US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident Code

CS708

Incident date

April 18, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Al Tabaqa, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

In a second reported incident for the day, a single source, Smart News Agency, reported “warplanes targeted the Mohammed Al-Faris school in Al Tabaqa, killing two prisoners, one prisoner from SDF and the other a civilian, and wounding five others.”

Smart said it was unable to identify the victims. A local source reported prisoners were held in the basement of the school.

No further details are currently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

The report of the incident mentions the city of Al Tabaqa (الطبقة‎, also known as Al Thawra, الثورة‎) in Raqqa governorate. The coordinates for Al Tabaqa are: 35,8295049, 38,5360909. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to further locate the Mohammed Al-Faris school, which the report states was the target of the air strike.

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 Al Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, seven strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units, destroyed three fighting positions and damaged six fighting positions.”

For April 18th-19th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Monday 17 April – Typhoons struck a further target in Syria, south of Tabqah, and Tornados destroyed a heavy machine-gun in Rawah, western Iraq…On Monday 17 April, the Tornados operated over western Iraq, where a heavy machine-gun had been spotted, concealed within a grove of trees at Rawah. A single Paveway IV destroyed the weapon. Typhoons continued their support to the SDF west of Raqqah, and conducted a successful Paveway attack on a group of terrorists positioned in a treeline to the south of Tabqah.’

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS741

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently a 13- years-old female civilian died from fright following the sounds of air raids on the city of Raqqa at dawn today.”

RFS reported that “in Al Raqqa, the 13-year-old girl…died of heart attack as a result of fear of the bombing of Al Raqqa city by Coalition aircraft. The raids focused on the perimeter of the 17th Brigade north of the city and the new bridge area south of the city.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Diana Abdel Min’em Hamidi
13 years old female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Diana Abdel Min’em Hamidi, who reportedly died at dawn, April 28th, when she heard the sound of air raids in Raqqa (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 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
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility. (1393)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 26th-27th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, four strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a front-end loader, a fighting position, and a mortar team. Near Tabqah, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions.”
For April 27th-28th: “Near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed a command and control node and a front-end loader. Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, two command and control nodes, two bunkers, and an ISIS staging area.“

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For the past week, France reports carrying out 54 sorties and six strikes – 1 in Iraq and 5 in Syria. There was a special effort this week in support of operations in the Raqqah region with three strikes reported there. Task Force Wagram carried out 30 artillery missions in Mosul] 'CHAMMAL ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION Status of operations as of April 27, 2017 In Syria the SDS continued to garner territorial gains at the expense of the terrorist organization. In the Tabqah region, progress continues in the city itself and around the dam. In the Raqqah region, the defensive perimeter of Daesh north of the city continues to shrink. In Iraq, Daesh continued its asymmetric actions and seeks to take advantage of weather that is not conducive to effective coalition air support. In the Mosul region, the situation continues to evolve favorably for ISPs. In the north-west, on the outskirts of the city, the 9th Division has paused in its progression to focus on securing the area under its control, including to counter attempts infiltrations of terrorist groups. Further south, in the districts of the city of Mosul, the ICTS and the FEDPOL continue their methodical progress aimed at isolating the medina. These units are facing continuing resistance from Daesh members, who this week launched unsuccessful counter-attacks from the Medina. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMMAL FORCE Fire support - TF Wagram The Task Force (TF) Wagram continued this week its shooting missions in support of the 9th Iraqi Division engaged in the Badush region. It carried out 30 firing missions in support of Iraqi units, as part of their operations to secure the area against groups of Daesh seeking to infiltrate. It is, in equal proportions, missions of shelling or destruction against Daesh units. Air support to the Levant This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal made 54 sorties, including 40 for armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS), 3 for air command and control, 5 for refueling, and 6 for intelligence gathering. Six strikes were carried out by French aircraft in Iraq and Syria, with a special effort this week to support operations in the Raqqah region.

‘CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION Point de situation des opérations au 27 avril 2017 En Syrie les FDS ont continué à engranger des gains territoriaux aux dépends de l’organisation terroriste. Dans la région de Tabqah, la progression se poursuit dans la ville même et aux abords du barrage. Dans la région de Raqqah, le périmètre défensif de Daech au Nord de la ville continue de se réduire. En Irak, Daech a poursuivi ses actions asymétriques et cherche à tirer parti d’une météo peu favorable à l’efficacité des appuis aériens de la coalition. Dans la région de Mossoul, la situation continue à évoluer favorablement pour les FSI. Au nord-ouest, sur les abords de la ville, la 9e division a marqué une pause dans sa progression pour se concentrer sur la sécurisation de la zone sous son contrôle, notamment pour contrer les tentatives infiltrations de groupes terroristes. Plus au sud, dans les quartiers de la ville de Mossoul, l’ICTS et les FEDPOL poursuivent leur progression méthodique visant à isoler la médina. Ces unités font face à une résistance toujours aussi vive de la part des membres de Daech, qui cette semaine ont lancé, sans succès, plusieurs contre-attaques depuis la médina. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions de tir en appui de la 9e division irakienne engagée dans la région de Badush. Elle a réalisé 30 missions de tir en appui des unités irakiennes, dans le cadre de leurs opérations de sécurisation de la zone face à des groupes de Daech cherchant à s’infiltrer. Il s’agit, dans des proportions égales, de missions de tirs éclairants ou de destruction contre des unités de Daech. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 54 sorties aériennes dont 40 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 3 de commandement et de contrôle aérien, 5 de ravitaillement, et 6 de recueil de renseignements. 6 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, avec un effort particulier consenti cette semaine en appui des opérations dans la région de Raqqah.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS773

Incident date

May 5, 2017

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.83917, 38.74288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, a young man died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mansoura.

Raqqa Post reported he died when his car was targeted.

There is no additional information at present.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Basil al-Issa al-Jassim
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Basil al-Issa al-Jassim died in alleged Coalition strikes on Al Masoura, May 5th (via AL Ragga Truth)
  • Basil al-Issa al-Jassim photographed in the snow - he died in alleged Coalition strikes on Al Mansoura, May 5th (via @7UFCmSxd0IUBffH)
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 Mansoura, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV767661
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 4th-5th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, three strikes destroyed a front-end loader and an ISIS well head. Near Tabqah, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positons and a vehicle.”
For May 5th-6th: “Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed two front-end loaders and damaged a dam. Near Tabqah, seven strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed two ISIS boats, two vehicles, two fighting positions and a VBIED.” It later added that “Near Tabqah, Syria, May 5th, two strikes destroyed a fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS807

Incident date

May 12, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Three civilians from one family and an additional person died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the Third neighbourhood of Tabaqa, according to local media.

SheroAlo1 said that “the family of the media activist Wassim Abdou“, died in a Coaltion strike, adding that the victims were still under the rubble.

According to Etihad Press – “a member of the coordination of the Kurdish brotherhood” – was killed along with his wife and daughter. Again, the source pointed towards the Coalition, as did Al Hassaka Rasd.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the deaths of a man and “his wife and grandson”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mohammed Abdo Manan
Adult male killed
Wife of Mohammed Abdo Manan
Adult female killed
The Grandson of Mohammed Abdo Manan
male killed

Family members (3)

Wassim Abdou
Age unknown male killed
Wife of Wassim Abdou
Adult female killed
Daughter of Wassim Abdou
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 child1–2 women2 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The family of media activist Wassim Abdo killed in the alleged International Coalition attacks on their house in Tabaqah, May 12th (via @SheroAlo1)
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 Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV580669
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 11th-12th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, 11 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, seven tactical vehicles, a vehicle and a supply cache.”

For May 12th - 13th, the Coalition reported: "Near Tabqah, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a tactical vehicle and a vehicle"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1 child1–2 women2 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS840

Incident date

May 19, 2017

Location

سهلة البنات, Sahlab al Banat, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

According to Al Raqqa Truth, “Abdel Rahman Najjar was martyred while being displaced in coalition raids on Sahlat al Banat yesterday. A number of people were injured in his family. They are from al Mashlab neighbourhood.”

The victim was also named by Raqqa Maydaniya, who blamed the Coalition for his death.

Osama Abdallah posted confirmation of the death of his grandfather, Abdel Rahman Najjar, on Facebook: “After my grandfather Abdel Rahman al Najjar Abou Ahmad was martyred in the coalition raid on Sahlat al Banat village in Raqqa, my cousins left on Thursday 18/5/2017 looking for a car to leave al Mashlab village in Raqqa. We haven’t heard anything from them since. The first is Izzedin Mohammad Abdallah al Najjar and the second is Abdel Rahman Ahmad Abdel Rahman Abdallah al Najjar. I call on all my friends in Raqqa and the surrounding area if anyone sees them or hears anything about them please let us know. Many thanks.”

In an August Amnesty report, field researchers interviewed relatives of Abdel Rahman Najjar who stated that “At least six building were hit, five houses and the driving school. When the firing began everyone ran from the houses and into the fields.” The report confirms the death of “Abd al-Rahman al-Abdulla”, aged 72, as well as two other boys who were already mentioned in incident S734a.

It is important to note that in the the interview, the interviewee states that the strike took place around 5pm on May 21st. However, most local sources had already reported the incident before that date.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdel Rahman Najjar
72 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Abdel Rahman Najjar, killed in an alleged Coalition raid on Sahlat al Banat, May 19th (via Al Ragga Truth)
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 Sahlab al Banat, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV050809
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 18th-19th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed four fighting positions, two tunnels, two VBIED facilities, a mortar system, a vehicle, a supply cache, an ISIS headquarters, a weapons cache, and a tactical vehicle; and damaged three fighting positions.” It was additionally reported that on May 18th “Near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed an ISIS headquarters, an ISIS-held building and an ISIS recruiting station.”
For May 19th-20th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, three strikes [1 British?] engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions and a heavy machine gun."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

"Friday 19 May – Tornados struck seven Daesh targets in Mosul, whilst Typhoons bombed a group of extremists east of Raqqah…The following day [May 19th] , Tornados provided further support to the Iraqi ground forces, despite very challenging conditions as a dust storm raged. Again, a mixture of Brimstones and Paveway IVs were used to engage seven Daesh positions within the city, including a sniper team and a mortar, despite the Iraqi forces being extremely close to the targets on occasion. In Syria, Typhoons supported the SDF and bombed a group of terrorists caught in the open a few miles to the east of Raqqah."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS872

Incident date

May 27, 2017

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.83917, 38.74288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two detainees were reportedly killed in a suspected Coalition air raid.

Local reports said that a group of prisoners being held by ISIL in Mansoura were killed or injured by Coalition airstrikes on the prison. Several outlets, including Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered (RBSS) put the death toll at two. Al Araby said three died.

Tabaqa Media Centre and Alragga Truth identified one of the civilian detainees. The Violations Documentation Center named the other victim; Azouz Askar al Obaid al Ashour from Sukhna Homs. According to RBSS, he was arrested a not long before the airstrike on charges of photographing the house of a relative after it had been destroyed by an airstrike. No further details are currently available.

In its December 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition confirmed that “During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS headquarters building it was assessed the three civilians were unintentionally killed.” However officials have refused to provide co-ordinates for the event, meaning that we cannot presently determine whether this was incident S763; S765; S766; S767; S768 or perhaps a new event.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hussein Hamoud Al-Shaheen
Adult male killed
Azouz Askar al Obaid al Ashour
Adult male from Sukhna Homs killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Hussein Hamoud Al-Shaheen, one of the detainees who was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on May 27th, 2017 (via Alraqqah Truth posted May 29th, 2017).
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Mansoura, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV013787
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 26th-27th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven vehicles, five fighting positions, three tunnels, an ISIS headquarters and an ISIS staging area.“
For May 27th-28th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three ISIS headquarters, an ISIS staging area and a VBIED." For May 27th it added that "Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a six fighting positions, an ISIS-held building and a weapons cache."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS938 RS2278

Incident date

June 9, 2017

Location

جديد عكيدات, Jadid Akeidat, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.254309, 40.355344 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as eight civilians, as well as six named which including medical personnel died, and others were wounded in an airstrike on Jadid Akeidat village, Deir Ez-Zour, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Syrian regime or Russia were responsible for the attacks. Sources reported that the strike had been on a “makeshift field hospital”, which some reports said was inside a mosque.

Qasioun put the death toll at three, while Jisr TV said as many as eight died when “Coalition forces targeted a mosque and a hospital”. According to Smart News Agency, four were killed, including “two doctors and an anesthesiologist”. It also blamed the Coalition.

However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed the event to the regime. It reported that “Syrian regime warplanes fired missiles on the makeshift hospital in Jdeed Ekidat village in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs, killing a number of medical personnel, destroying the hospital’s building and rendering it inoperable”.

According to RFS, “eyewitnesses confirmed that at least four civilians were killed and a number of others injured by unidentified warplanes targeting a field hospital inside a mosque in the new town of Akidat, located in the eastern suburb of Deir al-Azur last night.”

But in an initial report, Baladi blamed Russia, reporting that “our correspondent, Murad Al-Ahmad, said that all indicators and military observers in Idlib confirmed that Russian aircraft targeted the hospital, resulting in the killing of most of the medical staff”. Euphrates Post also attributed the event to Russia and identified four victims by name.

However, there was some confusion in reporting, with a second Baladi report pointing towards the Coalition: “Local media sources said four civilians were killed Friday morning, including two doctors and a nurse, in air raids by an international coalition targeted at a mosque in the village of New al-Akidat”.

Free Deir Ezzor merely blamed “warplanes” and identified to victims.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Dr. Majid al-Alwan
Adult male killed
Dr. Hudhayfah al-Mulla
Adult male  from the town of Al Dahla killed
Abdul Rahman Al-Hermash “Rahmo”
Adult male The anesthesiologist  killed
Anas Ali al-Sawadi
Adult male killed
Dr. Hathifa Turki al Makhlaf
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 8
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Video saying that Anas Ali al-Sawadi died in contested airstrikes targeting Jadid Akida, Deir Ez-Zour, 9th June 2017. (via Mmkfld1)
  • The contested airstrikes reportedly destroyed the Grand Mosque in the town of Jadid Akidat, Der Ez-Zour, 9th June 2017. (via Euphrates Post Facebook)
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 Jadid Akeidat, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV237016
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a vehicle.”

Additionally, the Coalition reported that "five strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on June 6 that closed within the last 24 hours", one of these: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, one strike destroyed four ISIS oil tanks"

For June 8th-9th: no strikes were publicly reported in Deir Ez-Zour governorate.

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
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 8
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS974

Incident date

June 13, 2017

Location

كسرة شيخ (جمعة), Kasrat Sheikh (Juma'a), Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.905278, 38.963889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian family of five was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Kasrat Sheikh Juma’a village in Raqqa.

Habib al Mustapha al-Abdullah, his wife and their three daughters were the victims of the strikes, according to a number of local sources. The family’s son Zakaria Habib al Abed Lillah also reported the deaths via Facebook, posting pictures of his mother and father.

Six of the eight sources alleged that the Coalition was responsible for the deaths.

In its monthly civilian casualty assessment for September 2019 – published on November 15th – the alliance classed the event as ‘non credible’, asserting that “After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.”

Coalition officials confirmed to Airwars that their review was a match for this event, and provided coordinates for the area assessed to within 100 metres.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Habib al Mustapha al-Abdullah
Adult male killed
Wife of Habib al Mustapha al-Abdullah
Adult female killed
Daughter of Habib al Mustapha al-Abdullah
Age unknown female killed
Daughter of Habib al Mustapha al-Abdullah
Age unknown female killed
Daughter of Habib al Mustapha al-Abdullah
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 children1 woman1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Habib al Mustapha al Abdullah and his wife (picture courtesy of surviving family)
  • Habib Mustapha al Abdallah was reportedly killed with his family due to Coalition airstrikes in the village of Kasrat Sheikh Jumaa, Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Habib al Mustapha al Abdullah (picture courtesy of surviving family)
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
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV967734
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 15, 2019
  • June 13, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 12th-13th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 21 fighting positions and four vehicles.” It additionally reported that “On June 12, near Raqqah, Syria, nine strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, an IED factory, an ISIS staging area, an ammo cache, and a command and control node.”

For June 13th-14th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 12 fighting positions, five vehicles, five ISIS boats, two VBIEDs, a recoilless rifle, a command and control node, and a tunnel; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally reported that “On June 13, near Raqqah, Syria, 10 strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and a sniper and destroyed a fighting position, a tunnel, an ISIS headquarters, a weapons cache, a vehicle, and a VBIED.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 children1 woman1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (10) [ collapse]