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

CS832

Incident date

May 16, 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

Three civilians were reportedly killed when an alleged Coalition airstrike hit an ISIL car belonging to the religious police, known as Hasba, killing four of its members.

The men were reportedly arrested by the religious police and were being transported in their car when they were killed.

A number of local sources named two of the men, meanwhile the third man was not identified.

One of the ISIL members killed was named as Abu Hazifa al Ansari.

One man, named as Eyad al Khalaf al Jassem, was reportedly in the vicinity of the strike, but was not seriously injured.

Four sources said the Coalition was responsible for the strike.

No further details are currently available.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Naeem al Karad
Adult male killed
Hussein al Hassan al Jassim
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • One of the men alleged killed in a Coalition airstrike on May 16th, 2017 (image by Ashirat Aljabbat posted on May 18th 2017).
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
  • Jan 25, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 15th-16th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed four vehicles, two fighting positions, two VBIEDs, a front-end loader and a supply cache; and damaged an ISIS supply route.” It was later also noted that “Additionally, one strike was conducted in Syria on May 15th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed an ISIS headquarters.”
For May 16th-17th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, six strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed five vehicles, two VBIEDs, two mortar systems, and an ISIS storage facility; and damaged an ISIS bridge.” The Coalition also additionally reported that on May 16th “Near Raqqah, one strike damaged an ISIS supply route,” and that “Near Raqqah, Syria, on May 16th, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed six ISIS-held buildings, four ISIS tunnels, two fighting positons, and one tactical vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS879

Incident date

May 28, 2017

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8388, 38.74311 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three civilian men died as a result of a Coalition airstrike on Mansoura, local media said.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on May 30th, “two men died following injuries they had sustained in shelling by the International Coalition’s warplanes on areas in al-Mansoura town in the western countryside of al-Raqqa”.

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh fighting position. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike.”

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

In May 2020 in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon declared this to have been a US action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Wahab Al-Hussein Al-Aliwi
Adult male known as Abboud al-Alu killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Abdul Wahab al - Hussein Al - Alawi, killed in an alleged Coalition raid on Mansoura, May 28th (via Al Ragga Truth)
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the release of the MGRS, Airwars geolocated this incident to the nearest village at 35.83917, 38.74288. In June 2019 the Coalition released the MGRS as 37SDV768661.

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
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Mansoura, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV768661
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2019

  • May 28, 2017, near Mansoura, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh fighting position. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 27th-28th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three ISIS headquarters, an ISIS staging area and a VBIED.” The Coalition additionally reported that on May 27th “Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a six fighting positions, an ISIS-held building and a weapons cache.”
For May 28th-29th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed two fighting positions, two vehicles, two VBIED factories, two VBIED facilities, and an ISIS mechanical facility." For May 28th it added "Near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes destroyed a weapons cache, an ISIS staging area, and three fighting positions".

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1664

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

Baghouz Fawqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.45492, 40.93666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously untracked by Airwars, the US-led Coalition admitted on February 22nd, 2018 that it had killed 3 civilians near Baghouz Fawqani.

According to the official release, the incident came to light following self reporting by pilots or analysts: “During a Coalition strike which destroyed Daesh bed-down location and killed five Daesh members it was assessed three civilians were unintentionally killed.”

No additional details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ 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
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Barhouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU779143
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 2018

  • Nov. 2, 2017 near Barhouz, Syria via self-report. During a Coalition strike which destroyed Daesh bed-down location and killed five Daesh members it was assessed three civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

On Nov. 2, Coalition military forces conducted 13 strikes consisting of 15 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted nine strikes consisting of nine engagements against ISIS targets.

Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication.
Near Al Shaddadi, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS vehicle and damaged a heavy weapon.
Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Thursday 2 November: Tornados conducted operations in the same area [Al Qaim], and successfully bombed a building in which a Daesh observation post was stationed, attempting to direct mortar fire against Iraqi ground forces.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1789

Incident date

August 7, 2018

Location

السوسة , Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa, local media reported. The strike also reportedly killed an ISIS leader.

According to the Step News Agency, “the International Coalition conducted a raid on the town of Soussa east of Deir al-Zour and there are reports of civilian casualties”.

Zaman al Wasl reported that “three civilians were killed on Tuesday evening [Aug 7th] after Coalition planes targeted the buildings of residential associations in the town of” Sousse, one of the three most important towns still controlled by ISIS. An ISIS leader, Abu Khadija al Jazairi, also died in the same raid.” Al Ghad al Souri reported the same information.

On Facebook, Al Sousse Youth said that there had been “attacks on al-Sousse a short while ago and there are victims”. Many in the comments asked where the strike was but there no answer. One comment claimed that the victims were not from al Sousse but were all IDPs.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The incident occured around dusk.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 34.52889, 40.9675

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU8057322558
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • Aug. 7, 2018, near al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 3178/CS1789 37SFU8057322558

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, two strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed one Daesh vehicle, one Daesh headquarters and one Daesh logistics hub.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS112

Incident date

August 13, 2015

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.96169, 39.02662 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two or more US targeted airstrikes aimed at killing 21-year old British cyber terrorist Junaid Hussain instead resulted in the deaths of 3 civilians and the injuring of at least 5 more, a US investigation later concluded.

“On Aug. 13, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during strikes against Junaid Hussain, an ISIL cyber-operative, it was assessed three civilians in the vicinity of the strikes were killed and five more were injured,” a press statement noted.

A CENTCOM spokesman later told Airwars that the attack on Hussain had only “resulted in injuries to him that were not fatal.” The botched intelligence-led mission had instead led to significant civilian casualties, a fact which took more than five months to emerge.

The British terrorist actually died in an August 24th airstrike in Syria, as Prime Minister David Cameron told MPs: “The US administration has confirmed that Junaid Hussain was killed in an American airstrike on 24 August in Raqqah.”

Cameron also described Hussain as “involved in actively recruiting ISIL sympathisers and seeking to orchestrate specific and barbaric attacks against the West, including directing a number of planned terrorist attacks right here in Britain.”

No local monitors appear to have tracked any civilian casualties at the time of the August 13th strikes, suggesting the US identified casualties from post-strike surveillance.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • British cyber terrorist Junaid Hussain. His killing by the US also caused the deaths of at least three civilians in Raqaa on August 13th (image via ISIS propaganda)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.9505639, 39.0094148

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
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV024797
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 29, 2016

  • On Aug. 13, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during strikes against Junaid Hussain, an ISIL cyber-operative, it was assessed three civilians in the vicinity of the strikes were killed and five more were injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Near Ar Raqqah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Incident Code

CS141

Incident date

October 31, 2015

Location

الهول, Al Hawl, Al-Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.390223, 41.149297 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilian men were reported killed when their vehicle was struck in a Coalition airstrike, according to reports.

This incident is presently single source only with VDC naming the three men.

In its July 2017 monthly report, the Coalition classed the event as non credible on grounds of proximity: “Oct. 31, 2015, near Al Hawl, Syria, via Airwars report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.”

However, given that the Coalition has confirmed airstrikes in the vicinity on October 30th-31st, Airwars is seeking additional clarification from the Coalition.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Salman al-Raya
Adult male from al Hawl, Hassakah, killed in an alleged coalition raid on a civilian car near al Hawl killed
Hazem Saeid al-Abbas
Adult male from al Hawl, Hassakah, killed in an alleged coalition raid on a civilian car near al Hawl killed
Farhan Jomaa al-Hasan
Adult male from al Hawl, Hassakah, killed in an alleged coalition raid on a civilian car near al Hawl killed

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition confirms carrying out strikes in the vicinity on October 30th-31st 2015: “Near Al Hawl, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL fighting complex.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS398

Incident date

November 27, 2016

Location

الحاوي, Hawi, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.04288, 40.5525 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A Coalition raid on oil infrastructure at Hawi in the Zebain area killed three civilians, according to multiple reports. The Coalition later confirmed the incident.

According to Deir Ezzor 24 and others, those killed died when oil burners (primitive refineries) were targeted. Syria News Desk reported that “international coalition planes launched raids on primitive refineries at an oil refinery east of the village of Zeban controlled by IS killing three civilians and wounding seven others, as well as burning four refineries completely.”

On January 3rd 2017 the Coalition announced that an event at ‘Omar Gosp’ was under investigation. While publicly listed for November 24th, officials confirmed to Airwars that this was in fact a November 27th event at the Omar Gas and Oil Supply Point.

On March 4th the Coalition announced: “Nov. 27, 2016, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS oil tanker trucks it was assessed that three civilians were killed. After warning shots were fired to dislodge drivers from the vehicles a number of the trucks scattered. Three of the trucks were subsequently engaged, destroyed, and their drivers presumed killed. The other vehicles in the area were abandoned after the warning shots were fired and subsequently destroyed with no assessed civilian casualties.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 35.040833, 40.508889

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:

  • 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
    Inside target vehicle
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU416789
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 4, 2017

  • Nov. 27, 2016, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS oil tanker trucks it was assessed that three civilians were killed. After warning shots were fired to dislodge drivers from the vehicles a number of the trucks scattered. Three of the trucks were subsequently engaged, destroyed, and their drivers presumed killed. The other vehicles in the area were abandoned after the warning shots were fired and subsequently destroyed with no assessed civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 27th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed four oil tanker trucks and two oil tanker trailers.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS556

Incident date

March 8, 2017

Location

رطلة, Ratlah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.882222, 39.048611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two or more civilians were reported killed and five injured in alleged Coalition strikes on Ratlah and al Aekershi.

According to Smart News, likely Coalition aircraft “launched raids on the villages of Ratlah (about 15 km south of Raqqa city) and al Aekershi (about 20 km east of Raqqa), killing two civilians and wounding five others who were transported by boats to the Raqqa National Hospital, according to a local source.”

The Syrian Mirror reported that “Field Activists said three civilians were killed and six others injured due to aerial bombing and on the towns of Ratla and al A’kershi and they were transferred to the Raqqa National Hospital.“

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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 Ratla and Aekershi (Raqqah), Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 7th-8th the Coalition stated: “Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes destroyed three fighting positions, two tunnels, a vehicle repair facility, and a tactical vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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]