Israeli Military in Syria & the Gaza Strip

Israeli Military in Syria & the Gaza Strip

A child uses his mobile device in the ruins of a building in Beit Lahia, Gaza Strip on May 26th 2021. © Mohamed Zaanoun

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Incident Code

CS1432

Incident date

August 30, 2017

Location

Al Hawaji, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.055294, 40.488739 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians, including two women and three children, died in airstrikes carried out by unknown aircraft on the al Hawaij village in Deir Ezzor Governorate, alleged local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Euphrates Post listed those killed.

The US-led Coalition was not attributed to the attack; sources referred to “bombing by warplanes” and “airstrikes” however they did not identify the culprit. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights more civilians were expected injured following the incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Mrs. Nuria Al Shalash Al Yahya (wife of Salih Al Salloum Al Abbas)
Adult female killed
The child Farah Khader Al Saleh Al Abbas
Child female killed
The child Nur al-Huda Ibrahim Saleh Al Abbas
Child female killed
The Child Saleh Ibrahim Al Abbas
Child male killed
Mrs. Suad wife of Ibrahim Saleh Al Abbas
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 children2 women)
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident only mention Al Hawaij (حوائج) village in the countryside of Deir Ezzor. The coordinates for Al Hawaij (حوائج) are: 35.055294, 40.488739.

  • Al Hawaij (حوائج) village in the countryside of Deir Ezzor.

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 August 30th-31st, “Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed eight ISIS oil stills and damaged five supply routes.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 children2 women)
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1464

Incident date

September 10, 2017

Location

فردوس, Ar Raqqah: west of Fardous mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95507, 39.00452 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In September 2017, it was reported that 7 civilians were killed in the Al Fardous neighbourhood in Raqqa, following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes.

Alraqqa Ahlna identified three of the victims and said that an additional “three young men and one woman” were killed but they remained unidentified as the bodies were still under rubble. A later report from Ar Raqqa Al Hadath gave further details of one of the victims, Abu Aboud Ibrahim Al-Karaf: he was a judge who had graduated from the University of Damascus in 1994 with a Doctorate in law. According to the report the coalition bombing “hit his house next to Al Basrawi mosque.” It described him as “one of the most prominent jurists in the province of Raqqa” where he “served as a public lawyer”. Reportedly he “refused to leave Raqqa until the date of his martyrdom”. All sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the incident. Some cited the use of artillery. Airwars understand that only the Coalition have access to artillery in Raqqa.

In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

During investigations of this event for the April 2019 joint Airwars and Amnesty report War in Raqqa: Rethoric versus Reality (www.raqqa.amnesty.org), Amnesty field researchers named 2 more victims and identified the precise location of this strike, reporting that a total of 5 people were killed. The report notes: “Two members of the Badran family and three neighbours were killed in the last of four separate air strikes which killed a total of 39 family members and 10 neighbours as they fled from neighbourhood to neighbourhood in search of safety.” The strike hit Faisal Mahmoud Al Sukhni’s house (a three-storey building) at 4pm, west of the Fardous mosque, killing the owner, tenant and 3 guests. Another man and his son in a separate section of the house survived. Amnesty researchers spoke to a witness, named Rasha: “As Ousama and Mohammed left the neighbour’s house a drone struck the road. They ran back into the house and immediately a plane bombed the house and destroyed it. Mohamed, Ousama, the owner of the house and two guests were all killed.” Amnesty also spoke to Abdel’ila Basrawi al Karaf, who testified to the event that killed his father, Ibrahim Basrawi al Karaf.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of Amnesty’s civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The incident occured at 16:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Faisal Mahmoud Abdalziz al Sukhni
51 years old male house owner killed
Senad al Dhabba
25 years old male killed
Ibrahim Basrawi al Karaf
63 years old male Interviewee Abdel’ila Basrawi al Karaf's father and former Raqqa Attorney-General killed
Osama al Badran
30 years old male killed
Mohammed al Aboud
40s years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (1 woman5 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Faisal Abdul Aziz al-Sokhni Abu Mahmoud, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Ferdous, Raqqa, Setp 10th (via Ahmad Al Shbli)
  • Abu Aboud Ibrahim Al-Karaf, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Ferdous, Raqqa, Sept 10th (via Ar Raqqa Al Hadath)
  • Faisal Mahmoud Abdalziz al Sukhni (via Amnesty International)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Image of Faisal Mahmoud Al Sukhni’s house before the strike on September 8, 2017 (via Amnesty International)

  • Image of Faisal Mahmoud Al Sukhni’s house after the strike on September 20, 2017 (via Amnesty International)

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
    Other
  • Stated location
    near al- Basrawi Mosque Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV994793
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • Sept. 10, 2017, near al- Basrawi Mosque Raqqah, Syria via Airwars report. After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 9th – 10th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 34 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed 21 fighting positions, 16 vehicles, four heavy machine guns, two command and control nodes, a logistics node, and engineering equipment; and suppressed six fighting positions.”

For September 10th - 11th the Coalition reported •Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, two logistics nodes, and a vehicle; and suppressed two fighting positions" It later reported, "Additionally, 15 strikes consisting of 21 engagements were conducted in Syria and Iraq on Sept. 10 that closed within the last 24 hours. On Sept. 10, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed 14 vehicles, three fighting positions, a logistics node, and an anti-air artillery system; and suppressed a fighting position"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Monday 11 September – Tornados destroyed two sniper positions in Raqqa, and attacked a Daesh-held compound and terrorists on a motorcycle near Dayr az Zawr…A flight of Royal Air Force Tornados supported the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting in Raqqa on Monday 11 September, when Paveway IV guided bombs were used to destroy two sniper positions. A second Tornado flight patrolled north-east of Dayr az Zawr, where they attacked a group of terrorists in a compound with a Paveway IV. Survivors of the attack then attempted to move to another position on a motorcycle, but were successfully engaged with a Brimstone missile.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (1 woman5 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1497 RS2456

Incident date

September 16, 2017

Location

مظلوم, Masloum Tahtani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3077313, 40.257403 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian woman died with her two children in an aerial attack on the the village of Mazloum Tahtani (12km east of Deir Ezzor), close to the primary school and the mosque, according to local media. Step News however, out the death toll as high as five. Shabha also referred to civilians wounded in the event, though did not state how many. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some sources attributing blame to the Coalition, others to Russia and some the Syrian regime.

Masar reported that there was air and artillery shelling on the vicinity. 

Euphrates Post said the incident spread “panic” among people in the village, and noted the attacks caused the “destruction of a number of houses for civilians near the extension unit”.

Smart considered Moscow “likely” responsible for the strikes, Shahba blamed the US-led Coalition and the Syrian Network for Human Rights suspected the Syrian Regime. Alitah left the culprit unidentified. Shaam referred to the presence of both Russia and the Coalition in Deir Ezzor, though did not specify which faction responsible for the incident.

The US-led Coalition informed Airwars that as a result of their deconfliction agreements – they have ceased to conduct strikes entirely in Deir Ezzor city.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Aida Al-Jassim al-Mahmud
Adult female killed
Child of Aida Al-Jassim al-Mahmud
Child killed
Child of Aida Al-Jassim al-Mahmud
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • News bulletin reporting on the alleged Russian and Coalition airstrikes on Masloum Tahtani, 16th September 2017. (via Alan)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the airstrike targeted an area near a primary school and a mosque in the village of Mazloum Tahtani (مظلوم تحتاني), for which the coordinates are: 35.3077313, 40.257403. There is a mosque that is in the vicinity of a school building here: 35.308266, 40.262817, but no obvious destruction is visible in this area on satellite imagery of September 19, 2017. However, traces of structural damage can be seen on satellite imagery slightly later, on September 30, 2017, which indicates that the area was being targeted during this time.

  • Traces of airstrikes seen near and on the school and mosque in the village of Mazloum Tahtani (مظلوم تحتاني) (left: September 3, 2017; right: September 30, 2017)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mazloum Tahtani, Deir Ez Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV143078
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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 September 15th – 16th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS boat.” It additionally added that “On Sept. 15, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions and a command and control node.”

For September 16th - 17th, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS boat" and "Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a VBIED and an ISIS headquarters."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 15 September – a Reaper supported coalition airstrikes near Dayr az Zawr, and delivered two attacks itself against extremists in the open, whilst Typhoons destroyed a Daesh-held building… On Friday 15 September, a Reaper was again very active north-east of Dayr az Zawr; it provided support to coalition airstrikes which destroyed three Daesh-held buildings, then conducted two attacks on its own account with Hellfire missiles against terrorists moving through the area. Nearby, a Typhoon flight bombed a further Daesh-held building.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1529

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Location

كرمازة, Kormaza village, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.5345166, 38.8974585 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that civilians were killed after unidentified aircraft targeted Kormaza village, Tal Abiyad countryside, Raqqa.

Marsad al Hassaka alleged that a vehicle was struck by “unknown aircraft”, and that the car was a “civilian pick-up” according to the source, with civilians reportedly inside. Soheb1199 released a carbon-copy of the Marsad al Hassaka report.

There is limited information at present. Airwars will amend the entry when new information arises.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Kormaza (قریة كورمازه), in the Tal Abiyad countryside (تل أبیض), Raqqa governorate. The coordinates for this village are: 36.5345166, 38.8974585.

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 Kormaza village, Tel Abiyad, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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 September 24th-25th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 27 strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed 29 fighting positions, three vehicles; and suppressed a fighting position.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 24, near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes destroyed an IED, an ISIS fighting position and 11 vehicles.” And that “On Sept. 24, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS fighting position.”

Summary

  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1562

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Location

التوسعية, Al Tawassoy’ia neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9633318, 38.9806321 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On January 30th several sources reported the exhumation of a whole family from under the ruins of their own house in Al Tawassoy’ia neighbourhood of Raqqah city. According to all reports, Mohammed Anwar al-Jabeen, his wife and four children, “Bashar, Abboud, Bushra, Ibrahim” died as a result of bombing by the US-led Coalition.

The date of the death of the victims remained unidentified for many years until the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” was published reporting that the family had been killed in an incident on 8th October 2017, where the family were killed with a total of 26 deaths following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Qunaitir Building. They have therefore been removed from this incident and reside in S1411a.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Mohammed Anwar al-Jabeen
  • Mohammed Anwar al-Jabeen, his wife and four children

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
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 1st – 2nd the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed 16 fighting positions, 11 vehicles; and disrupted two supply routes.” It additionally added that “Near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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

CS1597

Incident date

October 6, 2017

Location

التوسعية, Ar Raqqah: Tawwassoui'ya neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9633318, 38.9806321 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Six civilians died in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Tawaswiya neighbourhood, according to local media.

The citizen journalist group Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently documented: Omar Al-Ashqar, Yasser Bakour, Khalid Al Hussein and a girl whose name was not mentioned, as the victims.

News of their death came amidst reports of considerable aerial bombardment by the Coalition, activists told Smart “the Tawaswiya neighborhoods, the Bedouins and the White Garden” were hit by “about 20 coalition raids and 60 artillery and missile rounds from SD”.

The Syrian Human Rights Committee listed further victims.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Omar Al-Ashqar
Adult male also known as Abu Lamis killed
Yasser Bakour
Age unknown male killed
Khalid Al Hussein
Age unknown male killed
Juma'a al-Hussein al-Barazi
Age unknown Name dby SHRC
Anas Ahmed al-Barazi
Age unknown Named by SHRC

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (1 child3 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]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Tawassiya (التوسعیة) in the city of Raqqa. The generic coordinates for this neighbourhood are: 35.9633318, 38.9806321.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Tawassiya (التوسعیة)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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 October 5th-6th, the Coalition reported that “Near Raqqah, 29 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed 23 fighting positions, two vehicles, a supply route, an IED, damaged a vehicle and suppressed three fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Oct. 5, near Raqqah, Syria, 10 strikes disrupted three ISIS supply routes, damaged five fighting positions, destroyed one fighting position, and suppressed one fighting position and one ISIS tactical unit.” And that “On Oct 5, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike damaged an ISIS fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (1 child3 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]

Incident Code

CS1634

Incident date

October 8, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.951883, 39.022188 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Fourteen civilians were allegedly killed on the 8th of October by Coalition airstrikes near the Old Mosque in Raqqa.

On December 14th, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported “the bodies of the martyrs Mohammed Hassan Aarouni and Alaa Mohammed Aarouni were found with his family and Ibrahim Mohammed Aarouni and his family under the rubble in the city of Raqqa after they died as a result of an air strike carried out by coalition aircraft during the control campaign several months ago.”

It was unclear at what point during the Raqqa campaign that the victims died.

Since this reportage Amnesty International has conducted on the ground field research which suggested the airstrike occurred on the 8th. However, on 2017/07/07-2017/07/19 no new visible damage was seen via Google Earth on this specific date. The date needs further research.

Amnesty research specified that Ala’Eddine Mohammed Aarouni, his wife Aisha, and their two sons Dia’ and Ziad were killed at 12.30 pm in their home. It was described by Amnesty as a four story building where the family lived on they were on the second floor. The building was building not destroyed; only struck flat.

The building was – according to Amnesty – struck by a missile.

Mohammad, the son of a victim told Amnesty in a testimony that “My father and his wife were hosting my aunt, who is blind and and my uncle and his family. The missile targeted their apartment. The building was not destroyed. I can’t understand why my family was targeted.”

Ten others were killed with the family, and are named below.

In July 2019 the Coalition announced that it had assessed this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members

Family members (12)

Ala’Eddine Mohammed Aarouni
44 years old male teacher killed
Aisha
35 years old female his wife killed
Dia’
1 years old male son of Ala’Eddine killed
Ziad
1 month years old male son of Ala’Eddine killed
Aunt Hana’ Moh Aarouni
50 years old female blind killed
Uncle Ibrahim Moh Aarouni
40 years old male killed
Fatima Hassan Aarouni
30s years old female Ibrahim's wife killed
Ghaida’
6 years old female child of Fatima and Ibrahim killed
Sidra
7 years old female child of Fatima and Ibrahim killed
Yaman
2 years old female child of Fatima and Ibrahim killed
Moh
10 years old male child of Fatima and Ibrahim killed
Aghiad
8 years old male child of Fatima and Ibrahim killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Hassan Aarouni
Age unknown male not named by Amnesty but most likely related killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 13
  • (7 children3 women2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Building struck, however no visible damage around the date specified by Amnesty International.

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
  • Stated location
    in Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV020786
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2019

  • Oct. 8, 2017, in Raqqa, Syria, via Amnesty International report. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

"No coalition actions".

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 13
  • (7 children3 women2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Incident Code

CS1666 RS2697

Incident date

November 5, 2017

Location

الصبحة, Al Subha, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.2970537, 40.2363968 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians including two brothers died in airstrikes on al Subha, local media said – though it was unclear who was responsible. Sources attributed blame to both Russia and the US-led Coalition.

According to Al Sharq News “intense” raids by the Coalition were occurring in the area.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Al Natek , they were killed by regime warplanes. Al Hall however blamed Russia, reporting that planes carried out “more than eight raids, killing two displaced men from the town of Mosul and injuring 13 others in additional to demolishing a large number of houses”.

DeirEzzor24 reported “the Deir Ezzor Military Council and the forces of SDF took control of the village of Subha in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor”.

A third victim was later named by Marsad al Sharqiya. The source said that he died as a result of shelling. He was also named by SPC, which blamed the Coalition for his death.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Hammadi Turk Al Ghadhban
Age unknown male brothers, named by Euphrates Post killed
Aboud Turki Al Ghadhban
Age unknown male brothers, named by Euphrates Post killed

The victims were named as:

Nu’man Hamoud al-Hunaidi
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Brothers Aboud Turki Al - Ghadhban Al - Hado and Mohamed Turki Al-Ghadban Al-Hado were killed in a strike on Sabha, Nov 6th (via Ali Aldawla)
  • Brothers Aboud Turki Al - Ghadhban Al - Hado and Mohamed Turki Al-Ghadban Al-Hado were killed in a strike on Sabha, Nov 6th (via Ali Aldawla)
  • Brothers Aboud Turki Al - Ghadhban Al - Hado and Mohamed Turki Al-Ghadban Al-Hado were killed in a strike on Sabha, Nov 6th - one of them depicted here (via Albolil tribe-public figure)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Brothers Aboud Turki Al - Ghadhban Al - Hado and Mohamed Turki Al-Ghadban Al-Hado were killed in a strike on Sabha, Nov 6th (via B.N.N.)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incidents mention the village of Al Subha (الصبحة) for which the coordinates are: 35.2970537, 40.2363968

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 November 5th-6th: “Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three ISIS missiles. Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed an ISIS line of communication and a fighting position.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Sunday 5 November: Two flights of Typhoon FGR4s, armed with Paveway IVs, flew similar missions over eastern Syria. One flight eliminated a mortar team near the border town of Abu Kamal, whilst the second pair of Typhoons successfully conducted four phased attacks against a tunnel complex near Al Mayadin.‘

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military 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

Russian Military
  • 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..

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]