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

CS683

Incident date

April 11, 2017

Location

هنيدة, Hunayda, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.83234, 38.69938 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man was killed when an alleged Coalition strike hit the motorcycle he was on in Hunayda, according to multiple local sources. However, it is unclear whether the victim was a civilian or militant.

Raqqa Post reported that an unmanned drone targeted the victim, while Mohab Nasser, a media activist from Tabaqa, said reported he was targeted by a Coalition warplane.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hunayda (هنيدة), for which the coordinates are: 35.83234, 38.69938. 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
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Hunayda, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 26, 2018

  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 10th-11th, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit.”

For April 11th-12th, the Coalition reported: “On April 11, near Raqqa, eight strikes engaged an ISIS staging area, weapons storage cache, and command and control node."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI647

Incident date

April 17, 2017

Location

near Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on July 7th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on social media claims of civilian harm “near Mosul, Iraq”. According to the Coalition report, “82. April 17, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via social media report: The report contained insufficient information on the time, location and details to assess its credibility.”

No additional details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 16th-17th the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Mosul, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, three VBIEDs, three mortar systems, two ISIS vehicles, two heavy machine guns, and one front-end loader; damaged 16 ISIS supply routes and four fighting positions; and suppressed 10 mortar teams and an ISIS tactical unit.”

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS720

Incident date

April 23, 2017

Location

الحي الثاني, Tabaqa, Second Neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.846667, 38.543889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between three and eight civilians died including up to five children in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Tabaqa’s Al Thani neighbourhood, according to local media.

Smart News reported that a likely Coalition airstrike “targeted a house near the public park in the Second neighbourhood, killing a man, his wife and child. They also carried out raids on the roundabout of Al-Alam and the Third district, in addition to shelling the village of Ayed al-Saghir west of the city.”

Step News reported Coalition strikes in Tabaqa but made no initial mention of civilian casualties. It later reported that “a number” of people had died and were injured as the result of “Coalition aircraft and artillery”.

According to Syria Mirror, three civilians including one child died in a Coalition raid. Other sources also reported Coalition strikes in Tabaqa, though didn’t specify exact locations.

The incident was first reported on April 23, 2017 at 10:35 am by Alalam.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (1–5 children)
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Smart News reported that a likely Coalition airstrike “targeted a house near the public park in the Second neighbourhood” The coordinates for Al Thani neighbourhood (الحي الثاني) are 35.846667, 38.543889. Satellite imagery shows visible structural damage to residential buildings on the perimeter of Wahdah Public Park, between 23 Mar – 17 June 2017 (marked with a black cross). This is a possible location for the civilian casualty incident, however, due to the limited satellite imagery available to Airwars the analysis is inconclusive. During the 86 day period between available images, widespread destruction is visible elsewhere in Al Thani, making it is impossible to isolate the event.

  • Before. The boundary of Al Thani neighbourhood ( الحي الثاني ) in red, with parkland marked in blue. The coordinates for the destroyed residential area are marked with a black cross.

    Date taken:
    March 23, 2019

  • After. The boundary of Al Thani neighbourhood ( الحي الثاني ) in red, with parkland marked in blue. The coordinates for the destroyed residential area are marked with a black cross.

    Date taken:
    June 17, 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 Al Thani, 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 April 22nd-23rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions and two IEDs.”

For April 23rd-24th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 fighting positions, one tactical vehicle, one ISIS vehicle, one heavy machine gun, and a command and control node.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Sunday 23 April – Typhoons destroyed an armed truck south-west of Tabqah in Syria, while Tornados bombed a Daesh position in western Mosul…On Sunday 23 April, Typhoons assisted the SDF, destroying an armed truck near Tabqah, west of Raqqa. In western Mosul, a Daesh-held building was struck by a Paveway IV, released by a Tornado flight, after Iraqi troops came under fire from the building.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (1–5 children)
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI671

Incident date

April 27, 2017

Location

Mosul, Tanak, Nineveh, Iraq

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on July 7th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of civilian harm claims “near Mosul, Iraq” via an NGO report. According to the Coalition report, “8. April 27, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via NGO report: After review of the available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.”

The Coalition shared the location of this assessed strike with Airwars. The location was stated as the Tanak neighbourhood in Mosul.

The strike was assessed as non credible based on the claim that “no Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties.” However, the Coalition reported multiple strikes in Mosul that day.

No additional details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • 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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 1, 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 April 26th-27th, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed 19 vehicles, eight front-end loaders, two ISIS fortifications, a command and control node, a mortar system, and an ISIS staging area; damaged seven ISIS supply routes and suppressed two mortar teams.“

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS762

Incident date

May 2, 2017

Location

تل الجاير, Tall al-Jayer, Al-Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.033926, 41.0987592 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five named civilians died in an alleged ‘Coalition’ airstrike on al Dashisha market in Tal al Jayer town east of al Shadadi on the Syrian/Iraqi border, according to local sources.

JisiT V, which pointed towards the Coalition, reported that a commercial shop was hit.

No Coalition strike was publicly reported in the area that day despite its being the only party blamed. However unilateral US strikes in Syria are not declared – which is what this may have been.

The victims were named by Al Hassaka Youth Union, Soheb_alheskyi and Hasakah News – all blaming the Coalition.

The Coalition itself later denied conducting strikes in the geographic area that day which corresponded to claims of civilian harm.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Majed Mohammad al Aswad
Age unknown killed
Hassan al Abdallah al Aswad
killed

The victims were named as:

Hussein al Mohammad al A’kla
Age unknown male killed
Abd al-Lateef Mosa al-Kamel
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Bassam al-Amouri
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 men)
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Majed Mohammad al Aswad, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on market, May 2nd (via Hasakah Youth)
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
    market near Tal Al Jayer, Syria ()
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SFV889897
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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

The Coalition has not publicly reported any airstrikes in Hassakah governorate for May 1st-3rd.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 men)
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS782 RS2218

Incident date

May 8, 2017

Location

دبسي عفنان, Dibsi Afnan, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8175348, 38.2162857 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two adult male civilians died – as well as one additional child casualty – and up to a dozen or more were wounded in an airstrike on the village of Dibsi Afnan, according to local media. Most sources blame Russia, while some alleged that the regime was responsible – though more than three commentators also claimed that the Coalition carried out the attack.

@SourrNews reporred that one of the civilians killed was a displaced person. 

The two men were named by Raqqa is being Slaughtered Silently as victims of Russian raids. However, in the comment section of the post, people claim that Russia was not responsible and that the strike was by the international US led Coalition. The Shaam News Network, which put the death toll at two, also attributed the event to the Coalition.

Mohab Nasser mentioned that an eight year old child was also killed.

According to the Step News Agency, “three children and a woman were injured lightly in Russian raids using cluster bombs on the edges of Dibsi Faraj west of al Tabaqa in the Raqqa countryside.” Since this is a village nearby, it could indicate that Russia was operating in the area. Al Raqqa Truth blamed Russia for the Dibsi Afnan event.

However, Ahmad al Shibli and Mohab Nasser said that the regime was responsible for the two men’s deaths. Al A’maq also blamed the regime, while Mohab Nasser published graphic images from the A’maq video which he said depicted casualties and destruction caused by regime barrel bombs.

Sources described that cluster bombs, barrel bombs and vacuum missiles were used in the strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdallah al Ibrahim al Jarrah
Age unknown male killed
Abdallah al Ali al Mahmoud
Age unknown male killed
Abu Zakaria Al-Issa
8 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–24
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (19) [ collapse]

  • Abdallah al Ibrahim al Jarrah, killed in an airstrike on Dibsi Afnan, May 9th (via Al Ragga truth, who blamed Russia)
  • An explosion on the streets on Tabaqah following suspected Coalition or Russian attacks, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • A burnt out vehicle in Tabaqah, the impact of alleged Coaltion or Russian strikes, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A video still of injured civilians in Tabaqah reveals the human cost of alleged Coalition or Russian airstrikes, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A video still of injured civilians in Tabaqah reveals the human cost of alleged Coalition or Russian airstrikes, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian child is treated for injuries sustained in alleged Coalition or Russian attacks on Tabaqah, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Local people tend to the injured in Tabaqah, the impact of alleged Russian or Coalition shelling, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian killed in alleged Coalition or Russian attacks on Tabaqah lies face down in the street, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • A local man reports on the aftermath of alleged airstrikes on Tabaqah, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian male lays eith injured or dead on the floor following alleged airstrikes on Tabaqah, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A small child rests after sustaining injuries in alleged airstrikes on Tabaqah, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian is treated for injuries of the foot following suspecte Russian or Coalition airstrikes on Tabaqah, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • A civilian laid in bed, wrapped in blankets, following the alleged Russian or Coalition airstrikes on Tabaqah, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • Vehicles on the street in Tabaqah - the material impact of alleged Russian or Coalition strikes, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Further images of injuries in Tabaqah following the suspected Russian or Coalition airstrikes carried out May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • A street full of rubble in Tabaqah shows the material cost of alleged airstrikes, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • The photograph shows a helicopter in a cloudy sky above Tabaqah, May 8th (via Mohab Nasser) [Originally A'maq video - accessed via Airwars archive]
  • Abu Zakaria Al-Issa, killed in an airstrike on Dibsi Afnan, May 9th 2017. (via Mohab Nasser)
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 Dibsi Afnan, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV291638
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, 15 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed eight fighting positions and a vehicle.” It later added that “Additionally, two strikes were conducted in Syria on May 7th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a fighting position.”
For May 8th-9th it stated: “Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions.” It later added that “Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria on May 8 that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position and a mortar system; and damaged an ISIS supply route.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–24
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS805

Incident date

May 11, 2017

Location

near Al Ramilah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.959442, 39.032498

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on April 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on social media claims of civilian harm “near Al Ramilah”. “104. May 11, 2017, near Al Ramilah, Syria, via social media report: 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.”

The Coalition shared the military coordinates of this assessed strike with Airwars: 37S EV 02930 79450.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • 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 Ramilah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV0293079450
    Military Grid Reference System

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 that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 10th-11th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven vehicles, three fighting positions, an ISIS barge, a VBIED factory, a weapons storage facility; and damaged two ISIS supply routes.” It later added that “Additionally, 13 strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on May 10th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 fighting positions, an ISIS headquarters, a command and control node, a supply cache, an ISIS staging area, a tactical vehicle, and a vehicle.”
For May 11th-12th. “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions, three VBIEDs, two ISIS oil storage tanks, two ISIS oil stills, two excavators, a front-end loader, an IED, and an ISIS staging area.” It later added that “Additionally, six strikes were conducted in Syria on May 11th that closed within the last 24 hours…. Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two VBIEDs, a fighting position, a weapons cache, a vehicle; and damaged two ISIS supply routes and a bridge.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Thursday 11 May – Typhoons attacked three targets in eastern Syria, as well as a truck-bomb factory north-west of Raqqa. Tornados also struck six times in Mosul…On Thursday 11 May, a pair of Typhoons, armed with Paveway IVs, destroyed a truck-bomb staging area some fifteen miles north-west of Raqqa, while another pair supported the SDF in eastern Syria, hitting a mortar team and two Daesh-held buildings near Al Ulwah. The same day, two flights of Tornados patrolled over Mosul, using Brimstone missiles against two Daesh positions very close to Iraqi troops. A further Paveway IV eliminated a mortar in a courtyard, and three more Paveways cratered roads along which Daesh might have tried to move truck-bombs along.’

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI715

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Location

حي النجار, Mosul, Al-Najjar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.35768, 43.09861 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local residents said that two named brothers had died in Najjar neighbourhood, after what two sources reported as Coalition airstrikes on their house. Other sources spoke of “indiscriminate shelling” more broadly, and Nineveh Media Center spoke of a rocket attack on the home.

Iraqyoon Agency said that the Coalition had targeted a house next to that of the brothers, which ISIL used to treat their wounded. This had caused the destruction of the house where Sajid Ahmed Sajid and his brother Amer Ahmad Sajid were residing at the moment of the strike. Amer was the father of two sons, called Emad and Ziad.

Airwars previously thought that this incident had been assessed as credible by the Coalition. However, in July 2019 Coalition officials indicated that CI715 had in fact been found to be non-credible. While investigating the allegations, they did find two civilians that had been killed in a separate event – this can be found in CI715a.

The Coalition’s April 2018 civilian casualty report noted: “After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Sajid Ahmed Sajid
Adult male Brother of Amer Ahmad Sajid killed
Amer Ahmad Sajid
Adult male Brother of Sajid Ahmed Sajid killed

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Amer Ahmad Sajid and Sajid Ahmad Sajid (via MNN)
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
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF294253
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 26, 2018

  • May 16, 2017, near Mosul Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 15th-16th the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, two mortar systems, to medium machine guns, two VBIEDs, two ISIS-held buildings, two VBIED facilities, and a supply cache; damaged 13 ISIS supply routes and nine fighting positions; and suppressed three ISIS tactical units and two mortar teams.”

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]