US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Civilians in the ruins of Mosul city. (Maranie R. Staab)

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1215

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

جديد عقيدات, Road near Jadid 'Uqaydat village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.261756, 40.338419 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of a civilian in an event near the Jadid ‘Uqaydat village, Deir Ezzor.

Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS vehicle, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured.”

Coordinates supplied by officials to Airwars – 35°15’42.3″N 40°20’18.3″E – placed the strike at the outskirts of Jadid ‘Uqaydat village, on the main road leading northwest from the village.

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
    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 injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV2174602892
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017
  • July 16, 2017, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS vehicle, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 16th-17th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit, destroyed three weapons caches, two staging areas, and a well-head.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1248

Incident date

July 21, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Saraya government building, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local media reported airstrikes on the “Martyrs Affairs Office” – seized by IS- opposite the old Saraya building and “oil burners in Badia Drenge and Tijana” – though no information was given on civilian casualties.

Step News Agency, Jisirtv and DPN reported that these were Coalition strikes. Euphrates Post didn’t identify the warplanes responsible, though did say an unspecified number of civilian casualties had been reported. .

RFS attributed the event to Russia, reporting: “Russian aircraft targeted a house previously seized by the organization [IS] and turned it into the Office of Martyrs’ Affairs” – but it said there was no information on civilian casualties.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ 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 Mayadin, 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

For July 21st-22nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed four oil storage tanks and a vehicle.“

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1677

Incident date

November 18, 2017

Location

الكشكية, Al Kashkiya, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.81, 40.694722 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that several civilians were wounded in an artillery shelling by the SDF on al Kashkiya.

The SDF is not known to have had access to its own artillery – indicating that this was most likely a Coalition action.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of al Kashkiya (الكشكية), for which the coordinates are: 34.81,40.694722

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 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

For November 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a VBIED, a tactical vehicle and an ISIS construction vehicle. Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1770

Incident date

June 13, 2018

Location

الباغوز تحتاني, Al Baghouz Tahtani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.43221, 40.99226 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source reported that alleged Coalition raids on Al Baghouz Tahtani resulted in civilian harm.

Al Haall quoted an Abu Kamal local, who stated that two raids targeted the village, resulting in “several civilians wounded, and damage to property as well.”

No additional details are presently known – and in October 2018 the US-led Coalition rejected responsibility for any event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Baghouz Tahtani (الباغوز تحتاني), for which the coordinates are: 34.43221, 40.99226

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-Baghouz Tahtani, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU830118
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018
  • June 13, 2018, near al-Baghouz Tahtani, Syria, via Airwars. 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

For June 13th, the Coalition reported that “On June 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed two Daesh vehicles, one Daesh supply route and damaged one Daesh vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For June 13th – 19th, France’s Task Force Wagram reports five shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st there have been 148 missions. Over the past week, There were 22 air sorties in support of the local forces on the ground, but no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit. Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, l’offensive a déjà permis de reprendre plus de 150 km2 de territoire à Daech. Actuellement, les opérations en cours se concentrent sur la libération de la ville Dashisha. La résistance opposée par Daech demeure relativement faible. La principale menace reste celle liée aux engins explosifs improvisés. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu, donnant lieu à des destructions régulières de caches, de munitions et d’engins explosifs improvisés. Un climat sécuritaire qui s’améliore en Irak Le bon déroulement de l’ensemble des manifestations d’envergure récentes, notamment plusieurs pèlerinages et fêtes régionales ainsi que les élections, tend à montrer une amélioration notable du climat sécuritaire en Irak. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Narvik a débuté cette semaine cinq nouveaux stages au profit de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Ils couvrent les domaines de formation suivants : la lutte contre les engins explosifs, le maniement et entretien d’armements lourds, le déplacement tactique en convoi, le secourisme au combat et le tir de précision. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Le nombre de canons de la Task Force a été ajusté, passant dans un souci d’ajustement des moyens au besoin opérationnel de quatre à trois canons. L’évolution de la situation du théâtre avec la reprise de plus de 98% de l’emprise territoriale initiale de Daech, couplée à l’autonomie croissante des forces de sécurité irakienne, permet cet ajustement. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 148 missions de tirs, dont 5 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1807 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 22 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8159 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1935

Incident date

October 26, 2019

Location

باريشا , Barisha, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.165820, 36.627355 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (other) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to nine civilians including two women and three children were reported killed in the US military operation that successfully targeted ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib countryside, Syria, on October 26th, 2019.

Al-Baghdadi was an ISIS leader who declared himself a Caliphate in Mosul, Iraq in 2014, and according to local sources was killed in an overnight raid, and that whole operation lasted for around four hours.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SNHR), U.S. helicopters came from Turkish territories, carried out a landing in the area and clashed with militants near the targeted house of al-Baghdadi west of Barisha where many casualties were reported. Among the nine alleged civilian deaths were two or three women and up to three children. The Observatory said it believed the death toll was bound to rise because there had been many other injuries with victims in a serious condition. Local sources also mentioned that the targeted area was a few kilometres away from Tor Laha where a camp for internally displaced persons is located.

US President Trump and an official from the Pentagon said that al-Baghdadi blew himself up after hiding in a dead-end tunnel killing himself, with family members around him. In his statement addressing the US people after the operation, Trump said al-Baghdadi dragged three of his children with him to the tunnel where they were killed with him after he blew himself up. He also mentioned that 11 children were taken out of the area uninjured. However, Newsweek, reporting US Defense officials said that only al-Baghdadi’s wife was killed in the operation but none of his children was injured. Other Pentagon sources claimed that al-Baghdadi’s two wives were killed by blowing themselves up with explosive vests.

Describing the scene of the operation, local medical sources said that as a result of the operation, a house was completely destroyed and a number of tents were burned. Seven bodies were found in the area, among the  bodies of a child and three women, in addition to five injuries.

According to Shbabbek.com, among seven bodies found near the area, three of them belong to civilians who happened to be passing by during the time of the operation, and that many cars moving around were targeted. Reuters also reported that the bodies of three men and three women were found in addition to al-Baghdadi’s. His companion and security man Ghazawan Arrawi is also believed to have been killed in the operation.

A report published by NPR on December 3rd 2019 stated that locals reported the killing of two civilians and the injury of a third one in the Coalition airstrike that killed Al Baghdadi: “Syrians say civilians were killed and wounded during the U.S. raid on ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. That contradicts the account by the U.S. military, which says it’s looking into the matter.”

The report stated that two relatives of their contact in Syria – who lives abroad – were killed. The mother of one of those killed said that “her son and his cousin were driving  through the village of Barisha when their van was hit.”

Sources identified the victims as cousins Khaled Mustafa Qurmo (27 years old) and Khaled Abdel Majid Qurmo (30 years old). “Their relatives said that another man named Barakat Barakat was also in the car, and his hand was blown off.”

Barakat (45), the only survivor in the van narrates what happened: “I was with my best friends. They wanted to drop me off at home. We had pumpkin seeds and bought coffee on the road and were having fun. We were driving through the village of Barisha. And at that moment, the helicopters arrived. Suddenly, we were hit. I didn’t know what was going on. I was just trying to escape death.”

In an update about this incident by NPR in October 2020, the US military conducted and concluded an investigation into the matter, classifying the two killed men as combatants. Majida Qurmo, the widow of one of the victims, called it “an investigation of lies”.

According to NPR, “the military’s account of events, shared with NPR, offers no evidence the men were combatants or intended to threaten troops, raising the question of whether the U.S. is mischaracterizing innocent civilians as the enemy as it protects the official narrative of a celebrated operation against one of the military’s most-wanted targets.”

CENTCOM spokesman Capt. Bill Urban told the NPR that as the van approached, a U.S. helicopter fired warning shots: “A normal reaction to warning shots in the middle of the night from a helicopter would be to stop and turn around if you had no business being there. But they proceeded towards the helicopter and accelerated.”

According to Capt Urban, the men fled, running in the direction of the targeted ISIS compound without raising their hands, leaving U.S. forces to perceive them to “demonstrate hostile intent”, after which the helicopter fired at that. The victims did not open fire and the military found no evidence that they were armed.

Barakat Barakat continues to suffer from the consequences of the attack. The NPR report states: “What worries him most is how to provide for his five children. He cannot work. Part of his right arm is gone, he can only use two fingers on his left hand, and doctors tell him he needs surgery. He is ashamed to have to beg for bread.”

The incident occured between 11:00 pm and 3:30 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

27 years old male killed
30 years old male killed

The victims were named as:

35 years old male lost his hand injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (1–3 children1–2 women3–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–11
  • 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 Forces

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (45) [ collapse]

  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Location of the American forces landing and killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the town of Barisha - north Idlib. (via EMC)
  • Photos of the al-Baghdadi location targeted by US forces on 26/27 October 2019. (via Idlib Plus)
  • Photos of the al-Baghdadi location targeted by US forces on 26/27 October 2019. (via Idlib Plus)
  • Photos of the al-Baghdadi location targeted by US forces on 26/27 October 2019. (via Idlib Plus)
  • Photos of the al-Baghdadi location targeted by US forces on 26/27 October 2019. (via Idlib Plus)
  • Aerial photos of the house targeted by US forces #Baghdadi (via Idlib Plus)
  • Aerial photos of the house targeted by US forces #Baghdadi (via Idlib Plus)
  • Aerial photos of the house targeted by US forces #Baghdadi (via Idlib Plus)
  • Aerial photos of the house targeted by US forces #Baghdadi (via Idlib Plus)
  • Aerial Photos of the house where the al-Baghdadi leader of ISIS was targeted by American troops in the village of Barisha, northern Idlib (26-27 October 2019) - Via MMC
  • Aerial Photos of the house where the al-Baghdadi leader of ISIS was targeted by American troops in the village of Barisha, northern Idlib (26-27 October 2019) - Via MMC
  • Aerial Photos of the house where the al-Baghdadi leader of ISIS was targeted by American troops in the village of Barisha, northern Idlib (26-27 October 2019) - Via MMC
  • Aerial Photos of the house where the al-Baghdadi leader of ISIS was targeted by American troops in the village of Barisha, northern Idlib (26-27 October 2019) - Via MMC
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Photos of the location where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was successfully targeted by US forces in Barisha/Idlib on 26-27 October 2019 (Via Shaam Network)
  • Child in the location where the US forces operation killed al-Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib on 26/27 October 2019 (via SMART).
  • Man standing in the location where the US forces operation killed al-Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib on 26/27 October 2019 (via SMART).
  • Children in the location where the US forces operation killed al-Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib on 26/27 October 2019 (via SMART).
  • Child in the location where the US forces operation killed al-Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib on 26/27 October 2019 (via SMART).
  • Syrians ride a motorcycle past a burned vehicle near the village of Barisha in the Idlib province of Syria, near where U.S. forces raided the compound of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Local residents tell NPR that noncombatant civilians were killed and injured in the van the night of the U.S. raid. (via NPR from Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a raid on the hiding place of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, then leader of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, in vicinity of the village of Barisha (باريشا). The exact coordinates for this location is: 36.165820, 36.627355

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (1–3 children1–2 women3–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–11
  • 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 Forces

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

S1537a

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Location

الشعفة, al-Shaafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

Deaths and injuries were reported when the US-led Coalition allegedly struck a field hospital in Al-Shaf’a in Deir Ezzor on March 2nd, 2018. The hospital attacked was named by local sources as Nabd Al-Hayat.

Syriamap reported “Airstrikes by the International Coalition to Defeat ISIS put the hospital completely out of service leading to several deaths and injuries of civilians and staff.”

Zamanalwasl also reported civilian casualties as a result of the Coalition’s airstrike, and said that the hospital was completely destroyed. It seems the source depended on a video of an ISIS member.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1983

Incident date

September 20, 2022

Location

قرية البيدر, Al Baydar in Al Karama village, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.859327, 39.310004 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians, a man and his minor son, were killed and another man, who is alleged to be a civilian or a member of ISIS, was injured during an airdrop operation carried out by the Coalition and the SDF in the village of Al Baydar on September 20, 2022.

According to the Euphrates Post, Muhammad Al-Shalash and his son Abadi Al-Shalash were killed during a raid carried out by the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) along with the Coalition in the village of Al Baydar.

Eye of Euphrates added that the father and son were shot when the American forces and the SDF were trying to arrest a displaced person from the countryside of Aleppo and residing in the village who had fled to the home of the Al-Shalash family and was firing at the raiding forces. The correspondent added that a third civilian was wounded by a bullet and taken to the hospital and that the intended person was arrested during the raid.

@AlkneterOthman tweeted that the wounded person is the other son of Muhammad and Baladi News provided the name of the wounded son as Muhammad Al-Shalash, detailing that he was taken to Raqqa hospital for treatment of his injuries. According to Nedaa Post, the wounded son Muhammad was the intended person to be arrested and was arrested on charges of “working in the ranks of ISIS cells in the area”. The three men had only been in the area for ten days and were displaced from a village in northern Aleppo.

Shaam News disputed that the injured person was a member of ISIS, referring to him as a civilian, and reporting that the SDF “raided the house because it received information about the names of wanted persons, who are relatives of the owner of the house that they raided, but instead of raiding the house of the wanted persons, they mistakenly raided another house.”

@DeirEzzore identified Abadi, the son that was killed, as being a minor, and reported that the raid occurred at approximately 3:30 in the morning. @DeirEzzore added that the father and son were from “the Al-Bureij clan – Al-Aliat”.

All of the sources referred to the incident as a joint operation between the SDF and Coalition, with some sources blaming the shooting on the SDF while others attributed the shooting to the Coalition.

The incident occured at approximately 3:30 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • 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 injured
    0–1

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Baydar (البيدر), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.859327, 39.310004. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • 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 injured
    0–1

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS120

Incident date

August 29, 2015

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

A reported Coalition airstrike on a municipal stadium in Raqaa being used as a facility by Daesh may also have injured some civilian prisoners being held there.

According to reports at least 8 alleged fighters died while the group’s local ’emir’ was injured. Claims were confused as to whether prisoners at the facility had escaped or had been injured following the attack.

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 local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    8
  • Belligerents reported injured
    1

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 35.95056, 39.00941

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV0084978465
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Aug. 29, 2015, near Raqqah, 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. 2825/CS120 37SEV0084978465

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 29th-30th 2015, the Coalition confirmed that “Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL facility.” There were no reports of strikes on the city the following day.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    8
  • Belligerents reported injured
    1

Sources (2) [ collapse]