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

CS1020

Incident date

June 17, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah [887a], Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported the death of one named civilian displaced from Sukhna, in an alleged Coalition airstrike.

According to Al Raqqa Truth she died three days after her initial injuries.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khatima al Mohammed al-Salem
Age unknown female killed

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

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
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 16th-17th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 25 strikes engaged 21 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 34 fighting positions, three tunnels, three mortar systems, two vehicles and a VBIED facility.” It was additionally reported that “On June 16, near Raqqah, Syria, eight strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed four fighting positions, two ISIS headquarters, two VBIED facilities, and two VBIEDs; and suppressed a sniper team.”

For June 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 fighting positions, two tunnels and a VBIED.” It additionally reported that “On June 17, near Raqqah, Syria, 13 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, two command and control nodes, a VBIED, a tunnel, and a sniper position.” And that “On June 17, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and two snipers; destroyed two ISIS headquarters, two mortar systems, an anti-air artillery system, a VBIED facility, and an ISIS staging area; and damaged 11 fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Saturday 17 June – Tornados and Typhoons struck a Daesh-held building in Raqqa and six terrorist targets in Mosul…On Saturday 17 June, Tornados and Typhoons suppressed a Daesh position in Raqqa, and struck six more positions in Mosul, again using a Brimstone and Paveway IV mix to deal with snipers and a machine-gun team.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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.

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1054

Incident date

June 21, 2017

Location

فرن الريان في حي امن الدولة, Ar Raqqah: Near the Al Rayan bakery, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9577, 38.992307 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least ten civilians – with many from one family, including women and children – were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike near the Al Rayan Bakery in the Amn al Dawla neighbourhood of Raqqa, local monitors reported.

Photos of a number of those killed in the alleged airstrike were also provided. Both sources alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

Q_Alenzy reported that two displaced families died as a result of a Coalition strike. It named the families as “the family of Mustafa Al-Azawi and his children, displaced from Deir Ezzor” and “the Duehi family, displaced from Deir Ezzor”. The source said that they died when warplanes allegedly shelled their flats which were near the bakery. The victims of the Duehi family have been located to a differnt incident following detailed field research by Amnesty. Their names are located in CS1054b.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that a family of ten, including several women and children, went missing after the strike, however, their “fate is unclear”.

Following on from this, Amnesty conducted field research which reported “The strike occurred on “26 Ramadan” (21 June 2017) at 6pm. Five people were killed in the first strike. The second strike shortly afterwards killed those that came to help.” This detail explains the mystery surrounding RBSS’s report.

The Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” reported “Seven members of the Mirbid family and three neighbours were killed in an air strike by the entrance of the Mirbid family home. The family had fled their home after an air strike destroyed a nearby building. After safely evacuating the women and children the men returned to the family home to collect some belongings and were struck by the entrance of the house.”

The field notes added that “The first building in the area to be hit was the building behind the Mirbid house, which contained the Duehi family. When this happened, the Mirbid family ran to two house’s around the corner. The men sheltered in one house; the women in another. Then two strikes were carried out on the house containing the men.”

To sum up, “seven members of the Mirbid family and three neighbours were killed in an air strike by the entrance of the Mirbid family home. The family had fled their home after an air strike destroyed a nearby building. After safely evacuating the women and children the men returned to the family home to collect some belongings and were struck by the entrance of the house.”

Additionally, it was reported hat the only survivor of these two strikes was Rabia Obeid al Mirbid, aged 36.

A relative, Isra’, told Amnesty in a testimony that “After the neighbours’ house was bombed we fled our home. Then my father, my brothers, my uncles and my cousin went back home to collect some belongings and the neighbours helped them. As they did so they were bombed.”

Despite the meticulous and extensive testimony gathered by Amnesty, the Coalition cleared itself of having caused civilian harm 30 months later.

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on December 5th of the same year – the US-led Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, noting: “June 21, 2017, in Raqqah, 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. 2515/S921 37SEV017777”.

The Coalition published a location for the assessment identifying to within 100 metres the area where it had focused its review.

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

The incident occured at 18:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (10)

62-65 years old male interviewees father killed
32 years old female interviewees brother killed
27 years old male interviewees brother killed
56 years old male interviewees uncle killed
37 years old male interviewees uncle killed
35 years old male interviewees uncle killed
16 years old male Abdel Fateh’s son killed
34 years old male Mustufa, neighbour killed
30 years old male neighbour killed
40s years old male neighbour killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 20
  • (1–3 children1 woman4–9 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (21) [ collapse]

  • Ahmad Al Mustafa Al-Nouri killed in an alleged Coalition raid, June 21st 2017. The boy in the photo (Khalil Al-Ibrahim Al-Mustafa) is mentioned in the sources but was not named by Amnesty. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • An unnamed victim of airstrikes on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. It is unclear which strike this victim belonged too. (via RBSS)
  • Mohammed Obeid Al Mibrid, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 21st June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Obeida al-Marbad, son of Mohammed al-Marbadm, killed in an alleged Coalition raid, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Walid al-Marbad, killed in an alleged Coalition raid, June 21st 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Ahmed Al-Mustafa Al-Nouri, killed in an alleged Coalition raid, June 21st 2017. (via Al Ragga truth)
  • Khaled al-Marbad, killed in an alleged Coalition raid, June 21st 2017. (via Al Ragga truth)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 21st June 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Abdallah Obeid Al Mirbid, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 21st June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Ahmad Obeid Al Mirbid, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 21st June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Ala' Mohammed Al-Kheir Danal, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 21st June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Khaled Mohammed Al Mirbid, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 21st June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Mustafa Massan Attab, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 21st June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Obeida Mohammed Al Mibrid, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 21st June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Walid Abdel Fattah Al Midrib, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 21st June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Family home in the aftermath of the strike. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

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
    in Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV017777
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 5, 2019
  • June 21, 2017, in Raqqah, 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. 2515/S921 37SEV017777

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 20th-21st the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; and destroyed six fighting positions, three vehicles, three tactical vehicles, two mortar teams, a command and control node and a mortar cache.” In addition, it reported that “On June 20, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes damaged eight fighting positions.”

For June 21st-22nd, “Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 16 fighting positions, three vehicles and an ammunition cache.” It additionally reported that “On June 21, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed four ISIS staging areas, three vehicles, three fighting positions, and a VBIED; damaged a VBIED factory; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Wednesday 21 June – Typhoons struck two Daesh-held buildings in Raqqa, while Tornados and Typhoons destroyed a car-bomb, and four terrorist strongpoints in Mosul…On Wednesday 21 June, a pair of Typhoons assisted Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Raqqa. Two buildings held by extremist fighters were hit with Paveway IVs.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 20
  • (1–3 children1 woman4–9 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1086

Incident date

June 25, 2017

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

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

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

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

Family members (2)

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

The victims were named as:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 15
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Reported destruction of civilian homes following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa, June 25th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported destruction of civilian homes following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa, June 25th (via Euphrates post)
  • Reported destruction of civilian homes following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa, June 25th (via Euphrates post)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU797230
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

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

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 15
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1118 RS2311

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Location

دبلان, Dablan, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.855, 40.568611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 60 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Dablan, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the event, with allegations against the Coalition, Russia and the Syrian regime.

The pro-regime source, Damas Press, put the death toll at 40 and blamed the US-led Coalition. However, Syria News Desk was among several sources attributing the event to Moscow, putting the death toll at 40 non-combatants with 60 more injured. It reported that four houses were completely destroyed amid extensive damage to residential buildings and shops. Additionally, the report said that “that dozens of families fled towards the Badia, fearing renewed targeting of the town as planes continued to fly overhead”.

Euphrates Post also pointed towards Russia: “According to the correspondent of the network Furat Post media, unknown aircraft – though thought to belong to the Russian air force – targeted residential sites in the center of the town of Dablan with cluster bombs

“The source added that the mosques in the town used loud speakers to tell people to go to medical points to donate blood due to the large number of injuries caused by the bombing”.

But a later report by Euphrates Post referred to “the air force” [regime] launching several strikes with “with internationally banned cluster bombs”. It said that eye witnesses saw one raid targeting “an internet cafe belonging to al Siki family in the al Kaws neighbourhood in the city centre. This damaged seven nearby houses killing 17 martyrs. Another raid targeted agricultural land in the town. Most of the martyrs were children and women who slept on rooftops and outside due to heat. The weather and power outages had led to an increase in the number of martyrs. There is no final figure for the number of victims, but 20 have been buried so far”.

Some other sources referred to “unknown warplanes with cluster bombs”.

But according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights – which put the death toll at at least 13 – jets belonging to the regime were to blame. Sharqiya Voice – one of the sources blaming Russia – reported that the death toll had risen to 60.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Son of Yassin al Alawi 1
Age unknown male killed
Son of Yassin al Alawi 2
Age unknown male killed
Yassin’s wife
Adult female killed
"and her son"
male killed

Family members (3)

Khaled Al – Hussein Al – Saleh
Adult male killed
Son of Khaled Al – Hussein Al – Saleh
Age unknown male killed
Saleh Al – Hussein Al – Saleh
killed

Family members (3)

Ibrahim Al-Siki
Age unknown male killed
Khaled Alsiki
Age unknown male killed
Saleh Alsiki
Age unknown killed

Family members (2)

Son of Abu Halash 1
Age unknown male killed
Son of Abu Halash 2
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Son of Jassem Al Turki 1
Age unknown male killed
Son of Jassem Al Turki 2
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Daughter of Hassan al-Ghannam 1
Age unknown female killed
Daughter of Hassan al-Ghannam 2
Age unknown female killed

Family members (2)

The daughter of Khamis al-Khalifa
Age unknown female killed
The mother of Khamis al-Khalifa
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Mousa Al Ismail
Age unknown killed
Issa Al-Hamoud
Age unknown killed
Muhsin al Oussour
Age unknown killed
Abu Yusuf Al-Deiri
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 60
  • (5 children2–5 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–60
  • 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 (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of a raid on a civilian home in Dablan, June 28th 2017. (via Sharqiya Voice)
  • The remnants of a cluster bomb which was used on Dablan by alleged Coalition or Russian airstrikes, 28th June 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike on Dablan by alleged Coalition or Russian airstrikes, 28th June 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike on Dablan by alleged Coalition or Russian airstrikes, 28th June 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • The remnants of a missile which was used on Dablan by alleged Coalition or Russian airstrikes, 28th June 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
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 Dayr Az Zawr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU1714192076
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 1, 2017
  • 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 28th-29th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed 10 oil storage tanks, six oil trucks, two fuel trailers, an well head, a piece of oil processing equipment and an ISIS headquarters.”

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 harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 60
  • (5 children2–5 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–60
  • 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 (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1150

Incident date

July 3, 2017

Location

الحصان, Al Hissan, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.4008045, 40.1184654 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A “number” of civilians were reportedly killed and wounded in airstrikes on Al Hissan in Deir Ezzor, but it was not definitively clear who was responsible.

Shaam News Network and, Euphrates Post both blamed unidentified aircraft.

No further details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

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 Hissan, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 26, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 2nd-3rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed an ISIS well-head.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1182

Incident date

July 10, 2017

Location

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Dream Mall, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.026911, 40.450805 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least three civilians, including two children, were reported killed and dozens more injured in airstrikes on Al Mayadin, but it was contested who was responsible.

Euphrates Post described the incident as a “massacre” and reported that “scores” of people were killed, but was the only source to suggest more than three people were killed.

It alleged that Russia was responsible, as did the IS media agency A’amaq, which published a graphic video showing the aftermath of the event.

Other sources, including Sharqiya Voice, Smart News Agency and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights alleged that the Coalition was responsible. Jisr TV said that dozens of non-combatants were wounded.

However, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, it was unclear whether Russian or Coalition planes were responsible.

Some sources said the strikes were in the vicinity of the Nuri al Sa’id hospital and Shari’ya Mosque whereas some reported the strikes were near the Ali school, the Zubadayah school, the Dream Mall and Khan Alkhouf. It is a possibility they were referring to different incidents.

To add to the confusion, a report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed “regime warplane missiles” for three deaths including one child.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • Moments after the Coalition airstrike hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the Coalition airstrike hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • An inured civilian in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU323770
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 24, 2020
  • July 10, 2017, in Al Mayadin, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3120/CS1182 37SFU323770

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 10th-11th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed 39 ISIS oil barrels, 28 oil storage tanks, 16 oil stills, and five oil trucks.“

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1214

Incident date

July 16, 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

Three civilian males were killed following alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, local sources reported.

In a report which made no reference to civilian casualties, Mohab Nasser documented that Coalition airstrikes targeted the Al Hall Market, the Old Wall and the Abu al Hayes areas of Raqqa on 16 July, which could be linked with the deaths of three men, however it was not known definitively.

Although seven sources reported the deaths of the men and alleged that the Coalition was responsible, the reports were carbon copies of each other indicating that they originated from a single source, making the quality of reporting weak.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Dua’a Khalil al Awad
Age unknown killed
Asmaa Al Aboud Al-Awad
Age unknown killed
Ahmed Tawfiq al Ataba
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

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-Hal Market, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV025770
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 27, 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 July 15th-16th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, nine strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed 14 fighting positions, two anti-air artillery systems and a VBIED.” It was additionally reported that “On July 15, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, three mortar team positions, a mortar system, a fighting position and a vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘ Sunday 16 July – in Raqqa, a Reaper killed terrorists armed with rocket-propelled grenades, whilst Tornados and Typhoons dealt with three sniper teams and three other defended positions… In the course of surveillance over Raqqa on Sunday 16 July, a Reaper delivered a Hellfire missile attack which killed a small group of terrorists armed with rocket-propelled grenades, who had been firing on the Syrian Democratic Forces from a rooftop. Tornados and Typhoons were also very active over the city, and used a Brimstone missile to attack one terrorist firing point, and Paveway IVs to deal with three sniper teams and two other positions defended by Daesh extremists. Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said: "Mosul may have been freed from the brutal grip of Daesh, but the battle against this dangerous death-cult is far from over. Over the weekend the RAF repeatedly struck Daesh targets in Raqqa, their Syrian stronghold, with precision and purpose. It is key that we maintain momentum in the campaign to remove Daesh from Syria and the remaining towns across Iraq, both to stop the spread of a poisonous ideology and to help keep us safe at home."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1248

Incident date

July 21, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Saraya government building, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.016667, 40.444167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported airstrikes on the “Martyrs Affairs Office” – seized by IS- opposite the old Saraya building and “oil burners in Badia Drenge and Tijana” – though no information was given on civilian casualties.

Step News Agency, Jisirtv and DPN reported that these were Coalition strikes. Euphrates Post didn’t identify the warplanes responsible, though did say an unspecified number of civilian casualties had been reported. .

RFS attributed the event to Russia, reporting: “Russian aircraft targeted a house previously seized by the organization [IS] and turned it into the Office of Martyrs’ Affairs” – but it said there was no information on civilian casualties.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

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 Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 July 21st-22nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed four oil storage tanks and a vehicle.“

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]