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

RS1122 CS292

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

In a major civilian casualty event, between 13 and 30 civilians were killed and up to 70 more injured from airstrikes from either a Russian or a Coalition strike on al Idkhar neighbourhood in Raqqa City. Both belligerents report bombing in the area.

Raqaa is Being Slaughtered initially reported on the morning of August 11th: “Wael Haj Hussein martyred and his father injured in coalition raids last night on al Idkhar.”

However it later reported “Shawkat Jajan al Zayid and his daughter martyred following Russian raids on al Idkhar neighbourhood midnight last night.”

Many sources attributed the airstrikes to Russian aircraft, specifically “10 Russian warplanes that launched 12 airstrikes against Raqqa and surrounding areas.”

Following the strikes, Russia published a statement saying that six warplanes bombed Raqqa and surrounding areas, and the Russian Defence Ministry posted a video showing the planes launching and dropping bombs on Raqqa.

According to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, the airstrikes targeted al-Taj hall, the al-Ferdosia area, the Brigade 17 area, a state security building, and the water pumping station in al Kassrat. Then areas effected were identified as those under the control of ISIS by the Syrian Network for Human Rights.

@syriamubasher reported that “at least two people died – in an initial count – dozens more were wounded (including cases of amputations and other serious injuries) when Russia carried out more than a dozen airstrikes in Raqqa city. The raids resulted in water being cut off to entire districts of the city and widespread destruction of buildings and public facilities”.

Photos published by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently showed the collapse of buildings and houses as a result of the strikes. They also included very graphic images of dead children.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Age unknown named by RBSS killed
Child female named by RBSS killed

Family members (2)

Age unknown male named by RBSS killed
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed

Family members (2)

Age unknown male named by RBSS killed
Child female named by RBSS killed

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male named by RBSS killed
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed
Age unknown male named by RBSS killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 30
  • (3 children1–2 women8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13–70
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (31) [ collapse]

  • Clouds of smoke above Raqqa following alleged Russian airstrikes on Aug 11th (via RBSS)
  • An image depicting the exact moment the alleged Russian raid hit. (via, RBSS)
  • An image depicting the exact moment the alleged Russian raid hit. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged incident on Raqqa, on 11th August 2016. (via, RBSS)
  • Mohammad Shawkat Jajan al Zayid, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Seriously graphic image of a child killed in an alleged Russian raid. (via, RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Seriously graphic image of a child killed in an alleged Russian raid. (via, RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Seriously graphic image of a child killed in an alleged Russian raid. (via, RBSS)
  • Yasser Mohammad Sabah al Dibba, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, RBSS)
  • Abdoulkarim Awad Shlash And his girl Alysar Awad Shlash, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, SN4HR)
  • Adnan Al Nimr, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, SN4HR)
  • Hatim Adnan Al Nimr, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, SN4HR)
  • Khaled Ismail Al Doehi, killed by an alleged Russian raid. (via, SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of the incident in Raqqa. (via, Alhurra)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A seriously injured or deceased civilian being lifted from the rubble following an alleged raid on Raqqa. (via, JisirTV)
  • MBC news reporting 30 killed in alleged Russian raids on Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • SN4HR reporting at least 21 dead in alleged regime or 'allies' raids on Raqqa on August 11th 2016
  • @Syriamubashar reports a massacre in Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • RFS Media reports 27 dead and 55 injured in alleged Russian raids on Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • Al Jisr TV reports 27 dead in alleged Russian strikes on Raqqa. 11th August 2016.
  • Syrian Press Centre reports 20 dead and 50 injured in alleged Russian strikes on Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • Syrian revolution account reports more than 25 dead and 50 injured in alleged Russian strikes on Raqqa city. 11th August 2016
  • Amawi news reports 20 dead and 50 injured in alleged Russian raids on Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • Amawi news reports rising casualties in alleged Russian raids on Raqqa with 30 dead. 11th August 2016
  • Al Jazeera breaking reports more than 20 dead in alleged Russian strikes on Raqqa. 11th August 2016
  • RBSS reports that a man from Al Haj al Hussein family died due to injuries he sustained in the 11th August raids on al Idkhar neighbourhood in Raqqa city. 27th August 2016

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

On August 11th 2016, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported that, "six Tu-22M3 long-range bombers took off from the territory of the Russian Federation and carried out concentrated strikes with high-explosive fragmentation munitions on objects of the ISIS terrorist grouping located to the south-east, north, and north-west regions from the Raqqah city. A large weaponry, ammunition and POL storage located near the Raqqah city, a plant producing chemical munitions located in the north-western suburbs of the city, and a large ISIS terrorists’ training camp have been destroyed by the aviation strike." Further to this they added that "Terrorists have suffered significant material damage. A lot of insurgents have been eliminated." According to the report the bombers took off from Hmeymim airbase.

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
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020
  • Aug. 11, 2016, in Raqqah, 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. 3028/CS292 37SEV008784

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 10th-11th 2016, the Coalition reported no strikes at Raqqa. However for August 11th-12th the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike destroyed an ISIL excavator.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 30
  • (3 children1–2 women8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13–70
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1747

Incident date

May 1, 2018

Location

القصر, Al Qasr village, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.039279, 41.126139 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, at least 13 and up to 30 civilians were killed and “tens of others” were injured in airstrikes on al Qasr village, also known as al Fadel, near the Syrian-Iraqi border in the Tal al Jayer area of al Hassaka governorate. Reports identified both the Coalition and the Iraqi air force as the likely culprit.

Most sources reported 25 or more civilians killed. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported a lower tally of “at least 13”, whereas Shaam News detailed the higher figure of 30 civilians killed. Nearly all reports detailed that many women and children were among the killed and injured. Bukmalna described it as “a massacre against the al Jabour tribe”, but was the only source mentioning the tribal background of the victims.

An Al Khabour correspondent detailed that the bombing “targeted al Sheikh petrol station” where “the largest concentrations of displaced people in the region” are settled. The reporter stated that the bodies were buried in a mass grave in the town of Tel Jair.

A number of sources published the names of civilians killed in the strike. Marsad al Hassaka reported the most comprehensive list of 22 fatal victims, which included the names mentioned by all other sources:

Local journalist Mudar al Assad confirmed to Zaman al Wasl that most of the victims of the bombing were children, women and elderly members of the Khashman al-Assad family and pointed out that “the air raid targeted them as they slept in their homes last night.”

Other sources, including Sound and Picture, reported that “war planes coming from the side of #Iraq” were behind the initial airstrikes. Al Sham al Fadha tweeted that “The Iraqi Shiite crowd targets al Qasr village in al-Shadadi inside Syria”. Marsad al Hassaka stated that the “Iraqi Popular Militia Units (PMU)” subsequently struck the village with rockets, which “hindered the ambulance getting to the wounded from the Coalition bombing”.

A Euphrates Post reporter reiterated this in an interview with Orient News, stating that “they were also targeted again during the rescue operation from the raid.” In the same item, the reporter claims ISIS were no longer present in the village. An Al Jisr TV report reiterated that the PMU at the Tal Safok border crossing fired “dozens of mortars and artillery shells” on ISIS positions in Syria.

Most sources however, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights, identified the Coalition as the primary culprit.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights instead emphasized that it was not known whether the airstrikes “belong to the Iraqi Air Force or to the International Coalition”.

On May 6th the Iraq National Army tweeted a video of the Air Force carrying out airstrikes “against Daesh leadership HQs in the al Dashisha area inside Syrian territory”. This report was reiterated by Kurdistan 24. However, Hassaka Youth Union stated that this was in fact a video of the raid on the village of al Qasr. Airwars researchers have reached out to the source and are waiting for clarification to verify whether or not the video is related to this specific incident.

Nedaa quoted local sources reporting that “buildings located in al Sheikh fuel station, which housed displaced people from Deir Ezzor and Iraq were targeted killing 30 people”.

The report went on to say that that the Coalition killed 23 more civilians in the village of al Fadil. Al Sharq News also reported on both incidents, but noted that there “were conflicting reports about the second massacre”. Indeed, it is important to stress that in a private conversation, Hassaka Youth told Airwars researchers that the village of al Fadil does not exist. The sources are likely referring to the same incident in al Qasr, in which some of the casualties were from the al Fadil tribe – accidentally confusing the tribe for a village.

CJTF’s director of public affairs confirmed to Airwars around this time that some Iraqi air and artillery strikes against ISIS targets within Syria were now being counted as Coalition actions – though with Baghdad still also conducting its own unilateral actions. This meant that all recent civilian harm events allegedly involving Iraqi aircraft in Syria should be considered likely Coalition civilian casualty events.

In the second of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, 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 incident was first reported on May 1, 2018 at 12:00 pm by .

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Zahra Ahmed Al Omar
Adult female Wife of Badi’ Al Khashman Al Fadhel killed
Abdullah Badi’ Al-Khashman
16 years old male killed
Siham Badi’ Al Khashman
Age unknown female killed
Khadija Badi’ al Khashman
Adult female killed
Child of Khadija Badi’ al-Khashman
Child killed
Name unknown

Family members (5)

Abdul Salam Badi Khashman
Adult male killed
Hind Nuhair al Fadel
Adult female Abdul Salam Badi Khashman killed
Unnamed victim 1
Child Child of Abdul and Hind killed
Unnamed victim 2
Child Child of Abdul and Hind killed
Unnamed victim 2
Child Child of Abdul and Hind killed

Family members (5)

Abdul Qadir Badi Khashman
Adult male killed
Wife of Abdul Qadir Badi Khashman
Adult female killed
Unnamed victim 1
Child Child of Abdul and his wife killed
Unnamed victim 2
Child Child of Abdul and his wife killed
Unnamed victim 3
Child Child of Abdul and his wife killed

Family members (11)

Wife of Abd al-Salam al Omar
Adult female killed
Child of Abd al-Salam al Omar
Child killed
Abd al-Salam al Omar
Adult male injured
Munther
Child male Son of Abd al-Salam al Omar’ injured
Fatima Abdel Salam al Omar
8 years old female killed
Ahmed Abdel Salam Al Omar
7 years old male killed
Abdulqader Abdel Salam al Omar
5 years old male killed
Haneen Abdel Salam al Omar
3 years old female killed
Anfal Abdel Salam al Omar
5 months old years old female killed
Hammad Ahmed Al Omar
Age unknown male Listed as missing
Thamer Abdul Hamid Al-Omar
Age unknown female Listed as missing

Family members (4)

Wife of Khattab al Fadel
Adult female killed
Unnamed victim 1
Child Child of Khattab al Fadel killed
Khattab al Fadel
Adult male injured
Unnamed victim 1
Child Child of Khattab al Fadel injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    24 – 30
  • (5–14 children3–5 women7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • A photo of two children who were allegedly killed in the shelling on the village of Al Qasr, May 1st (via Al Hassaka Youth Union)
  • Unnamed child victim of reported Coalition strike on Umm Qasr, Syria on May 1st 2018 (via Hassakah Youth Union)
  • Unnamed victims of reported Coalition strike on Umm Qasr, May 1st 2018 (via Hassakah Youth Union)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    GRAPHIC: Unnamed victims of reported Coalition strike on Umm Qasr, May 1st 2018 (via Hassakah Youth Union)
  • An Iraqi military video reporting airstrikes on Hassakah, May 6th 2018

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the villages of Al Qasr (القصر) or al Fadel, both of which Airwars was unable to locate. It’s reportedly in the Tell al Jayer area, for which the coordinates of its midpoint are: 36.034837, 41.097579. Some reports mention the Sheikh fuel station, for which the coordinates are: 36.039279, 41.126139. The incident was first reported on May 1, 2018, after noon local time

  • Tell al Jayer area and the Sheikh fuel station

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV915903
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • May 1, 2018, in Al Qasr, 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. 3167/CS1747 37SFV915903

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 1st, the Coalition reported that “On May 1 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of five engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes damaged one Daesh-held building. Near Al Shadaddi, one strike engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed two headquarters buildings."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    24 – 30
  • (5–14 children3–5 women7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1375

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Location

شارع معتز, West of Mu'Taz Street, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9508, 39.01558 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 30 civilians including women and children died and dozens more were wounded in a Coalition airstrike on the area west of Al-Mu’taz Street in Raqqa, according to local media. The Coalition later confirmed having unintentionally injured two civilians in this strike.

All sources attributed the event to the US-led Coalition, with a number reporting that an apartment building was struck after “Maghrib prayers”, according to the Euphrates Post.

Multiple members of four families were reportedly killed, with Step News and other sources saying that 25 people from one family died. Death counts varied. Sound and Picture put the toll at 17, while Elwehda said that 11 children and five women were among those killed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that there had been up to 13 child victims among the 25 who died.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently put the total number dead at around 30. According to Euphrates Post, the strike “targeted a building behind Abu Hussein Sironx where there were 30 people from four families, two of whom were taken out. The rest remained under the rubble.”

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, Amnesty stated that “Eleven members of the Al-Rahil family – five women, three children and three men, were killed when the home they were sheltering in was destroyed in a coalition air strike. Another female relative was killed in in a neighbouring house.”Kraiem, a survivor of the strike gave a testimony to Amnesty stating that “After the strike I was looking for my son in the dark. I pulled a survivor out the rubble, it was Yassir, Khaled’s son. Then I found the body of my little boy. One of the women had been cut in half. Aydan was headless.”

Field notes of the investigation mention that “the house that was hit is known as Beit al Shamas – which is Kraim’s sister Fadda’s house. In mid-July, IS had sent them to the area, after ordering them and all their neighbours in their area on the outskirts of the city in northern Raqqa to leave, saying it was a ‘military area’.”

“Kraim and the others believe that Jihad Sueilem’s house, across the street, was impacted by shrapnel from this strike. The only person to die in Jihad Sueilem’s house was Yassir’s older sister,  Lana Ali al-Njem, who was in the kitchen when something appears to have come through the window. After inspecting the scene, we felt that whatever killed Yassir’s older sister must have come from something else, maybe a separate strike.” The incident reporting this death can be found here: CS1375b.

“Kraim was in the house at the time it was hit. He heard shooting outside so put his head out to have a look. That was when he heard an airplane above. After the strike there was no light but he had a torch. He was looking for his son in the dark. He pulled a body out but then boy said “I’m Yassir, Khaled’s son”. He found his son and saw that he had suffered a head wound. One of the women had been cut in half. Aydan was headless.”

In October 2017, the Coalition conceded it had caused civilian harm in what may be this this strike: “(14.) Aug. 15, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via self-report. During a Coalition strike that engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally injured.”

Airwars is still seeking clarification on this event. In their monthly civilian casualty reports, 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 approximately 12:15 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

40 years old male a neighbour killed
38 years old male Yasser's brother killed
55 years old female Yasser's sister, widow, no children killed
27 years old female Yasser's sister killed
73 years old female Yasser's mother killed

Family members (3)

3 years old male Kraim’s son killed
6 years old female Kraim’s daughter killed
35 years old female Kraim’s wife killed

Family members (1)

Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

70 years old male killed
65 years old female Aydan's wife killed

The victims were named as:

42 years old male his boy survived killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 30
  • (6–13 children5–6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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

Sources (36) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Reem and Qutayba Kareem al Rahil killed along with their mother, in an alleged Coalition airstrike on an apartment building in Mu’taz Street in the center of Raqqa city, Aug 15th (via SN4HR)
  • Fatima Hassan al-Gatt (via RBSS)
  • # Raqqa massacre against the family of "Najem" because of the bombing of the international coalition aircraft on "Street Moataz" in the city of Al-Rigga before a few days Martyrs: 1 - Yasser Ali Najem .. 2 - Hussein Ali Najem 3 - Malika Ali -Najem, F 4 - Dalia Ali Najem, F 5 - and their mother Fatima Hassan al-Gatt
  • Members of the Najem family, Dalia and Malak (via Amnesty International)
  • Fatima Hassan Al Qat (via Amnesty International)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • 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 injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017
  • (14.) Aug. 15, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via self-report. During a Coalition strike that engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 14th-15th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 27 strikes engaged 19 ISIS tactical units; and destroyed 59 fighting positions, two heavy machine guns, a mortar system, an IED, and a logistics node.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 14, near Raqqah, Syria, 32 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 18 fighting positions, three IEDs, three heavy machine guns, three command and control nodes, a logistics node, an anti-aircraft artillery system, and an IED factory.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the past week, (11th-18th) France conducted 27 sorties, including 22 armed reconnaissance and ground support (CAS), 1 refueling outlet and 4 intelligence gathering sorties by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrols. Two strikes were carried out in the Raqqah region of Syria. They helped support the Syrian democratic forces in their offensive to retake the city.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille, amorcée il y a 15 jours, s’est achevée en fin de semaine dernière. Elle a permis de réaliser la jonction des fronts est et ouest. Depuis, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont relancé une offensive vers le centre de la ville mais elles font face à une défense acharnée des combattants de Daech. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations dans l’objectif de libérer, à terme, le nord de l’Irak. Actuellement, elles focalisent leur effort sur l’encerclement de la ville de Tall Afar. Les combattants de l’organisation terroriste réalisent un travail de valorisation de leurs positions défensives pour se préparer aux combats à venir alors que les populations tentent de fuir la ville. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Les soldats de l’opération Chammal poursuive leur mission d’appui au profit des unités irakiennes engagées contre Daech. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 27 sorties aériennes dont 22 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), 1 sortie de ravitaillement ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Raqqah en Syrie. Elles ont permis d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes dans leur offensive pour reprendre la ville. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 13 missions de tir en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar. En particulier, les artilleurs ont fourni des feux de harcèlement et d’éclairement pour interdire aux combattants de Daech de mener des actions au sol ou de réaliser des tirs indirects contre les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1330 frappes, 2102 objectifs détruits et 6946 sorties. ‘

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Aug 9-15th, France report 2 strikes in Raqqah, Syria – and 13 artillery missions in Mosul.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 30
  • (6–13 children5–6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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

Sources (36) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1854

Incident date

November 25, 2018

Location

أبو الحسن, Abou Al Hasan , Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6533333, 40.8952778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 12 and 30 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, which one source described as a “massacre of defenseless Sunni civilians”. According to Step News, 12 civilians were killed whereas the number of dead exceeded 30 according to Official Al Shaafa Facebook page.

Most victims were women and children according to sources on the ground. According to the official Al Shaafa Facebook page, most of the victims were children under 10 years old. Free Deir Ezzor Radio was the only source to report that all victims were women and children.

One source named Faisal al-Sayyid told 7al news “The first raids targeted civilian houses in the village of Abou Al Hasan, killing four civilians, including an elderly woman”. He added that more than 12 civilians were injured.

Two sources indicated that the attack happened in the first hours of the day.

Some bodies were reportedly still stuck under the rubble.

In the first of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, 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 incident occured between 12:01 am and 6:00 am local time.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 30
  • (4–8 children2–6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–15
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

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
    37SFU736362
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020
  • Nov. 25, 2018, in Abu Al Hasan, 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. 2931/CS1854 37SFU736362

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 25th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes consisting of 26 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 14 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units and destroyed one vehicle, two fighting positons, two supply routes, one UAS launch site, three buildings, one command and control center and one weapons cache.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Nov 21st-27th, France report that Task Force Wagram carried out 62 firing missions (35 lighting, 27 destruction) from Iraq territory. Aircraft carried out 16 sorties and two strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Dans la région d’Hajine, profitant de conditions météo défavorables, Daech a récemment lancé des offensives contre les positions des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). L’appui de la coalition, notamment l’engagement de l’artillerie, a permis de stopper ces offensives. Au bilan, cette action a occasionné des pertes dans les deux camps, sans faire évoluer la ligne de front. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un effort le long de la frontière syrienne pour contrer toute tentative d’action de Daech depuis la Syrie. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 62 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 27 destruction – bilan du 21 au 27 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2227 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 16 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 novembre inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 2 frappes cette semaine. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8670 sorties / 1481 frappes / 2280 objectifs neutralisés. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Insérée au sein du quartier général de la division, la TF se compose d’une centaine de militaires dont les expertises variées permettent de dispenser des instructions opérationnelles adaptées aux besoins émis les Irakiens. Depuis le mois d’octobre, treize stages ont ainsi été organisés, dans des domaines variés comme le secourisme de combat, la lutte contre les IED, le combat en zone urbaine, la lutte contre la menace NRBC ou encore la maintenance ou l’entraînement physique et sportif. Ils ont permis de former quelque 240 militaires irakiens, dont une majorité de cadres ayant pour vocation de devenir instructeurs à leur tour. Monsabert intervient également au profit de l’école d’artillerie irakienne : 75 cadres de cette école ont ainsi été entraînés pendant plus d’un mois. L’artillerie est une capacité de premier ordre pour l’armée irakienne qui l’emploie actuellement à la frontière irako-syrienne pour prévenir toute incursion de Daech depuis la Syrie. Composée d’une quarantaine de militaires, la TF Narvik, qui est implantée dans les faubourgs de Bagdad, forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Mi-octobre ont débuté cinq formations dans les domaines suivants : mise en œuvre d’armes lourdes, combat motorisé, lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés, sauvetage au combat et tir de précision. D’une durée de douze semaines chacune, ces formations permettent d’instruire les stagiaires de l’école de spécialité de l’ICTS mais également de conseiller les instructeurs irakiens.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 21st-27th 2018, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16's supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting vehicles, logistical places and IS-fighters.

In het overzicht van 21-27 Nov laat MinDef weten tijdens 9 missies F-16's te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Bij 3 missies boven Deir al Zour in Syrie werden wapens ingezet. Voertuigen, logistieke plaatsen en IS-strijders zijn aangevallen.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 30
  • (4–8 children2–6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–15
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1718

Incident date

January 26, 2018

Location

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.74226, 40.76953 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Thirty civilians allegedly died in Coalition airstrikes on Al Bahra village in the Deir Ezzor countryside, according to local sources. The original source for these claims appeared to be ISIS.

@7UFCmSxd0IUBffH and other sources said that there were “more than 30 martyrs, most of them women and children, and injured civilians, in US air strikes on the village of Al-Bahra.

The Shaam News Network reported “warplanes of the International Coalition committed a massacre in air strikes on the town of Al-Bahra”. It went on to cite the ISIS media agency Amaq Agency which had “said that coalition air raids on the town had killed 30 people, most of them women and children, and caused many casualties.”

An ISIS video associated with this event was released, though has since been deleted from public records. Al Jazeera also cited ISIS as the source for claims of 30 civilians killed. Further sources additionally blamed the Coalition, reporting that most of the victims were women and children. A number of sources referred specifically to “US airstrikes”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    30
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A reported child victim of a Coalition strike on al Bahra (image likely via ISIS propaganda video)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Bahrah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU619458
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 26th 2018 the Coalition reported: “On Jan. 26 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of eight engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, five strikes engaged two Daesh tactical units and destroyed a construction vehicle, a VBIED, two fighting positions and two Daesh headquarters.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Friday 26 January – Tornados struck a Daesh-held building and a Reaper hit a group of terrorists…On 26 January, a Reaper worked alongside two Tornados over the area [Euphrates area]; the Reaper identified one building occupied by extremists, which allowed the Tornados to strike, then it hit a further group with a Hellfire.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For January 24th-30th, the Netherlands report F16s attacked Dutch F-16s attacked ISIS targets in support of ground troops, including buildings, set-ups, a headquarters and a storage location. This happened in the neighborhood of Ar Ramadi and Abu Kamal in the province of Deir Al Zour in eastern Syria. Dutch fighter planes helped ground troops during 12 missions, which were also over the Iraqi provinces of Nineveh and Anbar. Weapons were used six times.

Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 31-01-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-doelen aan, waaronder gebouwen, opstellingen, een hoofdkwartier en een opslaglocatie. Dat gebeurde in de buurt van Ar Ramadi en Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 24 tot en met 30 januari 2018. Technicus bevestigt brandstofslang aan F-16Toon opties Een F-16 wordt bijgetankt (september 2015). De jachtvliegtuigen hielpen de grondtroepen tijdens 12 missies, ook boven de Iraakse provincies Ninawa en Al Anbar. Bij 6 werden wapens ingezet. Nederland neemt boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband deel aan de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For January 24th-30th, France reports that Task Force Wagram continued to provide support in the Euphrates Valley. Five firefighting missions were carried out for the benefit of the Iraqi security forces. This week, the air activity provided intelligence and support missions for the Iraqi security forces and the SDF. It resulted in 20 sorties during which three strikes were carried out, all in the area of ​​Abu Kamal in support of the SDF.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les dernières poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur combat contre les dernières poches Daechies présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate. Les mauvaises conditions météorologiques réduisent encore les capacités d’appui de la Coalition. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent des opérations de contrôle de zone et de sécurisation, confirmant leur autonomie croissante. Dans la vallée de l’Euphrate, autour d’Al Qaim, comme dans la province de Ninive, les opérations conduites par les forces de sécurité irakiennes donnent de bons résultats avec la découverte et la destruction de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. Des infirmiers irakiens formés au secourisme de combat Depuis le 13 janvier et pour une durée de quatre semaines, la Task Force Monsabert réalise une instruction « Advance Combat Life Saver » au profit des infirmiers irakiens du centre médical de la 6ème Division. Le stage est essentiellement pratique et vise à faire des stagiaires de futurs instructeurs au secourisme de combat. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE la Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, cinq missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (2 missions d’éclairement et 3 mission d’interdiction – bilan du 24 au 30 janvier). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1615 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a permis d’assurer des missions de renseignement et d’appui au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 24 au 30 janvier) au cours desquelles trois frappes ont été réalisées, toutes dans le secteur d’Abu Kamal en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes combattant les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7708 sorties / 1434 frappes / 2222 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    30
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1782

Incident date

July 21, 2018

Location

بين بلدة السوسة والظهرة في البادية, Al Soussa/al Dahra, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that up to thirty civilians were killed and injured when Coalition airstrikes allegedly targeted several locations between al Soussa and al Dahra.

Most sources stated that the civilians were struck when they were trying to escape the village of al Soussa and move towards the al Dahra area in al Badia, rural Deir Ezzor. ISIS had reportedly allowed some civilians to flee.

According to Deir Ezzor 24, this happened when Coalition aircraft were “targeting several locations for Daesh in the town of Al-Soussa”. All sources identified the Coalition as the culprit.

Baladi News later noted that “dozens of civilians, including women and children” were killed and injured in the attack. This was reiterated by Syrian state media SANA, which added that “scores of families from al-Soussa have been fleeing the airstrikes of the Coalition that have been targeting their homes for days.”

Al Soussa Youth reported that one of the civilians killed was identified as Hamid Al Zaidan from al Habatra, whose recovered body had been brought to his family. According to the report, the other bodies “can’t be reached.” Two days after the event, both al Soussa Youth and Step News Agency reported a tally of 30 civilians killed, while mentioning that these were still not recovered from the site.

Two days after the incident, Mena Monitor News stated that the SDF “found eight bodies of civilians in the town of Soussa in the eastern suburb of Deir al-Ghazur, which were killed by an air strike by the international coalition coalition two days ago”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hamid Al Zaidan
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    24 – 30
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of Hamid Al Zaidan (via al Soussa Youth)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the villages of Al Baghouz and Al Soussa, for which the coordinates are: 34,528889, 40,9675

  • The villages Al Soussa and Al Baghouz

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al-Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU805225
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018
  • July 21, 2018, near al-Soussa, Syria, via Airwars. 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

The Coalition publicly reported that on July 21st 2018: “Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed three
Daesh vehicles and one Daesh line of communication."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    24 – 30
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1580a RS2591

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Location

معبر مائي بين هجين و العباس, Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between ten and 30 civilians were killed, including four named men, and “dozens” more were injured, following a continuation of airstrikes on the river crossing, however this time the crossing linking Hajeen with Al A’bbas town. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, however others blamed the Syrian regime and US-led Coalition.

According to local media, the civilians struck were mostly displaced women and children. It was reported by multiple sources that a father and son were killed on the outskirts of Hajeen after their prayers.

The intensity of the shelling meant it was difficult to retrieve injured and dead civilians from the rubble.

Cluster bombs and 12 missiles were used on the vicinity.

Overall, between 100 and 150 civilians were killed by bombing on multiple water-crossings on this day.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult male killed
Adult male killed

Family members (2)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 30
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (48) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Hajin City)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Hajin City)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Abu Kamal)
  • The exact moments an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Ahmed al-Obeidi)
  • News bulletin reporting on an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Al Jazeera)
  • "# Deir al-Azur dozens of martyrs targeting Russian aircraft cluster bombs of the words of civilians less than # Al-Ashra to the south-east bank of the Euphrates River" (via JinaShashaah)
  • News bulletin reporting on an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Radio Alwan)
  • Hassen Nahar al Werdi and his young son Ahmad Hassan al-Wardi, killed in an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Abu Abdullah)
  • Hassen Nahar al Werdi and his young son Ahmad Hassan al-Wardi, killed in an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Dirzalzor 24)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • Ayyam Farih Al - Hussein Al - Issa and Bassil Freih Al - Hussein Al - Issa, killed in an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Almayadee)
  • Ayyam Farih Al - Hussein Al - Issa and Bassil Freih Al - Hussein Al - Issa, killed in an alleged Russian and Coalition airstrike on the Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, 4th October 2017. (via Euphrates post)

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
    37SFU669400
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020
  • Oct. 4, 2017, near Hajin, 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. 3151/CS1580a 37SFU669400

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
    10 – 30
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (48) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS409

Incident date

December 9, 2016

Location

معيزيلة, Ma'yezila, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.1189143, 39.1815376 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 17 and 32 civilians were reported killed and a further 20 or more injured following alleged Coalition strikes on Ma’yezila.

According to Riba FM, the strike took place near the town’s Alh mosque. Raqqa News Network reported that “Al-Ma’yzila’s population is less than 300 and they all have the same grandfather. More than 28 martyrs were killed, around 10% were killed. This is a genocide.” And Shaam News reported that “Activists said the international coalition targeted several civilian houses in the village of Maizalh with missiles, leaving 17 martyrs in an initial toll and dozens wounded.”

In a detailed report, Syria Newsdesk said “32 civilians were killed and more than 20 others wounded on Thursday evening, by the the international coalition planes targeting with six raids houses in the centre of al Ma’yezila village which is under the control of the organization of the Islamic state in northern Raqqa. The media opposition activist Mohamed Osman, quoting civilian sources from the village, told Syria News Desk that two planes belonging to the international coalition bombed using vacuum missiles five houses in the village, killing 30 civilians, including two families made up of 16 people each including children. He confirmed that there are nine serious cases among the wounded, who were transferred to the National Hospital in Raqqa, the death toll is likely to rise in the coming hours, while the rest of the injured were ministered to at other medical points of the city. The source said the raids also resulted in the destruction of five houses completely and great damage occurred to four others houses.”

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, Coalition officials said the event had been submitted “for further review.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (1)

Al-Afir family
Age unknown 8 members killed

Family members (4)

Mahmood Al-Ahmad Al-Shinan
Age unknown male killed
Mahmood Al-Ahmad Al-Shinan's daughter
Age unknown female killed
Ismaeil Al-Ahmad Al-Shinan
Age unknown male killed
Abdur Rahman Ahmad Al-Shanan
Child male killed

Family members (1)

Asa’ad Suleiman al Juma’a
Age unknown 4 members of this family killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Al-Shinan Al-Qalit
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Al-Hashim's daughter
Age unknown female killed
Ahmad Al-Hameed Al-Qalit's daughter
Age unknown female killed
Bushra Mohammad al Kalit
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 32
  • (7–10 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Ismaeil Al-Ahmad Al-Shinan, his bother Mahmood and his child Abdur-Rahman - killed in a reported Coaltion strike on December 8th 2016 (via Raqqa News Network)
  • Mahmoud al Ahmad Al Shanan and his brother Ismail Al Ahamd al Shanan who were martyred along with their entire family (via RBSS)
  • Mahmoud al Ahmad Al Shanan and his brother Ismail Al Ahamd al Shanan who were martyred along with their entire family (via RBSS)
  • Abd al Rahman al Ahmad al Shanan (via RBSS)
  • Asa’ad Suleiman al Juma’a (via RBSS)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mayaezila Village, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV163971
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2018
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 8th-9th 2016 the Coaltion reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed a vehicle, a fighting position, and a supply cache. Near Ayn Isa, two strikes damaged five ISIL supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 32
  • (7–10 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (24) [ collapse]