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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US-led Coalition
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Incident Code

CS400

Incident date

November 29, 2016

Location

الرحيات, Al Rahiat, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.08, 39.05917 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were reported killed and between 8 and 12 injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Rahiat.

In a detailed report, Syria News said that “two children and their parents were killed and 12 other civilians were injured after midnight, due to international coalition targeting of al Rahiat village under the control of Islamic State in Raqqa with two raids. The media opposition activist Mohamed Osman, quoting civilian sources from the village, told Syria News Desk that ,’the said Coalition aircraft targeted with vacuum missiles houses in the centre of Rahiat and another on the outskirts, confirming that there 4 injured who are in a critical situation and were transported by the residents to the National Hospital in Raqqa, while the others were taken to various medical points of the city. Osman added that the raids also resulted in the deaths of a number of livestock and the destruction of two houses completely and burning civilian vehicle and other physical damage to property.”

Others also reported the event – often using identical language.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–12
  • 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 (5) [ 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 Rahiat, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 28th-29th, the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes destroyed three oil well heads, two oil pump jacks, two oil refinement equipment pieces, an oil tank, and construction equipment.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–12
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS416 TS024

Incident date

December 16, 2016

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.51631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between eleven and 15 civilians were reported killed in a Turkish (or less likely Coalition) action at al Bab.

According to LCCSY eleven civilians died, “most of them killed in Coalition raids on al Bab.”However, the source had consistently denied civilian harm from Turkish actions during the al-Bab campaign.

Al Bab News reported “more than 15 dead most of them women and children and dozens injured as a result of the bombardment on al Bab yesterday. There are families still under the rubble and the rescue operations are underway.”

However ISIS’s media wing reported “intense raids with more than 15 Turkish air raids and 180 shells falling on al Bab in the Aleppo countryside since dawn today.” And the Syrian Observatory reported that “Turkish warplanes bombed areas on the outskirts of al-Bab city which is under the control of the “Islamic State” northeast of Aleppo province, amid clashes in several places in the area between members of the organisation against the factions of Euphrates Shield supported by Turkish forces, which caused casualties.”

The Syrian Network suggested Free Syrian Army (FSA) or Turkish artillery may also have been responsible: “Three civilians from the same family including a child died in Der’ Al Furat forces, supported by Turkish forces, artillery fired shells on Al Bab city in Aleppo governorate eastern suburbs, December 16, 2016.”

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, Coalition officials said the event was presently assessed as ‘Not credible for Coalition caused civcas.’

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 15
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Turkish Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Khaled Shaban reports more than 150 shells fired and 15 air raids targeting al Bab allegedly by Turkish forces and allied militias since dawn. 16th December 2016. (via Khaled Shaban)
  • Jahra online reports Turkish army declarations that they had destroyed 60 Daesh targets near al Bab amid accusations of killing civilians. 16th December 2016. (via Jahra)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al-Bab (الباب), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.371972, 37.51631. 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 Al Bab, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For December 15th-17th 2016 the Coalition has publicly reported no strikes in the vicinity.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For December 14th to 20th, France reports 10 strikes: 8 in Iraq – 7 of which were in Mosul – and 2 in Syria. They reported that 16 targets were destroyed.

#Chammal : 10 frappes contre Daech en Irak et en Syrie cette semaine, 16 objectifs détruits.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 15
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Turkish Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS440 RS1825

Incident date

January 12, 2017

Location

جبل الاربعين, Al Arbaeen Mountains, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.805363, 36.618816 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 20 civilians were killed, and others were wounded, according to reports, following an alleged Russian and or Coalition airstrike on a militant-occupied building in the Al-Arba’een Mountains.

Shaam News reported that seven civilians died including “four children and three women in addition in addition to others wounded.”

Step News blamed the US-led Coalition, reporting that “International Coalition aircraft launched several air strikes this afternoon targeting a residential building belonging to Turkestan fighters in Al-Arba’een Mountain area in the outskirts of Ariha in western Idlib.”

This led to the complete collapse of the building, allegedly killing more than ten people in an initial toll which included women and children from Turkestan families who were in the building.

Members of the civil defense team were allegedly digging civilians out of the rubble hours after the incident.

Similarly, AlAmawi news said that “Coalition planes launched several raids at noon today targeting al Turkistan HQ in al Araba’een mountain”.

In addition, Syrian media activist Omar madaniah said that the Coalition “bombed a building in al Arba’een mountain housing Turkistani families,” leaving “more than 20 martyrs under the rubble”.

Almasdar reported that Russian jets struck “a six-story building inhabited by Turkestan militants who used it as HQ – which also housed their families leading to the total collapse of the building.”

According to sources the extent of the damage to residential homes was great, and many civilians remained trapped under the rubble for hours.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 20
  • (4 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A victim in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrikes on Al-Arba'een Mountain, 12th January 2017. (via @MousaAlomar)
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
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For January 11th-13th the Coalition did not publicly note any strikes in Idlib governorate.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 20
  • (4 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS454

Incident date

January 22, 2017

Location

النيرب, Al Nayrab, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.86955, 36.71867 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between three and five civilians including two children and one woman died and up to 20 others were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Nayrab, according to local sources. The Coalition later denied involvement.

The Syrian Network said “At least 3 civilians (two children and a woman) died in international Coalition warplanes missiles fired south of Al Nayrab town in Idlib.” Idlib Media Center also said the raids were thought to have been carried out by the Coalition, reporting the death of two children and the injuring of 20 additional civilians.

The United Media Office of al Nayrab later reported that the death toll had risen to five, adding that they were displaced people. It named vicims as Battoual al Ali and Fatima al Ali. And Syria Post said that five civilians died and six were injured when “unidentified planes targeted a building inhabited by displaced people near al Nayrab”.

According to Shaam News, “a huge explosion south of al Nayrab in the northern Idlib countryside left two children dead and dozens of DIPs injured and there are a number missing. The reason for the explosion is not yet known.” A subsequent report provided more detail and attributed the incident to the Coalition: “Activists said the explosion was caused by a Coalition drone targeting a head quarters for Fatah al Sham, south of the town of Nairab, and the nearby civilian areas. The rockets were unique in the strength of their explosiveness and caused devastation 2 km around the area.

“According to the source the explosion caused the martyrdom of three civilians, two children and a woman displaced from rural Aleppo, and wounding more than 15 others, mostly children, who were living in the poultry farms and residential buildings near the targeted site”.

Orient News, which also blamed the Coalition, reported: “Local sources reported that the bombing targeted a former poultry farm now inhabited by a population of displaced people near the town.” It added that the Coalition had earlier “targeted the headquarters of the Al Aqsa army in al Karmid for camp area”.

On March 4th the Coalition confirmed that it was carrying out an assessment into the al Nayrab allegations. On April 30th it concluded: “Jan. 22, 2017, near Nayrab, Syria, via social media report: No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties. The closest strike to the report of possible civilian casualties was 30 km away.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Battoual al Ali
Child female injured
Fatima al Ali
Child female injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–20
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • One of the children injured in the air strike (via Idlib Media Centre)
  • One of the children killed in the air strike (via The United Media Office of al Nayrab )
  • One of the children injured in the air strike (via The United Media Office of al Nayrab )
  • One of the children injured in the air strike (via The United Media Office of al Nayrab )
  • Aftermath of the airstrike Media Office of al Nayrab )
  • Aftermath of the airstrike Media Office of al Nayrab )
  • Aftermath of the airstrike Media Office of al Nayrab )
  • Batoul and Fatima Al-Ali were injured in the air strike (via The United Media Office of al Nayrab)
  • Batoul and Fatima Al-Ali were injured in the air strike (via The United Media Office of al Nayrab)
  • Batoul and Fatima Al-Ali were injured in the air strike (via The United Media Office of al Nayrab)
  • Children injured in the air strike (via Shehab news agency )
  • Children injured in the air strike (via Shehab news agency )
  • Children injured in the air strike (via Shehab news agency )
  • Children injured in the air strike (via Shehab news agency )
  • Children injured in the air strike (via Shehab news agency )
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 Nayrab, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017

  • No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties. The closest strike to the report of possible civilian casualties was 30 km away

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition has not publicly reported any strikes in Idlib governorate between 21st and 22nd January. However, unilateral US strikes against Fatah al Sham (al Nusra) targets are no longer reported by CJTFOIR.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–20
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS477 RS1881

Incident date

February 7, 2017

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.93062, 36.63393 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A major airstrike on Idlib city killed up to 30 civilians and injured up to 300 more. Reports blamed both Russia and the US-led Coalition for the attack. The Coalition has expressly denied any involvement – though a unilateral US action remains possible.

The attack – which reportedly involved both airstrikes and missiles – caused massive casualties. However attribution was accused. Most blamed Russia – including Idlib Media Center, LCCSY, Halab Today, Step News, Shaam News, Idlib Media Centre, the Syrian Network and Al Araby.

Others said both the Coalition and Russia were responible – including Syria News, Baladi News, the Syrian Observatory and Al Jazeera. All for Syria was alone in blaming the Assad regime – though a later report went on to blame Russia and the Coalition – while the White Helmets did not attribute responsibility.

Complicating attribution, Russia later denied any role in the attack.

A later video by Halab Today referred to destruction caused by both “Russian and Coalition” warplanes.

Syria News Desk also reported that the warplanes were “believed to belong to Russia and the Coalition”.

Step reported: “Our correspondent pointed out that among the Russian raids were two raids by the international coalition which targeted Sheikh Abu Al Qassem al Muhajer who is a member of Haiat Tahrir al Sham [formerly Fatah al Sham Front] injuring him. He was rescued from under the rubble.”

Baladi went further, reporting that “We received from the observatories the information which is semi confirmed that there was coordination between the coalition and Russian planes. This was what the observatories confirmed.”

Alaraby reported that Russian warships and warplanes were responsible.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that “it is not known whether they were Russian warplanes or warplanes of the international coalition, or if they were a combination of both.”

In its May 2017 report the Coalition denied responsibility: “Feb. 7, 2017, near Idlib, Syria, via social media report: No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties. The closest strike to the report of possible civilian casualties was 90 km away.”

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Sham Fakher Abd al Razzak Fadil
Child killed
Tasnim Fakher Abd al Razzak Fadil
Child female killed

Family members (5)

Raghad Hassan Abd al Rahman
Age unknown female killed
Hala Hassan Abd al Rahman
Child female killed
Jana Hassan Abd al Rahman
Child female killed
Hussein Dibo Abd al Rahman
Age unknown male killed
Nour Hassan Abd al Rahman
Age unknown

Family members (2)

Amal Mohammad Ali Mheir
Age unknown female From Binnish killed
Jamila Mohammad Ali Mheir
Age unknown female From Binnish killed

Family members (2)

Lana Mohammad Gharir
Age unknown female killed
Jana Mohammad Gharir
Age unknown female killed

The victims were named as:

Hanan al Omar Moussa
Child female killed
Rim Mouayid Martini
Age unknown female killed
Leila Al A’ri
Age unknown female Muslim al Zeir's wife killed
Mouna Hajj Othman
Age unknown female killed
Bassel Koki
Child male killed
Ibrahim al Zeir
Child male killed
Souad Arab
Age unknown female Muslim al Zeir's mother killed
Arij al Zeiz
Age unknown female Muslim al Zeir's daughter killed
Alaa Mheimid
Age unknown female killed
Mohammad Jamal Gharir
Age unknown male killed
Noura Abd al Dayem
Age unknown female killed
Mohammad Maher Shihab
Child male killed
Moayid Bin Wahid Martini
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 30
  • (12–15 children10–11 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–300
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (64) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (30) [ collapse]

  • Destruction from the air strike (via LCCSY)
  • Destruction from the air strike (via LCCSY)
  • Destruction from the air strike (via LCCSY)
  • Destruction from the air strike (via LCCSY)
  • Destruction in the residential buildings in Al Qousour neighbourhood(via Idlib Media Center)
  • Destruction in the residential buildings in Al Qousour neighbourhood(via Idlib Media Center)
  • Destruction in the residential buildings in Al Qousour neighbourhood(via Idlib Media Center)
  • Destruction in the residential buildings in Al Qousour neighbourhood(via Idlib Media Center)
  • Destruction in the residential buildings in Al Qousour neighbourhood(via Idlib Media Center)
  • Destruction in the residential buildings in Al Qousour neighbourhood(via Idlib Media Center)
  • Destruction in the residential buildings in Al Qousour neighbourhood(via Idlib Media Center)
  • Destruction in the residential buildings in Al Qousour neighbourhood(via Idlib Media Center)
  • Destruction in the residential buildings in Al Qousour neighbourhood(via Idlib Media Center)
  • Destruction in the residential buildings in Al Qousour neighbourhood(via Idlib Media Center)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civil Defence workers at the scene of the strike (via Syria Civil Defence Idlib )
  • Destruction due to the air strike (via Syria Civil Defence Idlib )
  • Civil Defence workers at the scene of the strike (via Syria Civil Defence Idlib)
  • Translation: My daughters murdered by Putin’s airstrikes - saying googdbye to her two daughter [Tasnim and Sham] after Russian raids on the city of Idlib.
  • Aftermath of the air strike (via All4Syria)
  • Aftermath of the air strike (via All4Syria)
  • Aftermath of the air strike (via All4Syria)
  • Aftermath of the air strike (via All4Syria)
  • Aftermath of the air strike (via All4Syria)
  • Aftermath of the air strike (via All4Syria)
  • Rescue workers at the scene (via Idlib White Helmets)
  • Translation: The signs of raids by warplanes on the city of Idlib.
  • Translation: Pulling the wounded and martyrs from under the rubble after warplanes bombed Idlib last night. Mother calling out to her daughter Sham, says "oh my oldest girls, the love of your father." The civil defence are asking her to come out and take her daughters out.
  • Translation: Civil defence teams continue to look for those missing under the rubble following the violent raids on Idlib.
  • Translation: Idlib - martyrs and wounded in intense Russian raids on the city’s neighbourhoods.
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 Idlib, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017

  • No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties. The closest strike to the report of possible civilian casualties was 90 km away.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 6th-8th the Coalition reported no strikes in Idlib governorate. However unilateral US strikes are no longer reported by CJTFOIR.

Unknown Assessment:

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 30
  • (12–15 children10–11 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–300
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (64) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS523

Incident date

February 22, 2017

Location

الخاتونية, Khatouniyah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9219103, 38.737935 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Smart news agency, five non-combatants were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the villages of Kahtaniya and al Khatuniyah in the Raqqa countryside. The source also said thayt some livestock was killed. No further details are currently available.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al-Qahtaniyah (Raqqah), Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV8983877901
    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 February 21st – 22nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed three fighting positions and three tactical vehicles; and damaged two bridges.” For February 22nd – 23rd: “Near Ar Raqqah, seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and an ISIS staging area and destroyed three pump jacks, a command and control node, a fighting position and a tactical vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

[France reports carrying out 34 sorties in the last week – and 11 strikes destroying 19 ISIL targets. In Iraq, the six strikes were concentrated in the Mosul region. They targeted mortar positions, combatant groups, a logistics depot and a command center. In Syria, two ground troop support missions were carried out in the Raqqah and Deir Ezzor areas against artillery pieces and an armored vehicle, loaded with an explosive device (SVBIED). The intervention of a Rafale patrol, after detection and guidance of the ATL2, led to the destruction of 2 clandestine oil wells in the south-east of Raqqah. In the region of Palmyra, two planned strikes were carried out and enabled the neutralization of a military storage site and a vehicle-bomb manufacturing site (VBIED).Task Force Wagram carried out 28 missions]

CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION Point de situation sur les opérations au 02 mars 2017 En Syrie, à Al Bab, les forces d’opposition soutenues par la Turquie ont pu saisir la ville après le retrait de Daech de la ville. En périphérie, les forces armées syriennes et les FDS tentent d’accentuer ce repli progressif des combattants de Daech vers l’Est. Si ce repli dessine un renforcement probable de Raqqah par les combattants exfiltrés, la menace d’actions asymétriques reste présente. En Irak, Daech poursuit ses actions de harcèlement, notamment dans l’Anbar, par l’intermédiaire d’embuscades, de tirs de mortiers ou d’attaques par drones. Dans la région de Mossoul, l’encerclement progressif de l’agglomération perturbe le ravitaillement de Daech même si l’étendue de la zone ne permet pas de garantir l’étanchéité du dispositif. Dans la partie occidentale de la ville, le recul de Daech se poursuit. Près du Tigre, après la reprise de l’aéroport, les forces de police fédérale et l’ICTS continuent leur progression coordonnée vers le nord. Dans la périphérie ouest de Mossoul, les forces irakiennes avancent vers la prison de Badush et la crête d’Astanah. La résistance se durcit à mesure que le cercle se resserre et que les forces irakiennes s’approchent des zones urbanisées. A l’Est de la ville, Daech maintient ses actions de harcèlement par tirs indirects. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui aérien au Levant Point de situation sur les opérations au 02 mars 2017 Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 34 sorties aériennes dont 32 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), et 2 de recueil de renseignement. 11 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, elles ont permis la destruction de 19 objectifs. En Irak, les 6 frappes se sont concentrées dans la région de Mossoul. Elles s’inscrivent dans le cadre de l’appui des troupes irakiennes engagées dans l’offensive visant à reprendre la partie ouest de Mossoul. Elles ont ciblé des positions de mortier, des groupes de combattants, un dépôt logistique ainsi qu’un centre de commandement. En Syrie, 2 missions d’appui des troupes au sol ont été conduites dans la région de Raqqah et de Der Er Zawr contre des pièces d’artillerie, un véhicule suicide, blindé, chargé d’engin explosif (SVBIED). L’intervention d’une patrouille de Rafale, après détection et guidage de l’ATL2, a par ailleurs permis la destruction de 2 puits de pétrole clandestins dans le sud-est de Raqqah. Dans la région de Palmyre, 2 frappes planifiées ont été réalisées et ont permis la neutralisation d’un site de stockage de matériel militaire et d’un site de fabrication de véhicules piégés (VBIED). Appui feu – TF Wagram Cette semaine, le détachement de la Task Force (TF) Wagram déployé au nord de Mossoul a fourni un appui important aux troupes engagées au sol, avec un effort marqué à l’ouest de la ville. Les 28 missions réalisées comprennent 21 de neutralisation, destruction ou harcèlement contre des positions de combattants, des pièces de mortier ou contre des tentatives d’infiltrations en bordure du Tigre. 7 missions d’éclairement ont également été effectuées pour interdire l’utilisation du terrain par Daech. La reprise de l’offensive sur Mossoul-Ouest a marqué un tournant dans la physionomie de l’activité de la TF. Au cours des 3 dernières semaines, l’intensification des missions confiées à la TF et la proportion croissante de missions de neutralisation ou de destruction sont significatives. Cette évolution de l’activité est couplée aux progressions sur le terrain des forces de sécurité irakiennes, elle souligne l’importance et l’efficacité des appuis fournis par la partie française.’

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS550

Incident date

March 5, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Saif al Dawla street, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.94785, 39.020585

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported injured in what appeared to have been a targeted strike on Ar Raqqah.

According to Smart News, “Two members of Islamic State were killed and a civilian injured on Sunday, after aerial bombardment most likely by the international coalition on the city of Raqqa, northern Syria, according to a local source. The source said, that coalition aircraft targeted a van belonging to the organization [ISIL], in CIF State Street in the city, which led to the deaths of two fighters and the wounding of a civilian who was close to the scene of the bombing.”

On April 30th 2016 the Coalition classed the event as ‘not credible’, noting: “March 5, 2017, near Raqqah, via social media report: No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • 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
  • Oct 27, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 4th-March 5th the Coalition noted: “Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIS staging area and damaged a supply route.”
For March 5th-6th the Coalition reported: "Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two vehicles; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the last week it carried out 29 sorties and 9 strikes destroying 12 ISIL targets. In Iraq, all 8 strikes were carried out in support of operations in Mosul. They targeted mortar positions and defensive positions in the city as well as in the outskirts of Badush. In Syria, in the Raqqah region, a Rafale patrol was engaged on a ground support mission to neutralize ISIL fighters leading an attack against the SDF

Opération Chammal En Syrie le recul de Daech se poursuit. Après avoir dû se retirer d’Al Bab la semaine passée, l’organisation terroriste a perdu cette semaine le contrôle de la ville de Palmyre, tandis que la manœuvre d’isolement de Raqqah au Nord de l’Euphrate est sur le point de s’achever. En Irak, Daech tente d’entretenir l’insécurité en poursuivant sa campagne d’actions asymétriques, en particulier dans l’Anbar, dans une logique de dispersion des forces engagées contre elle. En périphérie de Mossoul Ouest, la manœuvre d’encerclement menée par les forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) progresse dans sa partie occidentale. Les combats qui ont lieu depuis le début de la semaine autour de la localité de Badush au Nord-Ouest de la ville en sont la conséquence. Dans la partie sud de Mossoul Ouest, les FSI poursuivent également leur progression dans le centre urbain et se trouvent désormais aux portes du centre historique. Avançant toujours le long du Tigre depuis l’aéroport, les combattants de la police fédérale et de l’ICTS sécurisent méthodiquement chaque quartier, faisant face à une défense féroce des combattants terroristes. Dans le même temps, Daech maintient ses actions de harcèlement contre la partie orientale de Mossoul, en réalisant des tirs de mortiers sporadiques et aveugles. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 29 sorties aériennes dont 26 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), et 3 de recueil de renseignement. 9 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, elles ont permis la destruction de 12 objectifs. En Irak, les 8 frappes ont toutes été réalisées en appui des opérations sur Mossoul. Elles s’inscrivent dans le cadre de l’appui des troupes irakiennes engagées dans l’offensive visant à reprendre la partie ouest de Mossoul. Elles ont ciblé des positions de mortier et des positions défensives dans la ville de Mossoul elle-même, ainsi que dans la périphérie de Badush. En Syrie, dans la région de Raqqah, une patrouille de Rafale a été engagée en mission d’appui des troupes au sol pour neutraliser des combattants de Daech menant une attaque contre des forces démocratiques syriennes. Appui feu – Task Force Wagram Cette semaine, l’effort du détachement de la Task Force (TF) Wagram, désormais regroupée sur une même emprise au nord de Mossoul, s’est intensifié. Les appuis ont marqué l’effort au profit des troupes engagées au sol dans la région de Badush. 53 missions ont été réalisées cette semaine. Elles comprennent 22 actions de neutralisation, destruction ou harcèlement visant soit à détruire des positions défensives adverses, soit à empêcher tout mouvement des groupes de combattants de Daech. 31 missions d’éclairement ont également été effectuées afin d’entraver les tentatives d’infiltration de la part de groupes de combattants terroristes cherchant à mener des actions de harcèlement nocturne contre les FSI.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS565

Incident date

March 10, 2017

Location

قحطانية, Qahtani, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.986833, 38.921672 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians died and four were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Qahtani village, according to a single source.

Smart News reported that “a local source in the village of Qahtaniya [about 10 km west of raqqa], said that three civilians from one family, including a child, were killed and four others injured”, following strikes “likely” to have been carried out by the Coalition.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Qahtaniya (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 9th-10th, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, 13 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed four vehicles, a fighting position, a tactical vehicle, an ISIS headquarters, and a VBIED factory; and damaged three supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]