US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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US-led Coalition
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Incident Code

CS957

Incident date

June 10, 2017

Location

سيف الدولة, 23rd February road, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.949412, 39.022963 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians including four from the same family died and several more were injured in what appears to have been an artillery bombardment, according to local sources. Multiple reports said that the Thalji building on 23 February Street was hit by shells.

Most sources referred to “shelling” and “artillery” but didn’t name the culprit. While some laid the blame with the SDF, the Coalition has confirmed to Airwars that only it was conducting artillery strikes on the city in this period. Officials later accepted responsibility for two deaths in the near vicinity that day.

According to Mohammed Ottoman, “two artillery shells landed yesterday evening on the Thalji building on 23 February Street, east of Saif al-Dawla junction. Four people, three of them from the same family, were killed.”

According to the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, “An air strike, apparently from a drone killed the four family members [who were] on the roof of a seven story building feeding their birds when drone missile struck”.

According to Amnesty the building previously identified by Airwars as the targeted building is incorrect. The victims parents and Munaf’s wife and baby were in that apartment on the 3rd floor when the father saw the drone strike and told his wife “the boys have gone”.

In April 2019, the Coalition admitted to killing two civilians. The report submitted to Amnesty International stated: “On 10 June 2017, Coalition self-reported that while conducting a strike against enemy combatants, 2 civilians were unfortunately killed due to proximity to the strike.”

Amna – mother of the victim – said in a testimony that “While the children were up on the roof we were on the balcony and saw a drone and then saw a flash and my husband screamed ‘oh my God, the children have gone’. They were all killed.”

The incident occured at 12:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Ibrahim Ali Ismail Thalji
16 years old male killed
Ahmed Ali Ismail Thalji
14 years old male killed
Munaf Ala’Eddine al-Hassan al-Thalji
17 years old male killed
Moh Walid Bazzat
40 years old male father of Munaf’s wife; he flew all the way down from the roof to the street

The victims were named as:

Hassan Ghalia
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (14) [ collapse]

  • The building on 23 February Street (via Q_ALenzy Twitter)
  • Ahmad and Munaf Al Thalji (via Amnesty International)
  • Ahmad, Munaf and Ibrahim Al Thalji (via Amnesty International)
  • Ahmad, Munaf and Ibrahim Al Thalji (via Amnesty International)
  • Mohammed Walid Bazzat (via Amnesty International)
  • Munaf Al Thalji and his wife Rayan Mohammed Walid (via Amnesty International)
  • Father of the Thalji boys, left blind by a different strike that killed Munaf's wife, Rayan (via Amnesty International)
  • Father of the Thalji boys, left blind by a different strike that killed Munaf's wife, Rayan (via Amnesty International)
  • Mother of the Thalji boys, Amna, pointing to the hole made by the drone's airstrike that killed her 3 sons and her son's father in law (via Amnesty International)
  • The hole made by the drone strike that killed 4 (via Amnesty International)
  • Building viewed from across the street. The boys were on the roof of this 7 storey building feeding their birds when the drone missile struck (via Amnesty International)
  • Close up of the roof on which the boys were when the drone missile struck (via Amnesty International)
  • Ground level view of the 7 storey building on top of which the 4 were killed (via Amnesty International)
  • View of the building from across the street (via Amnesty International)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • The building in which 4 members of the Thalji family were killed seen on satellite imagery before the strike (June 2, 2017)

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

  • The building in which 4 members of the Thalji family were killed seen on satellite imagery after the strike (July 6, 2017)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV0205578331
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 1, 2018

  • June 10, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS UAS launch and recovery site, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 9th-10th: “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, four vehicles, three ISIS headquarters, a VBIED, and an ISIS-held building; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

For 10th-11th it reported: "Near Raqqah, 23 strikes [2 British] engaged 20 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 16 fighting positions, two vehicles, and two ISIS boats; damaged five ISIS supply routes; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit."
The report also noted that "On June 10, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged 9 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, a tunnel, a weapons storage facility, and a command and control node; damaged an ISIS factory; and suppressed a sniper.

Moreover, in its September 2017 casualty report, the Coalition noted: “June 10, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS UAS launch and recovery site, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed.”
It also provided coordinates – 35°56’57.7″N 39°01’22.1″E – placing the event on February 23rd Street east of Saif State Street.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

On the 15/6-17, the French MoD reported: "In the past week, France reports his 31 sorties, 28 of which were Armed Reconnaissance or Ground Support (CAS) and 3 were intelligence gathering. Two strikes were conducted by French planes in Iraq and Syria, one in the west of Raqqah city, and the other in the Al Qaim region, both against ISIL fighters. Task Force Wagram carried out 80 artillery strikes in Mosul."

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 28 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 2 frappes ont été conduites par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, l’une à l’Ouest de la ville de Raqqah, et l’autre dans la région d’Al Qaim, toutes deux contre des combattants de Daech

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1201

Incident date

July 13, 2017

Location

هشام عبد الملك, Ar Raqqah: Hisham Bin Abd Al Malek neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.94006, 39.01885 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Nine civilians including seven children and two women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hisham bin Abdul Malik, according to local sources.

The Shaam News Network said that the strike happened near the Al-Mari’ Bakery, while RFS reported that the bakery itself was struck.

All sources blamed the Coalition, with Sharqiya Voice referring specifically to “a US airstrike”.

In April 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event, noting: “Coalition aircraft conducted two strikes on a Daesh hostile fighting position. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed and two more were unintentionally wounded due to the proximity of these strikes.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the coordinates for this strike accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9
  • (7 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.940833, 39.019167

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
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Hisham Bin Abd al-Malik neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV017773
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019

  • July 13, 2017, near Hisham Bin Abd al-Malik neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted two strikes on a Daesh hostile fighting position. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed and two more were unintentionally wounded due to the proximity of these strikes.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 13th-14th: “Near Raqqah, nine strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed three ISIS communication towers, three fighting positions, a command and control node, a front-end loader, and an artillery system; and damaged three supply routes.” It additionally reported that “On July 13, near Raqqah, Syria, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed five ISIS communication towers.” And that On July 13, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes damaged nine fighting positions and suppressed five mortar teams.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the past week, France reports 21 sorties and 4 strikes, 2 in Raqqa and 2 in Iraq. Task Force Wagram conducted 15 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014, it reports 1311 strikes, 2076 targets destroyed and 6775 sorties.

‘Point de situation des opérations Armée française – Opérations militaires·Thursday, 13 July 2017 CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la manœuvre d’encerclement menée au Sud de la ville pour couper les combattants de Daech de leurs soutiens est terminée. Dans la ville, la progression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes se poursuit maison par maison, face à une défense de Daech faite d’actions permanentes de harcèlement, d’infiltrations et d’attaques suicides menées avec l’aide de boucliers humains. Les Forces armées syriennes se heurtent aux défense de Daech plus à l’Est et les positions se stabilisent. En Irak, Dimanche 9 juillet, le Premier ministre irakien a annoncé la libération de Mossoul. Cette victoire sur l’organisation terroriste marque le succès de forces irakiennes appuyées par les forces aériennes de la Coalition et un soutien artillerie, au cœur d’une stratégie qui aura permis d’affaiblir Daech avant de contre-attaquer en remontant le Tigre et de progresser ensemble jusqu’au cœur de la ville après l’avoir encerclée. Désormais, les forces de sécurité débutent une longue phase de sécurisation de Mossoul. La nécessité de nettoyer la ville des très nombreux pièges posés par Daech, la présence de combattants-suicides disséminés au sein de la population, la probable présence de cellules terroristes dormantes, va imposer aux Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes de poursuivre leurs efforts pendant de longues semaines. Les combats se concentrent désormais dans le secteur de Tall Afar où bon nombre de combattants terroristes ont trouvé refuge après avoir fui la zone de Mossoul. Daech poursuit de son côté ses actions terroristes dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah où l’organisation dispose encore de forces importantes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes dont 19 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 2 missions de recueil de renseignement. 04 frappes ont été réalisées dont 02 dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 15 missions de tir dont 14 de harcèlement et 01 d’éclairement. Le bilan global depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1311 frappes, 2076 objectifs et 6775 sorties. ‘

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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
    9
  • (7 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1754

Incident date

May 27, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa: al Boubadran, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, two civilians were killed and two civilians were injured in a declared Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Soussa on May 27, 2018.

Euphrates Post, Lawhat Bukmalna and Deir Ezzor 24 reported that Issa Mohammed al-Debs, an Abu Kamal local, was killed by an air raid on the Boubdran district of Al Soussa “last Sunday”.

Lawhat Bukmalna later clarified that the incident took place on May 27th. The source also stressed that one civilian was killed in the strike, along with several civilians injured.

However, Euphrates Post and Masar Press also reported the “martyrdom of a woman” in the same district of Al Soussa, on a Sunday but did not provide a name. A later report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights confirmed that both civilians were killed as “International Coalition warplanes fired missiles on al Boubadran neighborhood in al Sousa town”.

In the Department of Defense’s 2022 annual report on civilian casualties (1057 report), released April 25, 2024, the US military admitted that two civilians were killed and two civilians were injured in this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Issa Mohammed al-Debs
Adult male killed
Unknown
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Issa Muhammad al-Dibs, an Abu Kamal local, allegedly killed by a Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of al Soussa (السوسة), for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675. The “al Boubdran (البوبدران)” area or neighbourhood is also mentioned, but Airwars was unable to find any mention of this neighbourhood. It is possibly an area where people of the Bu Badran sub-tribe from the Baggara tribe were living

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2024

  • 27 MAY 18 Al Soussa, Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria, 2 civilians killed, 2 civilians injured

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 27th, the Coalition reported that: “On May 27 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of five engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed three Daesh fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For May 23rd to 29th, France reports that task force Wagram continued its support of the offensive against the last pockets of ISIS in the Euphrates Valley, where it conducted 11 shooting missions. French aircraft carried out 20 sorties, mainly missions of intelligence gathering and aerial reconnaissance. No strikes were carried out.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, l’activité majeure demeure l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie. Réduction des dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, après avoir terminé la conquête de la bande frontalière avec l’Irak, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont débuté avec l’appui de la Coalition, leur progression vers le nord et vers l’ouest où se trouvent les derniers emplacements de Daech. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes maintiennent leur présence sur l’ensemble du territoire et poursuivent la planification d’opérations ciblées. Elles assurent actuellement des missions de ratissage et de contrôle de zone en Ninive et dans l’Anbar. Ces opérations permettent toujours de trouver, désamorcer et détruire de nombreux engins explosifs laissés par Daech. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation des contrôleurs aériens avancés irakiens Les moyens aériens français sont régulièrement engagés depuis le mois de mars dans la formation des contrôleurs aériens avancés irakiens. La formation au sol est réalisée par des instructeurs américains et australiens. Les phases pratiques d’entraînement au guidage sont réalisées avec la participation d’aéronefs français et américains. Au total, trois sessions d’entraînement ont été réalisées en trois mois permettant aux soldats irakiens de travailler leurs procédures de guidage aérien. Ces formations participent à la montée en gamme de l’armée de l’air irakienne qui réalise aujourd’hui régulièrement des frappes contre Daech en totale autonomie. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force Wagram demeure engagée en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, 95 missions de tirs ont été réalisées, dont 11 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 23 au 29 mai). Depuis le début de son engagement, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1754 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se poursuit en appui des forces engagées au sol. Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 23 au 29 mai), essentiellement des missions de recueil de renseignements et de reconnaissance aérienne. Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 8095 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS213

Incident date

May 16, 2016

Location

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al-Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.05732, 40.73538 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians near as Shadadi.

Their December 2016 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on seven ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were inadvertently killed. One civilian passenger in the vehicle was killed and one civilian riding a motorcycle was killed when he came into proximity of the ISIL vehicle after the munition was released.”

CNN Arabic reported a strike on an ISIL vehicle at the time, though made no mention of civilian casualties.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 36.056316, 40.730438

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
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released, Inside target vehicle
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near As Shaddadi, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV563917
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 1, 2016

  • May 16, 2016, near As Shaddadi, Syria: During a strike on seven ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were inadvertently killed. One civilian passenger in the vehicle was killed and one civilian riding a motorcycle was killed when he came into proximity of the ISIL vehicle after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 16th-17th. the Coalition reported at the time that “Near Al Shadaddi, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI783

Incident date

June 23, 2017

Location

Mosul, junction of Al Farouq and Al Makkawi streets, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.345194, 43.12475 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 deaths of two civilians in an attack on Mosul’s Old City.

Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS artillery position, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a one-metre box. The location given placed the event near the junction of Al Farouq and Al Makkawi streets.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Coalition airstrike with confirmed civilian casualties in Old Mosul. Satellite base map: Google Maps

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3171923867
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017

  • June 23, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS artillery position, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 22nd-23rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 16 fighting positions, eight medium machine guns, three mortar systems, an artillery system, an ISIS-held building, and a rocket-propelled grenade system; damaged a fighting position; and suppressed two mortar teams and an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally reported that “On June 22, near Mosul, Iraq, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven vehicles, two medium machine guns, two rocket-propelled grenade systems, an ISIS staging area, a fighting positon, and a VBIED; and suppressed two mortar teams.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS296

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Location

لقطة, La'ata, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9635, 39.00444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilian males were killed in Coalition strikes at La’ata. The US later admitted responsibility, noting: “Near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that two civilians were killed.”

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, dawn air raids targeted four houses in the village: “These homes were expropriated by Daesh and are inhabited by their members. They are at a clash points with Kurdish militias.”

According to the Syrian Network the men died in attacks on separate villages: “Be’r Assi village, Wednesday 17 August 2016: Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired missiles that targeted Be’r Assi village, located in the northern suburbs of Al Raqqa and is under the control of ISIS, which resulted in the killing of Mr. Ismail Barhou Al Dalou.

Laqta village, Wednesday 17 August 2016: Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted Laqta village, located in the northern suburbs of Al Raqqa and is under the control of ISIS, which resulted in the killing of Mr. Hamad Al Eissa.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hamad al-Isa
Adult male From al Khuwera killed
Ismael Barho al-Dalo
Adult male From Bi’er Assi killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 36.2766277, 39.2495796

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV004799
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 9, 2016

  • August 17, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that two civilians were killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 16th-17th the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in the vicinity.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI366

Incident date

December 9, 2016

Location

Mosul, Furqan mosque, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.338068, 43.16711 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 admitted in its February 2017 civilian casualty report that it had likely killed two civilians during a strike on an ISIL road repair team.

As the report noted: “Dec. 9, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIL construction equipment in the process of repairing cratered roads it is assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast when they entered the target area just prior to the munition’s impact.”

In February 2017, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a one metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3550523005
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2017

  • Dec. 9, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIL construction equipment in the process of repairing cratered roads it is assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast when they entered the target area just prior to the munition’s impact.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

At the time, the Coalition publicly noted for December 9th-10th that “Near Mosul, nine strikes [3 British] engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed seven ISIL-held buildings, five vehicles, 10 fighting positions, eight front-end loaders, three mortar systems, two weapon caches, an excavator, an armored vehicle, and a heavy weapons system; damaged 11 supply routes and two ISIL compounds; and suppressed an ISIL tactical unit.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS426

Incident date

January 6, 2017

Location

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.99805, 36.78559 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A reported unilateral US airstrike targeted and possibly killed Sheikh Yones Shoaib, aka Abu Hassan Taftanaz – a key leader of Fatah al-Sham. However his 15-year old son Hasan Younes Shoeaib also reportedly died, along with at least one other relative. The Syrian Observatory later questioned whether Sheikh Yones Shoaib in fact died.

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this allegation of civilian harm, though claimed it to have been an attack on ISIS. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.” In May 2020, the Pentagon declared this as a US action.

According to Enab Baladi at the time of the event, “A drone belonging to the international Coalition led by the United States, carried out a raid on the town of Taftanaz in the countryside of Idlib this afternoon, caused the deaths of Shoaib and his son, a 15-year-old and his relative, former member of the Nusra Front, Mohamed Kamal Shoaib (Abu Omar).”

Shaam News said that Shoaib’s home was targeted by a drone in the attack, and that along with the three deaths several unspecified people were injured. Baladi News said that land next to the house was targeted.

Syria analyst Charles Lister – pointing out the increase in US attacks on al Nusra, noted: “Nusra/JFS’s decision to operate as a mass movement – in the open and embedded as one component of a broader armed revolution has laid it out as intrinsically vulnerable to (a) air attack and (2) external infiltration.”

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hasan Younes Shoeaib
15 years years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known targets
    Al Qaeda/HTS, ISIS

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via Jisir TV)
  • Sheikh Yones Shoaib (Abu Hassan Taftanaz), a leading figure in the "front Fateh Sham" (via Enab Baladi)
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition providing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated this event to 35.9976603, 36.7856598. In June 2019 the Coalition provided 37SCV004860 as the MGRS for this event.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Taftanaz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCV004860
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2019

  • Jan. 6, 2017, near Taftanaz, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For January 6th-7th the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Idlib, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.” However given that strikes on al Nusra are generally unilateral US actions, this may not refer to this incident.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known targets
    Al Qaeda/HTS, ISIS

Sources (17) [ collapse]