US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

CS1749

Incident date

May 11, 2018

Location

الحمادي, Al Hammadi, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.02223, 41.17403 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Coalition raids on the village of al Hammadi resulted in the deaths of up to eight civilians, including three children and five women. The US-led alliance later accepted responsibility for at least four deaths.

The village in the area of Abu Hamda is located close to the Iraqi-Syrian border and according to Al Khabour, is only the size of ten houses. In July 2018 the Coalition conceded killing four civilians in the event, noting: “During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Most sources shared a list identifying the victims of the strikes.

Hasaka Marsad confirmed the death of three children named as Qais, Ahmad and Maryam and included photos. According to the media outlet, the airstrike that hit the house of their grandfather was admitted by the Iraqi military. The report went on to say that “Baghdad” had “targeted one of the headquarters of the Islamic State.”

That report is however alone in identifying the Iraqi air force as the culprit. Most likely, Hasaka Marsad is basing this on a video tweeted by the Iraqi Defense Ministry allegedly showing an air strike by an F-16 on an ISIS HQ “in the area of Dashaisha”.

Although al Hammadi is located in this general area, a specific date or a more precise location of the strike is not mentioned in the video – making it difficult to asses whether or not this is related to this incident.Iraqi strikes within Syria were also considered Coalition actions by this time.

Ahmed Hammad al-Assaad, head of the Jabour clan in southern Hasaka, told Step News that the victims were from the same family who were in their house when they were targeted by the alleged Coalition strike. He stressed: “The situation is not safe for civilians, the final victim of all parties, and US aircraft bombed the homes of civilians who have nothing to do with or belong to any party…

“We want to stop the continuous indiscriminate shelling of innocent people and parents, and ask for accuracy if and should be bombed, civilians have become the easiest target for the coalition aircraft, whose goal is clear to all is the killing and displacement of the people of the region indiscriminate hit, and we call for opening ways to aid the wounded because of the closure by the forces Kurdish control of the region.”

Hassaka Youth Union posted photos and an al A’amaq propaganda video (which was also shared in a tweet by Iinews), allegedly showing destruction after the raids.

In July 2018 the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “May 11, 2018, near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria, via social media report. During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Maryam Al-Obaid
Adult female Wife of Ahmed Al Aziz Al-Hammadi killed
Sheikh Al Aziz
Adult male killed
Wife of Sheikh Al Aziz
Adult female pregnant killed
Rood Al Aziz
Age unknown killed
Fatima Al Aziz
Age unknown female killed
Qais Al Aziz
Child male killed
Ahmed Al Aziz
Child male killed
Maryam Al Aziz
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Scene of destruction at Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Scene of destruction at Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Photo of the destruction after an alleged Coalition bombardment on the village of Al Hammadi (via Hassaka Youth Union)
  • A recovered munition fragment from Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Two of the children killed in a Coalition strike on Hammadi, May 11th 2018 (via al Hassakah Arabea)
  • The grandsons of Ahmed Aziz, killed in an alleged Iraqi airstrike on the village of Al Hamadi (via Hassaka Marsad)
  • Video of the aftermath of a Coalition strike which killed up to eight civilians.
  • Iraqi defence ministry video of a strike on al Hassakah governorate which may relate to this event.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

The coordinates given to Airwars by the Coalition in relation to this incident are: 36.02223, 41.17403 (Military Grid Reference System: 37SFV959886), defining an area of 100 m

  • Coordinates of 100 m area indicated by Coalition

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV959886
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • May 11, 2018, near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria, via social media report. During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 11th, the Coalition reported that “On May 11 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of six engagements against Daesh targets.... Near Al Shadaddi, one strike engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed four Daesh-held buildings."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS245

Incident date

July 3, 2016

Location

الخفسة, Al Khafsa, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.52415, 37.95006 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were killed and three injured in a US strike at Al Khafsa.

According to the Manbij Coordinating Committee, “the village of Arba’a Kbeer [al Hamr] suffered Coalition raids on the road between Manbij and al Khafsa. There are wounded and one death of a displaced person in the area.” One of the dead men was named as Muhammad Waleed Al Hamood al Sheikho. Those injured were named as the children of Mustapha Ibrahim al Khalif.

Baladi News placed the death toll at four: “Just after midnight Coalition aircraft carried out a series of raids on a number of villages and towns along the Maskana – Manbej road, near al Khafsa and al Ma’moura [al Mahdoum] village at Arba’a Kabir – killing 4 people and leaving several wounded, some critically.”

The US later confirmed it had killed four civilians, noting: “Near Manbij, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL fighting position, it is assessed that four civilians were killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad Waleed Al Hamood al Sheikho
Adult male killed
Children of Mustapha Ibrahim al Khalif
Age unknown It's unknown how many children were wounded injured

Summary

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

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Translation: Mohammad Walid al hamoud al Sheikho killed due to his wounds sustained in coalition bombing of al Khafsa in the Manbij countryside.
  • Translation: coalition planes target the village of Arba’a Kbeer in the southern Manbij countryside and there are new of civilian casualties.
  • Translation: #Al Khafsa - the village of Arba’a Kbeer [al Hamr] suffered coalition raids on the road #Manbij #al Khafsa. There are wounded and one death of a displaced person in the area.
  • List of the martyrs killed in Aleppo on July 5th, 2016.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 36.2308082, 38.021965

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near Manbij, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA060426
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 9, 2016

  • July 3, 2016, near Manbij, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL fighting position, it is assessed that four civilians were killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 2nd-3rd 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, six strikes struck six separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

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

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1441

Incident date

September 4, 2017

Location

Raqqa city: Traffic Park, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.96079, 39.00444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one man was locally reported killed following alleged artillery shelling near the Traffic Park in Raqqa. Both the Coalition and the US individually later admitted responsibility

According to local reports at the time, father of six Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al-Bashir was killed when a shell fell near Traffic Park.

While some sources blamed the SDF, Airwars understood at the time that only the Coalition had access to artillery in Raqqa.

In January 2020, the US-led Coalition admitted responsibility for the event – noting that “Coalition forces conducted multiple strikes against Daesh facilities. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of these strikes.” This appeared to be an amalgam of several civilian harm claims.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon admitted responsibility for this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al Bashir
44 years old male father of six killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al-Bashir, reportedly killed when a shell fell near Traffic park in Raqqa, Sept 4th (via RBSS)
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.960918, 39.004383.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV004796
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 13, 2020

  • 2. Sept. 4, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition forces conducted multiple strikes against Daesh facilities. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of these strikes. 2147/S1262 37SEV004796

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 21 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positions, two pieces of ISIS communications infrastructure, two vehicles, a VBIED, a command and control node, and a logistics node.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, four strikes destroyed a VBIED and a fighting position and suppressed two fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions.” And also that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed nine fighting positions.” Plus “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed two command and control nodes, a logistics node, a fighting position and suppressed a fighting position.”

For September 4th - 5th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah , 23 strikes [2-3 British] seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, four oil stills, three oil trucks, two logistics nodes, and a command and control node; and suppressed two fighting positions" Plus "On Sept. 4, near Raqqah , one strike destroyed five fighting positions"

Additional Press Release for September 5th : Additional press release CJTFOIR on September 5th:

'CJTF-OIR transitions commanders in the mission to destroy ISIS

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, III Armored Corps Commanding General of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) from Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General, during a Sept. 5 ceremony here, which hosted an audience of hundreds of US and Coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.

Presiding over the transfer of authority of the Commanding General for US Central Command, Gen. Joseph L. Votel.

Veiled confidence that the III Corps team from Fort Hood, Texas will be ready to continue the fight to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

"When III Corps was here last, they were instrumental in increasing the pressure on ISIS and setting conditions by Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian opposition groups," Votel said. "Their hard work to the recapturing of Fallujah and the airfield at Qayyarah-posturing ISF to begin clearing Mosul, the ISIS stronghold in Iraq."

The III Armored Corps previously led the CJTF-OIR Coalition from Sept. 2015 to Aug. 2016.

Since redeploying just over a year ago, the Soldiers of the Armed Corps have gone to the forefront of the task of preparing for the mission.

"ISIS" brutality forces us to look deep into the heart of darkness. They condone the systematic murder of women and children, the enslavement of religious minorities, and the torture and execution of prisoners, "Funk said. "As a result of the magnificent work of this strong Coalition, real change is happening. ISIS is on the run. "

Airborne Corps' support to its partners in the achievement of major milestones in the campaign to ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Security Forces defeated ISIS in their capital of Mosul in Iraq, while Syria's Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Arab Coalition steadily made progress against ISIS's global capital in Raqqah, Syria.

Townsend Lauded Coalition Partners' Efforts in Iraq and Syria over the past year. Our Iraqi partners have liberated Mosul. Our Syrian partners are more than half of Raqqah. And the Iraqis have regained control of Tal Afar and the rest of Ninewah for good measure, "said Townsend. "I think it's all about you, we're able to partner with you."

Since its establishment in June 2014, CJTF-OIR - a global Coalition of more than 72 nations and organizations - has increased the capabilities of partner forces, and significantly degraded the ability of ISIS to plan, resource and execute attacks worldwide. Their collective accomplishments include:

* Trained and equipped nearly 115,000 Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and over 11,000 vetted-Syrian counter-ISIS forces.
* Recaptured over 82,000 square kilometers of territory previously held by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
* Set free over 5.5 million men, women and children in Iraq and Syria.
Conducted over 26,000 strikes against ISIS in support of partner forces in Iraq and Syria.

Funk shared his vision for the CJTF-OIR mission ahead.

"The very existence of ISIS poses a threat to the civilized world and our way of life. We must defeat them, and our collective effort WILL defeat them, "Funk said."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa , striking six Daesh positions including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper ... for the Syrian Democratic Forces in Daesh inside Raqqa . Our aircraft delivered six attacks with Paveway IV guided bombs against Daesh positions, often having to strike targets very close to the Syrian Democratic Forces, including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper teams.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS998

Incident date

June 15, 2017

Location

الانتفاضة, Ar Raqqah: Near Khaled Bin Waled school, Intifada neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.944566, 38.994456 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians – including a father and his three children – died in a Coalition airstrike on Raqqa’s Al Intifada neighbourhood, local sources reported. The Coalition later conceded to have killed four civilians in the strike.

Besides from the killing of a father and his three children, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS) additionally said that “the wife of the Engineer Hussein Ali Al Mohammed” [Ibrahim Ali Mohammed’s brother’s wife] also died.

According to RBSS, “the International Alliance committed a massacre by shelling a residential house near the Khalid Bin Al Waleed School in the Al-Intifada neighbourhood west of the city centre of Al Raqqa. The martyrs had attempted to leave the city of Al Raqqa for several days ago but they were forced to return to Al-Raqqa after their car was burned by Daesh.”

Jisrtv, who also blamed the Coalition reported that raids “targeted houses near the Khalid bin al-Walid school in Al-Intifada neighbourhood.”

The Coalition confirmed that it unintentionally killed four civilians during an airstrike near al Intifada neighbourhood, Raqqah on June 15, 2017. In their monthly civilian casualty report, they noted “During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed.” Moreover, Coalition officials told Airwars this incident occurred at the location 37SDV995778 (Military grid reference with 100 m accuracy).

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Ibrahim Ali Mohammed
Adult male killed
Ayham (son of Ibrahim Ali Mohammed)
2 years old male killed
Iyad (son of Ibrahim Ali Mohammed)
Child male killed
Amal (daughter of Ibrahim Ali Mohammed)
8 years old female killed

The victims were named as:

Wife of the Engineer Hussein Ali Al Mohammed
Adult female killed

Summary

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

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • A photograph showing the destruction of Ibrahim Ali Al Mohammed's house following an alleged Coalition raid, June 15th (via RBSS)
  • Ayham and Yad, the two sons of Ibrahim Ali al-Muhammad, who were killed along with his daughter, in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa's Al Intifada neighbourhood, June 15th (via RBSS)
  • The Coalition airstrikes reportedly killed a family of four, including father Ibrahim Ali Al Muhammad, his two year old son Ayham Al Mohammed and his 8 year old daughter Amal Al Mohammed (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

  • The US-led Coalition officials informed Airwars that the incident occurred at 37SDV995778 (Military Grid Reference System coordinate, accurate to 100 m).

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near Al Intifada neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV995778
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

  • June 15, 2017 near Al Intifada neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria via regional humanitarian organization. During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 14th-15th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, three ISIS boats, and a vehicle; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

For June 15th-16th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units and a sniper and destroyed nine fighting positions, four vehicles, three mortar systems, two supply caches, two ISIS headquarters, a heavy machine gun, and a home-made explosives factory.” It also additionally reported that “On June 15, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes destroyed eight fighting positions, an ISIS headquarters, and a tunnel, and suppressed two snipers.” And that “On June 15, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed six fighting positions, five ISIS staging areas, two command and control nodes, an ISIS headquarters, and a supply cache, and damaged 10 fighting positions and two VBIED facilities.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For June 14th-20th, 19 strikes were made by French aircraft in Iraq and Syria. Most of them were carried out during the Battle of Mosul, in support of the Iraqi fighters engaged in the fighting to drive ISIL out of its positions in the North of the Medina. The other strikes were carried out in support of the fighting for the capture of Raqqah, and against flows of arms and fighters in Iraq and Syria.

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 34 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 19 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. La majeure partie d’entre elle ont été réalisées dans le cadre de la bataille de Mossoul, en appui des combattants irakiens engagés dans les combats pour chasser Daech de ses positions au Nord de la Médina. Les autres frappes ont été réalisées en appui des combats pour la prise de Raqqah, et contre des flux d’armes et de combattants en Irak et en Syrie.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Thursday 15 June – A Reaper destroyed a terrorist vehicle in eastern Syria. Typhoons struck three targets in Raqqa, while Tornados and Typhoons hit a mortar near Tal Afar and six targets in Mosul…The following day [June 15th], a Reaper remotely piloted aircraft conducted armed reconnaissance in eastern Syria, some 35 miles north-east of Dayr az Zawr, and used a Hellfire missile to destroy a terrorist truck. Two Typhoons also struck three Daesh positions in Raqqa in support of the offensive by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Summary

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

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1336

Incident date

August 6, 2017

Location

حي الاماسي, Al Amassi, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95268, 39.01109 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two adult male civilians and up to two children were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on their home in Raqqa’s al Amassi neighbourhood, local media reported.

In February 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS headquarters multistory building. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians were injured as a result of the explosion.”

Sources noted that Ahmed Ali Obaid Al-Taha’s wife, Hayat Muhammad Obeid al-Taha, died in an earlier casualty event on July 25th, listed on the July 2017 civilian casualty page as event S1117.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), Ahmed Ali Obaid Al-Taha’s son, Samer, was also seriously injured. Subsequent reports by RBSS were somewhat confused: one said that Samer had died, while another called for people to post information about his whereabouts, thereby implying that the boy was lost and not confirmed dead.

Palmyra media centre added: “The child Samer Ahmad Al-Taha … No trace was found of him neither in the hospital nor among those who were pulled from under the ruins of the destroyed house …The international coalition killed his mother and father and his sister is clinically dead.”

The sister was named by Palmyra revolution coordination committee as Ghazal, and this source said that she had died. Ahmad Al Shibli also said that she had been killed.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha
Adult male killed
Hussein Ali Obaid Al-Taha
Adult male brothers killed
Samer Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha
Child male son of Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha killed
Ghazal Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha
Child female daughter of Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1–2 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Ali Obeid al-Taha, killed with up to two of his children in an alleged Coalition raid on their home, August 6th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Ghazal, killed with her father and brother in an alleged Coalition raid on their home, August 6th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Samer Ahmad Al-Taha, killed with his father and sister in an alleged Coalition raid on their home, August 6th 2017. (via Palmyra media centre)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourbood or street of Al Amassi (الاماسي) in Raqqa (الرقة). The coordinates for this neighbourhood are: 35.953492, 39.011271.  Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.953302, 39.01131  

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37S EV010787
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • August 06, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS headquarters multistory building. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians were injured as a result of the explosion.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 6th-7th: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 30 fighting positions, two vehicles, two command and control nodes, two mortar systems, a tunnel, a heavy machine gun, an IED facility, and a VBIED facility; and damaged six fighting positions.” It additionally reporeted that “On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a mortar system, an anti-air artillery system, and a VBIED.” And that “On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed 10 ISIS fighting positions and two mortar systems.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1–2 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS918

Incident date

June 4, 2017

Location

north of Raqqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.06537, 39.04331 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of four civilians in an event north of Raqqa.

Their November 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that engaged a Daesh tactical unit, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    north of Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV039912
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • June 4, 2017 north of Raqqah, Syria, via self-report. During a Coalition strike that engaged a Daesh tactical unit, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 4th-5th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and five vehicles.” In addition it reported for June 4th that “Near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed 49 boats, five fighting positions, three anti-air artillery systems, two tactical vehicles and two ISIS staging areas.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1752

Incident date

May 16, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Filasteen neighbourhood, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.51851, 40.96319 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were killed and up to 14 injured following air or artillery strikes on the Filasteen neighbourhood of al Soussa, with the Coalition believed by sources to be responsible.

A resident of Abu Kamal told Al Haal that Coalition aircraft had targeted the village with more than five raids – with one of them hitting a motorcycle market. According to the report this resulted in the deaths of four civilians and the injuring of 14. Several sources reported that al Sha’afa and Hajin were also targeted by both Coalition airstrikes and “artillery shelling by the forces of the SDF” [most likely in fact by the Coalition].

Step mentioned in its own report that civilians were wounded when an ISIS vehicle was targeted – also killing four ISIS fighters. According to Deir Ezzor Media Centre the civilians had been “nearby” when the vehicle was hit. Radio al Kull however stated that four civilians were in fact killed as they were on board the targeted vehicle as detainees. Sound and Picture was the only media outlet claiming that dozens of civilians were injured.

Euphrates Post initially reported that civilians were injured and killed by “an artillery bombardment”, but later concluded that four civilians died and a number were wounded as a result of a raid by a military aircraft in the afternoon. A later report by the news organization also provided the names and photos of the four killed civilians.

In October 2018, the US-led Coalition admitted responsibility for the deaths of four civilians in an event at al Soussa – although this was dated the previous day. The Coalition later confirmed to Airwars in February 2019 that event CS1752 is unlikely to be the confirmed incident dated the previous day, based upon the descriptions. Those conceded deaths are now recorded as CS1751a.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Hussein Ali Al-Saeed
Adult male Reportedly an ISIS detainee killed
Mohammed Ali Al Musleh
Adult male Reportedly an ISIS detainee killed
Louay Karkaz al Rawi
Adult male Reportedly an ISIS detainee killed
Ali al-Awad
Adult male Reportedly an ISIS detainee killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–24
  • 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 (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • One of the four men allegedly killed in the airstrike on the village of Al Soussa (via Euphrates Post)
  • One of the four men allegedly killed in the airstrike on the village of Al Soussa (via Euphrates Post)
  • One of the four men allegedly killed in the airstrike on the village of Al Soussa (via Euphrates Post)
  • One of the four men allegedly killed in the airstrike on the village of Al Soussa (via Euphrates Post)
  • Debris from a car that was allegedly targeted in a Coalition airstrike (via Euphrates Post)
  • A destroyed vehicle at al Soussa said to have been carrying four named civilian male victims (via Euphrates Post)
  • A destroyed vehicle at al Soussa said to have been carrying four named civilian male victims (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Filasteen (فلسطين) neighbourhood (a market for motorbikes) in the village of al Soussa (السوسة), for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675. Strikes were first reported at 6 am local time, civilian casualties were first reported at noon

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition

  • During a strike on Daesh IED facility, four civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 16th, the Coalition reported that: “Near Abu Kamal, 10 strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, destroyed one Daesh vehicle and one Daesh fighting position."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Between 16th and 22nd May, France reports 34 artillery missions in the Euphrates Valley. French aircraft carried out 12 aerial sorties in support of ground troops but no strikes were conducted.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, l’activité majeure demeure l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie. Offensive contre les dernières poches daechies en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la Coalition, ont achevé la conquête de la bande frontalière avec la saisie de Baghouz. Le bilan des deux premières semaines d’offensive est positif dans la mesure où tous les objectifs ont été atteints et que la coordination entre les forces démocratiques syriennes et les forces de sécurité irakiennes s’est bien déroulée. L’objectif consiste maintenant à poursuivre la réduction de ces poches qui sont les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech sur le théâtre. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, la semaine a été relativement calme après les élections parlementaires dont le déroulement s’est effectué sans incident sécuritaire majeur. Les forces de sécurité irakiennes mènent actuellement des opérations de sécurisation dans le nord de Bagdad, dans l’Anbar, en Ninive et dans la région de Tikrit. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Poursuite des actions de formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task force Narvik poursuit ses actions de formation au profit des soldats irakiens de l’Iraki Couter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Deux stages sont toujours en cours : un stage de restitution au profit de 460 stagiaires et un nouveau stage d’apprentissage au recueil de renseignements au profit d’une vingtaine de stagiaires. La Task force Monsabert conduit quant à elle deux stages au profit des soldats de la 6e division irakienne : un stage d’apprentissage des techniques de fouille opérationnelle et un stage dédié aux techniques de combat tactique dans un environnement pollué par des engins explosifs improvisés. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, ils ont d’ores et déjà réalisé 84 missions de tirs.'

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–24
  • 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 (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1908

Incident date

March 13, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.44758, 40.95342 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that an alleged Coalition airstrike struck Al-Baghouz camp on the night of March 13th. Sources reported varying numbers of civilian deaths.

Several sources reported that up to 100 civilians were killed in the airstrike. One source, Christian Turner, tweeted that 20 civilians were killed. All sources reported that most of the victims were women and children.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition deemed this incident credible and assessed that “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on ISIS terrorists in a camp. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.”

Three victims were identified, one of whom seems to have been involved with ISIS. Baladi News reported that Mu’adh Muhammad al-Ali al-Daham was one of the most prominent journalists of ISIS. “He covered several battles during the organization’s control over large areas in the area. He also described many executions and releases carried out by the organization in the cities of al-Boukamal and al-Mayadin.” His nickname was “Abu Amer Zer” and he was reported to be the eldest brother of the military commander in “the organization” that Deir Ezzor 24 referred to as “Abu Dajana Abu Daqana”.

The second victim identified is a French child. A tweet by @Idriss Sihamedi reads that “This French child is seriously injured. He is between life and death in Syria. He claims someone named “Marianne” may be his grandmother” and calls for people to search for his family back home in France. According to a tweet by @annakkachi, his mother was killed in the bombing.

No other details are known at this time.

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 around midnight.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mother of French child
Adult female killed
A 'French child'
Child male killed

The victims were named as:

Mu'adh Muhammad al-Ali al-Daham
Adult male Reportedly one of the most prominent journalists of ISIS killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 100
  • (2–3 children2–3 women1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Video depicting violent clashes in Al Baghouz on March 13th 2017 (via AJA).
  • Tweet from @IdrissSihamedi that reads: "This French child is seriously injured he is between life and death in Syria. He claims some "Marianne" may be his grandmother. Thank you for sharing to find his family in France or to proceed with his identification in emergency!"

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to 34.447579, 40.953426 to the nearest city.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU7945513515
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • Mar. 13, 2019, near al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on ISIS terrorists in a camp. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike. 2682/CS1908 37SFU7945513515

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

"Between March 10 - 23 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 250 strikes consisting of 398 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 193 strikes consisting of 338 engagements, engaged 346 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 104 vehicles, 63 supply routes, 39 fighting positions, 31 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, nine tactical vehicles, six fuel tankers, four weapons caches, two command and control nodes, one tunnel, one tanker for petroleum oil and lubricants, one mortar system, and one checkpoint."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For March 13th-19th, France report that Task Force Wagram did not carry out any artillery missions. Aircraft carried out 57 sorties and there was one strike. It also provides a review of the four years of training of TF Narvik and Monsabert

CHAMMALSITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTREOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiquessyriennes, appuyés par la coalition, pour reconquérir le réduit de Baghouz continuent. Les combats sont intenses, la progression effective, mais lente, en raison de l’évacuation de nombreux civils, et de l’imbrication des combattants et des non combattants.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak, et reste sous contrôle des Forces de sécurité intérieures qui poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué depuis la semaine dernière. Le groupe aéronaval participe toujours à l’opération Chammal : une frappe aérienne a été réalisée par ses Rafale cette semaine en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes.En parallèle, le groupement naval est intégré, en soutien associé, à l’opération Sea Gardian, opération maritime de l’OTAN qui accomplit actuellement trois tâches de sûreté maritime en Méditerranée : la constitution de capacités de sûreté maritime, la connaissance de la situation maritime, et la lutte contre le terrorisme.Enfin, la frégate britannique HMS Duncan a rejoint le groupe aéronaval cette semaine.Bilan des quatre ans de formation des TF Narvik et MonsabertDepuis mars 2015, en complément de l’appui feu aux troupes engagées au sol contre Daech, la France a déployé à Bagdad des militaires dont la mission est d’améliorer les capacités de commandement et les savoir-faire des troupes irakiennes. Deux Task Force (TF), Narvik et Monsabert, aux périmètres différents, ont été mises en place pour assurer cette mission.La TF Narvik prend part à la formation des forces spéciales de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS), dans des domaines d’expertise immédiatement exploitables dans la lutte contre Daech : le combat en zone urbaine, le renseignement, le tir aux armes collectives et armes lourdes, la lutte contre les engins explosifs ou le sauvetage au combat.Les premiers mandats proposaient des instructions générales et spécialisées aux jeunes recrues et aux soldats expérimentés. L’ICTS est progressivement devenue autonome dans ces domaines et la TF Narvik porte désormais ses efforts sur la formation des cadres et des opérateurs spécialisés tout en perfectionnant à travers des stages dédiés des bataillons opérationnels de l’ICTS.Au bilan, la TF Narvik a formé plus de 8000 soldats et 300 instructeurs, et a mené des stages de perfectionnement au profit de plus de 3000 soldats, ce qui représente 25 % des actions de formation menées par la coalition pour l’ICTS.De son côté, la TF Monsabert fournit assistance et conseil (Advise and Assist — A2) à l’État-major et aux soldats de la 6e division d’infanterie, responsable notamment de la sécurisation de Bagdad.Dans le cadre de son partenariat avec la 6e division, la TF Monsabert a formé depuis sa création plus de 3300 soldats irakiens, et plus de 1700 formateurs.En constante évolution pour répondre aux besoins de ses partenaires irakiens, la TF Monsabert a récemment mis en place des cycles d’évaluation des savoir-faire fondamentaux des soldats de la 6e division. Plus de 4000 soldats irakiens ont déjà été passés au crible, permettant aux experts de la TF et au commandement de la 6è division de disposer d’une appréciation globale du niveau des différents régiments.Enfin, depuis 6 mois, dans le cadre de son partenariat avec l’école d’artillerie irakienne la TF Monsabert a formé 330 officiers et sous-officiers irakiens.Depuis quatre ans, ce sont au bilan plus de 20 000 soldats irakiens qui ont bénéficié de l’expertise de 1400 instructeurs français qui se sont relayés au sein de l’opération Chammal, dispensant 150 stages et participant à plus de 200 missions de conseil et d’appui.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram n’a pas réalisé de missions de tir, depuis le territoire irakien, cette semaine (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus).Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus)Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis, et projetés depuis le groupe aéronaval poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 57 sorties aériennes (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 01 frappe cette semaine, réalisée par les aéronefs du groupe aeronaval.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 100
  • (2–3 children2–3 women1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (11) [ collapse]