged coalition or Iraq forces strike on Al Qaim, Anbar (via Lawhat Bukmalna‎)
  • Another picture of Ahmed Nasser Al-Zein , killed following an alleged coalition or Iraq forces strike on Al Qaim, Anbar (via Mohamed Sharif al-Khabour FB)
  • A picture of Anwar Hajem al-Satem, killed following an alleged coalition or Iraq forces strike on Al Qaim, Anbar (via Asaad Al Sattam)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Qaim (القائم), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.3957715, 40.9943684. Due to the limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 7th – 8th the Coalition reported “Near Al Qaim, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a headquarters and a vehicle.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2 children1 man)
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS030

Incident date

November 13, 2014

Location

Deir Ez Zor Oil Collection Point, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Airwars assessment

An internal Coalition report noted that civilians may have been killed near an oil collection point in Deir Ez Zor. The Coalition assessed the incident as non-credible: “Open source video indicated that three civilians were killed in a deliberate strike on an oil collection point in DeZ. 13 Nov 2014: Review could not determine that the video came from the strike in DeZ. Although there was a US strike on the oil collection site, the target was validated through the JTCB. Targeting was mitigated – it was a night strike on a specific target where NCV was assessed as 0, with mitigated weapons effects. WSV cleared target. There was no way to determine the authenticity of the allegation.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    a:1:{i:0;s:5:"other";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Deir Ez Zor Oil Collection Point, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2015

  • Open source video indicated that three civilians were killed in a deliberate strike on an oil collection point in DeZ. 13 Nov 2014: Review could not determine that the video came from the strike in DeZ. Althgouh there was a US strike on the oil collection site, the target was validated through the JTCB. Targeting was mitigated - it was a night strike on a specific target where NV was assessed as 0, with mitigated weapons effects. WSV cleared target. There was no way to determine the authenticity of the allegation.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

COALITION-ASSESSED CASUALTY INCIDENT

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS073

Incident date

June 3, 2015

Location

أم حجرة, Umm Hajarah, Al-Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.08042, 40.75917 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilian men were reported killed in a combined ground and air assault on the village of Umm Hajra.

The Hassakah Youth Union blamed the attack jointly on Kurdish ground forces – which it said had mortared the town – as well as Coalition airstrikes: “This is even though the village is free from the presence of Daesh, who withdrew to Mount Abdulaziz after [Kurdish] militia units took control of nearby Al A’lia.“

 

The incident was first reported on June 3, 2015 at 7:17 pm by Hassakah Youth Union Facebook page.

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Hussein Al A'wwad
Adult male killed
Ahmad Al Khalifa
Adult male killed
Fteim Al Moheissan Al Salisal
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the village of Umm Hajarah (أم حجرة), Al Hasakah area

  • Umm Hajarah (أم حجرة)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Umm Hajra, al-Hassakah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 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 June 2nd-3rd 2015, the Coalition noted that “Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical unit, destroying six ISIL fighting positions.”

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS422

Incident date

December 23, 2016

Location

سويدية صغيرة, Sweidah Sagheer, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9235324, 38.5606384 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were reported killed and two or more injued following an alleged Coalition strike on Sweida Sagheer.

Revolutionary Forces of Syria reported that “According to activists, a coalition raid in Sweida Sagheer killed three civilians and wounded others.” While other sources mentioned Coalition strikes on the village, none refered to civilian casualties.

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, Coalition officials requested more details regarding this event.

 

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Sweida Sagheer village, near Tabbaqa in Raqqah Governorate. Satellite imagery, not published here, shows damage to four buildings in the village between the end of December and middle or January. Airwars assessment summary uses the mid-point: 35.9235324, 38.5606384.

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 Sweida Sagheed, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV603761
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 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 December 22nd-23rd 2016 the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, eight strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed six oil storage tanks, two VBIEDs, and destroyed a technical vehicle; and damaged a supply route, a fighting position, and a truck.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 23 December – Typhoons bombed a terrorist position north of Tabaqah in Syria; in Iraq, Tornados hit a weapons cache north-east of Haditha, and a Reaper destroyed an artillery gun near Mosul…The next day [Dec 23rd], Typhoon FGR4s, armed with Paveway IV guided bombs, patrolled over Syria and successfully attacked a terrorist position which SDF fighters had encountered to the north of Tabaqah, near Lake Assad. In Iraq, Tornados used Paveway IVs to destroy a weapons stockpile some 50 miles north-east of Haditha, whilst a Reaper remotely piloted aircraft assisted the Iraqi operations in Mosul; its crew conducted a thorough check for civilians who might be at risk before a successful coalition air strike destroyed another weapons stockpile. The Reaper then delivered an attack using one of its own Hellfire missiles to destroy an artillery piece loaded on a trailer – as with the tank, the terrorists had attempted to hide the gun under a tarpaulin in thick woodland to the north-west of the city, but to no avail.’

Danish Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Danske øjne styrer fly sikkert gennem Irak og Syrien “Hvis man forestiller sig at skulle lande i en lufthavn eller flyve, hvor flyvelederne sidder med lukkede øjne, så har man situationen, hvis vores radar ikke snurrede rundt.” 23-12-2016 – kl. 11:00 Af radarbidraget og ACW I en amerikansk enhed arbejder et mindre radarbidrag fra Flyvevåbnet, hvor de holder styr på luftrummet over Irak og Syrien i kampen mod ISIL. Kingpin bliver kontrolcentralen kaldt, hvorfra det amerikanske flyvevåbens 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron sammen med både australiere, englændere og danskere er øjne, øre og guidende hænder for flytrafikken. 24 timer i døgnet holder de øje med luftrummet over Afghanistan, den Arabiske Gulf, Irak og Syrien. De danske udsendte fra Flyvevåbnets Air Control Wing koncentrerer sig om Irak og Syrien og går under kaldenavnet Gotham, hvor de blandt andet anvender den danske radar på Al Asad Airbase i Irak, som er en del af det samlede danske radarbidrag. Men de trækker også på en række andre radarer, radioer og overvågningsfly, så der konstant kan produceres et opdateret luftbillede, så flyene kan blive støttet i deres missioner. – Vi er et relativt lille bidrag på i alt cirka 30 mand med operatører og radarteknikere, men effekten af bidraget er enormt. Hvis man forestiller sig at skulle lande i en lufthavn eller flyve, hvor flyvelederne sidder med lukkede øjne, så har man situationen, hvis vores radar ikke snurrede rundt, siger chefen for radarbidraget, oberstløjtnant Kim Krogh.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS459 TS062

Incident date

January 25, 2017

Location

تادف, Tadif, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.34857, 37.531501 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two named children died in either Turkish or Coalition airstrikes on Tadef.
According to the Syrian Network “The children So’ad and Jonaid Fares Al Ali died after International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on Tadef town in Aleppo governorate eastern suburbs.”

However according to al Bab News, “Turkish planes launched three raids at dawn today killing two from the family of Faress al Ali who is from the rescue teams in al Bab. His daughter Souad al Ali, 15 years old and his son Juneid Al Ali, 9 years old and he [the father] was injured. Several buildings were totally destroyed.”

Al Bab 24 noted on the same day “a violent air and artillery bombardment from the Russian and Nusairi [sectarian term refering to Alawites] and Turkish [armies] in coordination targeting al Bab, Tadef, Baza’a and several village nearby al Bab hit with no casualties recorded thank God.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also blamed Turkey, but put the death count at three, reporting that “three from the same family including a woman with her grand daughter and son died in the town of Tadif near al-Bab city”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

So’ad Fares Al Ali
Child female killed
Jonaid Fares Al Ali
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the air strike (via Al Bab 24)
  • Aftermath of the air strike (via Al Bab 24)
  • The names of the victims of the strike.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Tadif (تادف), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.34857, 37.531501. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Taadif (Aleppo), Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCA6822823612
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For January 24th-25th 2017, the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed three fighting positions, and suppressed an ISIL tactical unit.”

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]