US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Syria
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Belligerent Assessment
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Incident Code

CS062

Incident date

March 8, 2015

Location

Mundbaith Refinery, Tal Abyad, Raqqa, Syria

Airwars assessment

Up to 30 people, including civilian oilworkers and alleged ISIL militants, died in a night time strike on Mundbaith Refinery according to multiple reports.

Ara noted that “The bombing also caused the breaking of glass in houses near the border including shops on the Turkish side, causing panic among the population, and the evacuation of houses near the border city of Agca Kalla.” One badly injured civilian was named as Abdullah Abd Al Abdullah.


According to an internal CENTCOM assessment, a review quickly concluded that the claims were “Not credible” the Combined Air Operations Center also concluded that there was “insufficient information to determine CIVCAS.” The declassified report also noted that care had been taken before the strike to ensure that no oil transportation trucks were in the vicinity.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdullah Abd Al Abdullah
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 15
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'Activists say airstrikes by a U.S.-led coalition hit a Syrian oil refinery held by the Islamic State group. Activists say the strikes late Sunday night targeted a refinery near the Turkish-Syrian border. (March 9)' (via AP)

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.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2015

  • Responding to a query from Airwars, Centcom stated on October 27th 2015 that “After careful review and based on the best available evidence” it had found that “allegations of civilian casualties by the Coalition were unfounded and deemed not credible.”

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition noted for March 8th-9th 2015 that “Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL modular oil refinery and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 15
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1871

Incident date

December 11, 2018

Location

الكشمة, Al Kashma, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6205556, 40.9386111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged Coalition airstrike on a house reportedly killed 15 civilians from one family on the night of December 11th, in Al-Kashma.

All sources said that the airstrike was conducted in Al-Kashma, except for Al-Shaafa Facebook page which reported that the event was in the adjacent village of Al-Shaafa.

Possibly explaining the confusion, Andolu News Agency reported that “sources pointed out that the bombing targeted the area of ​​al-Kashma adjacent to the town of Al-Shafa, which is controlled by the terrorist organization Daesh.”

According to one source, an unknown number of people were injured.

According to a Radio Al Kul correspondent “The 15 dead were in one house, most of them children and women from one family, and a number of young people were not known whether they were civilians or fighters in the Daesh district”.

Qasioun said all of those killed were from one family.

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

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (2–4 children2–4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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 (22) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For December 11th, the Coalition reported: "On Dec. 11 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 21 strikes consisting of 43 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 21 strikes [3 or more British] engaged 15 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 16 fighting positions, five staging areas, two supply routes, one improvised explosive device facility, one building, one piece of engineering equipment, one vehicle and suppressed one mortar."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the fight against ISIS, Dutch F-16's supported ground troops during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 6 missions. The aircrafts were operational above Syrian provide Deir Al Zour near Abu Kamal and targeted vehicles, logistical places and IS-fighters.

In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 6 werden wapens ingezet. De toestellen kwamen in actie boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour bij Abu Kamal. Hierbij zijn voertuigen, logistieke opslagplaatsen en strijders aangevallen.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Tuesday 11 December – a Reaper attacked three Daesh positions in and around Hajin, including a mortar team... Another Reaper continued to support the SDF on Tuesday 11 December; its crew identified a group of Daesh with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades, firing at the SDF, and engaged them with a Hellfire missile. The Reaper’s crew then observed another group of terrorists repositioning after a firefight with the SDF, and caught them in the open with a second Hellfire. Meanwhile, a coalition surveillance aircraft had identified a Daesh mortar team operating under cover of trees, and was able to direct the Reaper onto this target, which was successfully attacked with a GBU-12 guided bomb.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For December 5th to 11th, France reports that it carried out 20 sorties and 7 strikes. Task Force Wagram carried out 38 firing missions (20 lighting, 18 destruction). Since November 21, 161 fire missions have been carried out and nearly 1,000 shells have been fired. Airwars reached out to French MoD to ask where the airstrikes were conducted and was told that all seven strikes were near Hajin

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Ø Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Dans la région d’Hajine, dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, profitant de conditions météo défavorables, Daech a mené plusieurs attaques. Celles-ci se sont à nouveau heurtées à des frappes aériennes et des tirs d’artillerie de la coalition. Au bilan, grâce à l’appui de la coalition, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) ont repris leur progression méthodique dans la zone. Ø Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, la situation est inchangée. L’activité de Daech est contrainte par les opérations des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI). A la frontière, l’effort visant à contrer toute tentative d’infiltration de Daech depuis la Syrie est maintenu. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La frégate légère furtive Aconit patrouille en Méditerranée orientale dans le cadre de la fonction stratégique connaissance et anticipation. Ø 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 (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes qui luttent contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé cette semaine, depuis le territoire irakien, 38 missions de tir (20 éclairement, 18 destruction – bilan du 28 novembre au 4 décembre inclus). En trois semaines, Wagram a fourni un effort important pour stopper les contre-attaques de Daech puis appuyer les opérations des FDS qui reprennent l’initiative dans les derniers réduits tenus par l’organisation terroriste. Ainsi, depuis le 21 novembre, 161 missions de tir ont été réalisées et près de 1000 obus ont été tirés. Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2326 missions de tirs. Ø Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 5 au 11 décembre inclus). Les Rafale français ont été significativement engagés dans l’appui aux FDS puisque les équipages ont conduit 7 frappes cette semaine permettant de neutraliser 9 objectifs ennemis. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8708 sorties / 1489 frappes / 2292 objectifs neutralisés. Ø Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille également les brigades subordonnées, dont la 106ème brigade d’artillerie irakienne. La TF Narvik, poursuit sa mission de formation et de conseil de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Le stage de formation au recueil de renseignement s’est achevé après six semaines d’instruction. Narvik forme actuellement les Irakiens dans les domaines suivants : mise en œuvre d’armes lourdes, combat motorisé, lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés, sauvetage au combat et tir de précision.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (2–4 children2–4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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 (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS631 CS176a

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Location

تل الجاير, 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

An airstrike targeted a local taxi bus killing between ten and 15 civilians including up to seven children according to sources – although there was disagreement over whether the Coalition or Russia was responsible.

According to the Hassakah Youth Movement, “the Hyundai belongs to Hussein Morei Al Atiya [who died in the attack]. Mr Atiya transports villagers to Al Hassaka on a daily basis to the goat market in the city.” It added that five of those who died were from the Al Addad family – who had recently been detained by Daesh and were only released that day.

The Syrian Network, the VDC and All4Syria blamed Russia.

In a detailed later report, the Damascus Center later noted: “At approximately 9:35am on Wednesday February 17 2016, the skies of  South Hasaka witnessed a squadron of fighter jets, the colours of which were white and dark white – thought by activists in the field and observers to be Russian aircraft.“

Orient News said 10 were killed, while Sinna put the death toll at 12, including “two children who came out of an IS prison in exchange for a fine and were on their way to the city of Hasaka“. The media activist “yaman Al_huskkawi” said that the strike was on a public bus. Both sources said that Russia was responsible.

However other sources alleged that the Coalition may have been responsible.

Shaam News noted: “Activists said an anonymous aircraft believed to belong to the international alliance targeted a civilian car in a village in the area of Abd al Aziz mountain on its way to the city of Hasaka. This resulted in the deaths of ten civilian passengers and the injuring of others.”

Al-arabeya reported: “Warplanes thought to be from the coalition lead by the United States ( though not sure) targeted a civilian car in Jayer town, Hasaka near Mountain Abdulaziz which killed 10 people and wounded others. The car owner is a civilian and used to pick up passenger daily to the sheep market.”

Alhayat also blamed the Coalition, putting the death toll at 15 including three children, as well as nine members of ISIS.

Six victims including two children were named.

Plus four unnamed civilians. According to Sinna there were four unidentified children.

In their February 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abd al-Aziz al-Addad Abu Shahin
60 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Faysal Abd al-Aziz al-Addad
35 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Mohammad al-Hamdo
19 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Rageb al-Attalah
16 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Ahmad al-Hwail
14 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Hosain Morei al-Atia
Adult male Listed by VDC, Driver killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 15
  • (2–7 children4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, US-led Coalition

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Video of the alleged strikes. (via, Jisr TV)
  • Aftermath of an attack on the market. (via, Al-arabeya news)

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

Russia has published no known record of strikes in Syria from February 17th – February 29th.

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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV890897
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2020

  • Feb. 17, 2016, in Tal Al Jayer, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2907/CS176a 37SFV890897

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 16th-17th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Al Hasakah, four strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL vehicles, four ISIL buildings, and an ISIL fighting position.”
And for February 17th-18th it reported that “Near Al Hasakah, four strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL building.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 15
  • (2–7 children4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, US-led Coalition

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS416 TS024

Incident date

December 16, 2016

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

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

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

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

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

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al-Bab (الباب), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.371972, 37.51631. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1224

Incident date

July 13, 2017

Location

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

Geolocation

35.93963, 39.01852 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 9 and up to 15 members of the Salamah family died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa’s Hisham Bin Abd al Malek neghbourhood. Local media reported this incident in July of 2017: According to Ahmad al Shibli, Marwan Al Salama and his entire family of nine people were killed when a Coalition missile struck their home. Alraqqa Alhadath reported that Mr Al Salama was an engineer.Step News Agency put the death toll higher at 12 “from the same family”, while Raqqa rwb reported that ” 15 senior and young people” from the family, which had been displaced from Deir Ezzor, were still unaccounted for.

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 found that 9 members of the Salamah family were killed in this strike and were able to identify the precise location. The report notes: “Immediately after a double air strike killed 10 Shabshoul family members and neighbour on 13 July 2017, a third air strike destroyed a house across the road, where the Salamah family was sheltering, killing Baydoor al-Jarad-Salamah and her daughter, Iman al-Dueihi-Salamah and her three children, and the chidren’s grandfather.” One of the survivors, Majid, spoke to Amnesty researchers: “My wife and I had waited for 13 years for a child and finally we had been blessed with a lovely daughter, Aya, who was 15 months old. Both Aya and my wife were killed killed in the strike.” The investigation also found that the strike took place between 8.30 and 8.45 pm on July 13, 2017, whereas Airwars had initially reported that it took place on July 17, 2017.

The incident occured between 8:30 pm and 8:45 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (12)

Marwan Salama
67 years old male Majid and Sajid's father killed
Sajid Marwan Salamah
Adult male killed
Qaed Marwan Salama
Adult male killed
Shifa’a Salame
Adult female killed
Badoor Fayek al Jarad
35 years old female Majid's wife killed
Iman al Dweihi
37 years old female Sajid's wife killed
Marwan Sajid Salamah
7 years old male Sajid's son killed
Lian Sajid Salamah
Child female killed
Lamar Sajid Salamah
Child male killed
Kinan Sajid Salameh
2 years old male Sajid's son killed
Aya Marqan Salamah
1 year, 3 months years old female Majid's daughter killed
Maia
6 years old female Sajid's daughter

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 15
  • (4 children3 women)
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Ayman Abdul Wahab Al-Duweihi, the wife of Sajid Al-Salama, and her sons Marwan, Mayar and Kanan, Majid Marwan Al Salama and Bodor Jarad, killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike on Ar Raqqah: Hisham Bin Abd al Malek neighbourhood, 17th July 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Children of the family who were killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike on Ar Raqqah: Hisham Bin Abd al Malek neighbourhood, 17th July 2017. (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • House in which 9 members of the Salamah family died before the strike (July 7, 2017)

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

  • House in which 9 members of the Salamah family died after the strike (July 19, 2017)

    Imagery:
    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 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
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • July 17, 2017 near Hisham Bin Abd al-Malik neighborhood, 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 July 17th-18th: “Near Raqqah, 16 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positions, two ISIS-held buildings, a tactical vehicle and an UAS.” It additionally reported that “On July 17, near Raqqah, Syria, nine strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed a fighting position and an ISIS command and control node.”

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 – 15
  • (4 children3 women)
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1557 RS2579

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Location

Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.466049, 40.907593 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between nine and 15 civilians died, including an entire family, following alleged airstrikes in a second reported ‘massacre’ at Abu Kamal in 24 hours. Reports were contested: some sources blamed the Coalition, while others believed Russia were the likely culprit. Many of the known sources did not apportion blame.

The strikes were conducted after midnight, according to Syrian Press Center, which published a list of the dead, originally posted by Furat Post (the IS Russian language propaganda outlet). However, a list was later reported by various other media sources.

Free Deir Ezzor reported reported that in the last few days more that 20 civilians were killed in Abu Kamal alone, however these numbers were not seemingly relevant to this particular incident.

A tenth fatality was documented by Free Deir Ezzor, though the identity of the person was not recorded. That report alleged that the US-led Coalition had carried out “several thermal missile strikes” on the outskirts of Aisha hospital, a street near the market and Dwar Egyptian.

JisirTV reported that “The international coalition aircraft carried out a new massacre in the town of Bu Kamal in the eastern suburb of Deir al-Azur, killing 13 civilians, nine of them from one family, and 15 others were seriously injured.”

Greater detail on location was provided by the Euphrates Post, which said that raids targeted “the shoulder and grain silos and near the Al-Shafei Mosque and the Egyptian roundabout in the city”. The report added “the situation is very tragic due to the total interruption of electricity and drinking water for months”.

There was also huge destruction to civilian homes.

Baladi and the Syrian Network for Human Rights suspected Russia to be the culprit, Baladi referred to “unidentified aircraft likely to be Russian”. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights recorded 12 dead, including four women. It did not allocate blame. The highest death toll was reported by Jisirtv at 13, with 15 were seriously wounded, according to its report. It attributed blame to the US-led Coalition.

The number of dead was likely to increase according to a source due to the severity of some of the injuries. Footage shows civilians received medial treatment in hospital in the aftermath.

A local source tweeted that “More than 20 Russian planes have raided civilians today”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Yasin Al-Hamdawi
Adult male killed
Yassin Al-Hamdawi’s wife
Adult female killed
daughter of Slaiman Yaseen al-Hamdawi
Child female killed

Family members (2)

Hamza Al Rabi’
Adult male killed
Hamza al-Rabi’s wife
Adult female killed

Family members (2)

Nuri Kassar
Adult male killed
Zuhair Kamel Kassar
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Kamol Al Kassar
Adult male killed
Zuhair Kamol Al Kassar
Age unknown male killed
Abdullah Yasin Al-Hamdawi
Adult male killed
The daughter of Suleiman Yassin al-Hamdawi
Age unknown female killed
Manaf Al Rahoumi
Adult male killed
Zumurod Jamal al Zuhri
Child female killed
wife of Dr. Yaqoub Al-Thunoun
Adult female killed
Mohammed Adnan Al-Muthour
31 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 15
  • (2 children4 women7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (50) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • What is believed to be a Russian/Soviet RBK bomb (canister of cluster bomblets), from an airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via Soundandpicture)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via Soundandpicture)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via Soundandpicture)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via Soundandpicture)
  • Zumurod Jamal al Zuhri, killed in alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via @WmCWofaEmTYeTGr)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via Abdelsalamali1)
  • Hamza Hammadi Al Rabi’, killed in an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via Seif Salem Al Rabi’)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured civilians in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via Houcine Jelassi)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured civilians in the aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via Houcine Jelassi)
  • Mohammed Adnan Al-Muthour, killed in alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • News bulletin reporting on an alleged Russian and Coalition raid on Abu Kamal, 1st October 2017. (via JisirTV)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes in the city of Abu Kamal (أبو كمال) for which the coordinates are: 34.466049, 40.907593. Some of these struck near the grain silos (34.457243, 40.893602), Aisha Hospital area (34.46068, 40.907956), Al-Misria roundabout (المصریة), market street, shoulder street (الكتف), and the Shafei mosque (الشافعي).    

  • Location of the grain silos and the Aisha Hospital within the city of Abu Kamal (أبو كمال).

    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 Abu Kamal, 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 30th – October 1st the Coalition reported “Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed an ISIS well head and engaged two tactical units” For October 1st – October 2nd the Coalition reported “Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed two ISIS well heads and a fighting position.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 15
  • (2 children4 women7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (50) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS590

Incident date

March 19, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8295049, 38.5360909 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between ten and 15 civilians died and 20 or more were injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, according to local sources.

Qasioun reported: “According to A’maq [ISIL], Coalition warplanes raids in Tabaqa targeted the fire station and the bakery and killed 10 civilians and wounded 19. Coalition warplanes also targeted the second street near the cultural center, according to a local source.”

Al Jazeera said that “according to activists, Coalition warplanes led by the USA killed six people from the same family in the slaughter house area in Tabaqa”. The Syrian Network for Human Rights – also pointing to the Coalition – reported the death of six civilians from the same family, including a child and a woman.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently put the death toll at 12 or more, reporting that “air raids launched by the international coalition on Tabaqa city targeted a house near al Kanissa [the church] roundabout and the fire station and the automatic bakery in the city.”

The media media activist Muhab Nasser, “quoting civilian sources from the city of Al Tabaqa, told Syria News Desk that 12 civilians were killed and 17 others, including children, wounded yesterday night, as a result of raids by the coalition of different locations within the city, western. He added that the raids targeted residential sites near the parking lot, the fire building, Al Kanissa street [ church street] and the cultural center in the second district, the field hospital and residential buildings near the automated bakery in the center of the city, causing extensive damage to the residential buildings and the exit of the field hospital.”

The Shaam News Network put the death toll as high as 15, again attributing the incident to the Coalition. The source said that the jets struck several points in the city, “including the garage market, the slaughter house and the fire station”.

Q_Alenzy named the victims of a Coalition strike.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Abdul Jabbar Sahari
Age unknown male killed
Izz Al-Deen Sahari
Age unknown killed

Family members (6)

Ismail Al-Qabas
Adult male killed
Wife of Ismaiel Al-Qabas
Adult female
Daughter of Ismail Al-Qabas
Child female killed
Abdulkareem Al-Qabas
Age unknown male killed
Maher Al-Qabas
Age unknown killed
Wael Al-Qabas
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 15
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–20
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (20) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded man is treated for a head injury following an alleged Coalition raid on Al Tabaqa, March 19th 2017. (via Shariya Voice)
  • Bodies are pulled from the rubble following an alleged Coalition raid on Al Tabaqa, March 19th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The bakery burning following an alleged Coalition airstrike in Tabaqah, 19th March 2017. (via Thoaralraqqa)
  • Either Abu Ammar Sahari or Izzo Sahari, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Either Abu Ammar Sahari or Izzo Sahari, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bodies being dug up from the rubble following alleged Coalition airstrikes on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Bodies being dug up from the rubble following alleged Coalition airstrikes on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on multiple locations in Al Tabaqa, 19th March 2017. (via RBSS)
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 Tabaqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV580651
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018

  • After a review of available information and the 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 March 19th-20th it stated: “Near Ar Raqqah, 18 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 10 fighting positions, six barges, three ISIS headquarters, a tactical vehicle, an IED factory, and a weapons factory; and damaged a supply route.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 15
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–20
  • 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 (33) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1086

Incident date

June 25, 2017

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

At least two civilian males were killed and six others were injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Soussa in the east of Deir Ezzor governorate, a number of local sources reported.

Some sources reported that as many as six people died while JP News alleged that 15 people were killed. However, they were the minority among a large number of reports from the incident. Two male victims were identified by name and another six injured were identified.

From the 12 sources that reported the incident, 11 alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ayman Jassim Hassan al Jijan
Age unknown male injured
Tala’at Abdul-Razzaq al Jijan
Age unknown female injured
Faisal Hamad Hassan al Jijan
Age unknown male injured

Family members (2)

Hussein Ahmed al Sattam
Age unknown male injured
Abdul-Razzaq Muza’ed al Sattam
Age unknown male injured

The victims were named as:

Hamoud Mahmoud Khadeir al A’sman
Age unknown male killed
Adnan Ahmed al Sattam
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Jassim al Fadhil al Khudair
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 15
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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]

  • Reported destruction of civilian homes following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa, June 25th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported destruction of civilian homes following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa, June 25th (via Euphrates post)
  • Reported destruction of civilian homes following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa, June 25th (via Euphrates post)
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 Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU797230
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 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 June 24th-25th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three ISIS-held buildings, two command and control nodes, an ISIS staging area, a mortar system, a tactical vehicle, and an ISIS oil refinery.“

For June 25th-26th, “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed six ISIS oil storage tanks, four ISIS pump jacks and two ISIS facilities.” It additionally reported that “On June 25, near Dayr az Zawr, one strike destroyed an ISIS-held building.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 15
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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]