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

CS414 RS1787

Incident date

December 12, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, al Dalla roundabout, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A heavy air raid on Ar Raqqah left up to 36 civilians dead according to multiple reports. While most blamed Russia, there were some claims that the US-led Coalition was responsible. It has since denied involvement.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, the afternoon raids were concentrated mainly near the city’s al Dalla roundabout. Euphrates Post said the target was the al A’jili building, while Our Raqqa Media Group described “raids near the Odessa hotel and al Dalla roundabout and there’s a massacre and large number of cars and shops burnt.” It also said 60 people were injured.

ISIL’s media wing blamed Russia, saying it had conducted five raids on the city. Step News was among those who initially blamed the Coalition. But it later put out a correction noting “the raid that targeted al Dalla roundabout was by Russian planes and not coalition planes. It resulted in the deaths of more than 15 people and injury of dozens.”

The dead were named by local monitors.

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

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Aya
7 years years old female killed
Judy Mahmoud Abadllah al Qaim
3 years years old female killed
Sahar Mahmoud Abadllah al Qaim
2 years years old female

Family members (1)

Ibrahim al Satiti's four children
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Abdallah al Ahmad
Age unknown male killed
Adult male killed
Mohammad Hassan al Assa’d
Age unknown male killed
Abd al Qader al Darda
Adult male killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Turki Mohammad Khalaf al Hassan
Age unknown male killed
Adult male killed
Age unknown male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Age unknown male killed
Fatima Fadil al Qaim
24 years years old female killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown male killed
Rashid Khaled Kalo
10 years years old male killed
Qassem al Khudar
Age unknown male killed
Abd al Qader al Kuwati
Adult male killed
Ibrahim al Matar
Age unknown male killed
Adult male killed
Abd al Razzaq al Ibrahim
Adult male killed
Ibrahim Jassem al Salman
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Jassem al Salman's brother
Age unknown male injured
Age unknown male killed
36 years old male killed
Majed al Suweiri
Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18 – 36
  • (3–14 children2 women16 men)
  • 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

Sources (58) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (36) [ collapse]

  • Destruction at Raqqah December 12th 2016 following a Russian or Coalition raid which killed 21 civilians (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered)
  • Khaled Khalaf al Ali (via RBSS)
  • Mohammed and Ibrahim Al-Birawi were both killed in the air strike (via RBSS)
  • Mahmoud Qasem al-Falah (via VDC)
  • Ibrahim Omar Hamndales (via RBSS)
  • Mohammed Noor Al-Firomi (via RBSS)
  • Amjad Ahmad Al-Hassoon (via RBSS)
  • Sohaib Walid Al-Jassem (via RBSS)
  • Taha Al-Nazal (via RBSS)
  • Hammoud Qasim AL-Shiban (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Abd al Qader Ali al Kawati (via RBSS)
  • Sahib Waleed al Jassem (via a comment on a post on RBSS facebook page)
  • Majed al Sweiri (via RBSS)
  • Abdel Qader al Issa (via RBSS)
  • Aya and Judy (via Palmyra media cetnre)
  • Translation: SYRIA: 21 civilians killed in fresh raids on Raqqa
  • Translation: Photos showing the destruction resulting from Russian raids on Raqqa city.
  • Translation: Photos of the destruction left by Russian raids on Raqqa today.
  • Translation: 21 dead and dozens injured following Russian raids that targeted Raqqa city. Photos showing destruction.
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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 11th-12th, the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL chemical weapon facility and an armored vehicle.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any specific strikes between December 1st – 31st 2016.

On 6 January 2017, Russia, however, reported: “Since November 8, 2016, the aircraft carrier group of the Northern Fleet consisting of the heavy aircraft carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, the heavy nuclear missile cruiser Pyotr Velikiy, the large ASW ship Severomorsk, as well as auxiliary vessels of the Black Sea Fleet, has been fulfilling counterterrorist missions on the territory of Syria”, adding that ”in the course of two months of their participation in the combat actions, naval aviation pilots have carried out 420 combat sorties, 117 of them were night ones.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18 – 36
  • (3–14 children2 women16 men)
  • 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

Sources (58) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS662a RS2072

Incident date

April 4, 2017

Location

سلقين, Salqeen, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.13951, 36.45413 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 37 civilians were killed, and between 12 and 50 were wounded, following an airstrike on Salqeen – according to local sources. Up to 17 children and five women were allegedly killed in this raid on the residential neighbourhood. According to Euphrates Post, “four of them a family from eastern Deir Ezzor”. The number of dead was reportedly likely to rise due to the severity of some of the wounded.

Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Many blamed Russia for the strikes, and others blamed the Syrian regime, however Qasioun News blamed the International Coalition for the raid; they were the only source to attribute blame to the Coalition.

Multiple sources such as Orient News, reported that warplanes “targeted a school, mosque and a popular market in the city of Salqeen”. The Syrian Network for Human Rights named al Rawda Mosque. Unayyapress amongst others, reported that residential buildings were also struck, trapping many civilians under the rubble. They added that more than one missile “targeted” the area “which led to the collapse of parts of buildings over the heads of its inhabitants”. Syria News Desk additionally reported that a clock tower was also caught in the raid and partially destroyed. 

The wounded were allegedly taken to medical facilities in other parts of Idlib. 

Multiple sources, including the Step News Agency, reported that vacuum missiles were responsible for the destruction on the vicinity.

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.

The victims were named as:

Child male killed
Child killed
Child male killed
Adult female killed
Age unknown male killed
Child killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Age unknown killed
Adult female killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Adult male killed
Child female killed
14 years old female killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 37
  • (14–17 children5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (18) [ collapse]

  • Members of the White Helmets rescue wounded civilians from the rubble in the aftermath of an airstrike on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via White Helmets)
  • Members of the White Helmets rescue wounded civilians from the rubble in the aftermath of an airstrike on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via White Helmets)
  • Members of the White Helmets rescue wounded civilians from the rubble in the aftermath of an airstrike on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via White Helmets)
  • Rubble which once was a mosque, in the aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via Smart)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via Smart)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via Smart)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via Smart)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via Smart)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @ShahbaPress)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @ShahbaPress)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @ShahbaPress)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @ShahbaPress)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @DarAlimantv)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @DarAlimantv)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @DarAlimantv)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @DarAlimantv)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Salqeen, 4th April 2017. (via @ALAMAWI)
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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

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
    37SBA709024
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 24, 2020
  • Apr. 4, 2017, in Salqeen, 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. 3097/CS662a 37SBA709024

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 37
  • (14–17 children5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS237 RS926

Incident date

June 21, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.94727, 39.00887 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 38 civilians including six children and three women were killed and up to 150 injured in airstrikes on Raqqa, according to multiple sources.

While most alleged that Russia carried out the attack, the United States later admitted responsibility – though admitted only three civilians deaths: “June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike targeting an ISIL headquarters building, it is assessed that three individuals were killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.”

This was revised on April 30th 2017 with the Coalition noting that “June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria: Number 12 and 13 on Nov. 9, 2016, U.S. Central Command press release were both based on the same report. The actual assessment was that on June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, during a strike on an ISIS headquarters four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

An initial report by Shaam News blamed Russia, but it then changed its position: “Coalition planes launched raids on al Dalla roundabout and the area of the electricity company in Raqqa which led to civilians deaths and wounded.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named 27 or more victims.

However, according to the total number of identified victims across other sources, the death toll reached no less than 38, including at least six children and several women.

Syrian Press Center – who blamed Russia – said that the following locations were targeted:

“one raid near al Rahman laundry

one raid near the electricity HQ

one raid near Shukri Bozan gas station.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Abd al Sattar Rashid al Zoro
10 years old killed
Mohammad Rashid al Zoro
15 years old male injured

Family members (2)

Ibrahim Matar al Wakka
male killed
Musha’al Ibrahim al Wakka
Child injured

Family members (6)

Saleh al Jamal Al Nayef
Age unknown killed
The wife of Jamal Al Nayef
female killed
Child of Jamal Al Nayef
Child killed
Abdallah Jamal al Nayef
Adult male killed
The wife Abdallah Jamal al Nayef
Adult female killed
Child of Abdallah Jamal al Nayef
Age unknown killed

Family members (6)

Yasser al Satouf
Age unknown male killed
Khaled al Satouf
Age unknown male killed
Fadi al Satouf
Age unknown killed
Wafaa al Satouf
Age unknown killed
Fadia al Satouf
Age unknown killed
Wafaa al Satouf
Child killed

Family members (3)

Dr. Mohammad Ali al Heito
Adult male killed
Wife of Dr. Mohammad Ali al Heitoand
Adult female killed
Son of Dr. Mohammad Ali al Heito
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Al Sheikh Khalil Al Yaseen
Age unknown male killed
Ammar Abdullah Al Hasan
Age unknown killed
Mouhammad al-Ahmad
Age unknown male killed
Mouhannad Abu Heif
Age unknown male killed
Tawfeeq Al A’nizan
Age unknown male killed
Jamal Al Batran
Age unknown killed
Mohammad al Sheikh Khalil al Yasin
Age unknown male killed
Mohammad Al Ahmad al A’zzami
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Juma’a al A’far
Age unknown male killed
Ammar Abdallah Al Hassan al Satouf
Age unknown killed
Jomaa al A’bo Al Fannash
Age unknown male killed
Daughter of Jomaa al A’bo Al Fannash
Age unknown female killed
Khalif Al Ibbo al Fanash
Age unknown killed
Na’el al Fayyad
Age unknown killed
Khashab al Khashab
Age unknown killed
Tahseen al Hamoud
Age unknown killed
Jamila Hussein al Jazra
Age unknown killed
Hani al Hafez
Age unknown killed
Hussein Issa al Noaimi
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23 – 38
  • (6–7 children4 women11 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    150
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (46) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (26) [ collapse]

  • A photo of the young man Muhannad Ismail Abu Haif killed following alleged Russian raids on the city. (via RBSS)
  • Riyad Khudar al Said (via RBSS)
  • Mohammad Al Ahmad al A’zzami (via RBSS).
  • Ammar al Sattouf (via RBSS)
  • Jma’a al Ibbo al Fanash (via RBSS)
  • Khalif Al Ibbo al Fanash (via RBSS)
  • Na’el al Fayyad (via RBSS)
  • Khashab al Khashab (via RBSS)
  • Ibrahim Matar al Wakka, was killed with his two children in the air strike (via RBSS)
  • Musha’al Ibrahim al Wakka’ was killed and his brother Hafez Ibrahim al Waka’a was injured seriously leading the his feet being amputated (via RBSS)
  • Hani al Hafez (via RBSS)
  • Jamal Saleh al Batran (via RBSS)
  • Video showing regime shelling of Ar Raqqah (Youtube via RT Report)
  • Material destruction in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Material destruction in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Material destruction in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Material destruction in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Material destruction in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Hani al Hafez died following alleged Russian action near the electricity station in Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Abdallah Fayyad al Saleh al Hussein, a victim of alleged Russian action on Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • Jamal Saleh al Batran died following alleged attacks by Russian aviation (via RBSS)
  • Hussein Issa al Noaimi died in alleged Russia aerial bombardment on Ar Raqqah (via RBSS)
  • "the shelling also resulted in the destruction of five houses completely, in addition to three other combustion, as well as physical damage to seven shops and damage to its contents almost entirely" (via Syrian News Desk)
  • The aftermath of aerial bombardment on Ar Raqqah (via Erem)
  • Names of sixteen of alleged deceased (via @syria1@news1)
  • Smoke from alleged Russian attacks on Ar Raqqah (via @shaamnews)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.9505639, 39.0094148

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
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008781
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017
  • Nov 9, 2016
  • during a strike targeting an ISIL headquarters building, it is assessed that three individuals were killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.

  • “June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria: Number 12 and 13 on the Nov. 9, 2016, U.S. Central Command press release were both based on the same report. The actual assessment was that on June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, during a strike on an ISIS headquarters four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 20th-21st, the Coalition reported: “ Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes struck an ISIL-used bridge and destroyed five ISIL oil pump jacks.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between June 1st – 31st 2016.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23 – 38
  • (6–7 children4 women11 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    150
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (46) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1888

Incident date

January 18, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In what was described as a “massacre”, local sources reported that an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted the town of Al-Baghouz Tahtani east of Deir Al-Zour, killing between 6 and 39 civilians including women and children.

Most sources reported that the civilians were struck while fleeing areas under ISIS control. However one local source, who did not mention the belligerent, claimed that the civilians were killed in an attack on areas under the control of so-called ISIS.

Separately and according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Coalition airstrikes were visible between 13.30 and 14.00. SOHR added that a total of 16 people were killed of whom six were civilians and included women and children, in addition to 10 members of the so called Islamic State.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) initially placed the death toll at 15 civilians, claiming that among the victims were six children and an additional three women. However, it later added that the death toll had risen to 28 civilians including ten children and eight women.

Sound and Picture put the death toll at a much higher 39, including 22 children.

A number of families were struck according to reports, which resulted in the alleged killing of several members of the same families. Among others, eight civilians including five children from the same family were alleged killed.

The entire Al-Anis family was alleged killed as well, except one child who was injured and is depicted in the photo below. @deirezzor24 tweeted a video in which the child asks for his family and his brothers and sisters. He says that he is okay and wants to see them.

The incident occured between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Ahmed Al-Jassim Al-Mu’i
Adult male From the city of Qouriya killed
Wife of Ahmed Al-Jassim Al-Mu’i
Adult female killed
Daughter 1 of Ahmed Al-Jassim Al-Mu’i
Child female killed
Son of Ahmed Al-Jassim Al-Mu’i
Child male killed
Daughter 1 of Ahmed Al-Jassim Al-Mu’i
Child female killed

Family members (13)

Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Adult male From the city of Qouriya killed
Wife of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Adult female killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed
Unnamed child of Omar Al-Ahmed Al-Mu’i
Child killed

Family members (4)

Yousef Al-Jassem Al-Mu’i
Adult male From the city of Qouriya killed
Wife of Yousef Al-Jassem Al-Mu’i
Adult female killed
Son of Yousef Al-Jassem Al-Mu’i
Child male killed
Sister in law of Yousef Al-Jassem Al-Mu’i
killed

Family members (1)

Wife of Munir Al-Jasim Al-Mu’i
Adult female From the city of Qouriya killed

Family members (4)

Wife of Ahmed Hussein Abu Bakr
Adult female From the city of Qouriya killed
Unnamed child of Ahmed Hussein
Child killed
Unnamed child of Ahmed Hussein
Child killed
Unnamed child of Ahmed Hussein
Child killed

Family members (2)

Al-Anis family
All family members alleged killed, except one child. From the city of Qouriya. killed
Omar Anis al-Rumaih
Child male injured

Family members (3)

Asmaa’ Al-Mu’i
From the city of Qouriya killed
Abd Al-Ghani Al-Mu’i
killed
Faysal Al-Mu’i
Age unknown injured

Family members

Family members (8)

Al - Haj Hassan Khalil Al - Azzawi
Adult male From the city of Al Ashara killed
Son of Al - Haj Hassan Khalil Al - Azzawi
Child male killed
Son of Al - Haj Hassan Khalil Al - Azzawi
Child male killed
Unnamed daughter of Al - Haj Hassan Khalil Al - Azzawi
Child female killed
Unnamed daughter of Al - Haj Hassan Khalil Al - Azzawi
Child female killed
Unnamed daughter of Al - Haj Hassan Khalil Al - Azzawi
Child female killed
Unnamed daughter of Al - Haj Hassan Khalil Al - Azzawi
Child female killed
Unnamed daughter of Al - Haj Hassan Khalil Al - Azzawi
Child female killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 39
  • (6–22 children4–8 women3–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 targets
    ISIS, Other

Sources (40) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Al-Haji Hassan Khalil, one of the victims of an alleged Coalition airstrike (via Al Ashara my city Facebook page)
  • Hussein al Khalil al Azzawi, alleged killed in a Coalition airstrike (via SN4HR).
  • "Omar Anis al-Rumaih" the only survivor after an alleged Coalition airstrike killed the rest of his family.
  • Omar Anis al-Rumaih, the only survivor after his family was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, asks to see his family and wants to let them know he is okay.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Jan. 13 - 26, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 645 strikes consisting of 1,360 engagements in Syria, and conducted nine strikes consisting of 12 engagements in Iraq.

In Syria, 645 strikes engaged 394 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 244 fighting positions, 172 supply routes, 85 staging areas, 21 vehicles, 17 buildings, 15 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 14 mortar launching sites, 13 manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, 12 command and control nodes, nine tunnels, eight weapons catches, seven pieces of engineering equipment, five launching sites for unmanned aircraft systems, two weapons storage facilities, two mortar tubes, two improvised explosive devices, one unmanned aircraft system, one machine gun, one logistic node and one check point.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For January 16th - 22nd, France report and 9 strikes in the Hajin region of Syria. Task Force Wagram carried out, from the Iraqi territory, 28 firing missions.

Point de situation des opérations Armée française - Opérations militaires·Thursday, 24 January 2019 CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE A l’occasion de ses vœux, le président de la République a évoqué la situation au Levant, rappelant que Daesh est désormais privé de territoire en Irak, et sur le point de l’être en Syrie. Il a par ailleurs souligné les efforts des forces armées françaises, matérialisés d’une part par les campagnes aériennes et l’appui de l’artillerie, et d’autre part par la formation dispensée aux forces armées irakiennes Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie La progression des forces démocratiques syriennes dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, dont l’offensive est appuyée par une couverture aérienne et l’appui de l’artillerie de la Task Force Wagram, se poursuit et se rapproche de la frontière séparant l’Irak et la Syrie. Poursuite des actions en Irak En Irak, la situation sécuritaire est stable. Les forces de sécurité irakiennes ont maintenu un rythme opérationnel de contrôle de zones élevé, notamment à proximité de la frontière irako-syrienne. 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 Les artilleurs de la Task Force (TF) Wagram appuient, depuis l’Irak, les forces démocratiques syriennes engagées contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 28 missions de tir (02 éclairements, 26 appui – bilan du 16 au 22 janvier inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, en octobre 2016, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2476 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 22 sorties aériennes (bilan du 16 au 22 janvier inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 9 frappes dans la région d’Hajine. 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, en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Elle conseille également ponctuellement les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Récemment, les équipes EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), spécialisées dans la neutralisation d’engins explosifs de tous types, ont conseillé des cadres irakiens dans la préparation et la mise en œuvre d’explosifs. Elles les ont accompagnés au cours d’une mission de destruction de plusieurs tonnes de munitions découvertes, dont des engins explosifs improvisés posés par Daech d’une part, et des munitions périmées d’autre part. Ces formations spécifiques font partie des missions de la TF Monsabert qui participe directement à l’amélioration de la capacité opérationnelle de l’armée irakienne. La TF Narvik, poursuit sa mission de formation et de conseil de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Dans ce cadre, pour la toute première fois, un stage de Combat Corps à Corps de haute intensité (C4) est actuellement délivré à l’Académie des forces spéciales irakiennes, à la demande du commandement irakien. Celui-ci, tirant les leçons de la campagne contre Daech, veut doter ses troupes des meilleures techniques en matière de combat rapproché.  L’objectif est de former des cadres irakiens, mais aussi de transmettre des savoir-faire pédagogiques qui permettront aux futurs moniteurs d’instruire leurs hommes.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 39
  • (6–22 children4–8 women3–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 targets
    ISIS, Other

Sources (40) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS863

Incident date

May 25, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.01979, 40.45123 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 40 civilians including two to five children and one to three women died, and up to 15 more were injured, in airstrikes on multiple locations in Al Mayadeen. Local sources were initially conflicted as to whether this was the work of the Coalition, Iraqi warplanes or Russia.

However, in April 2018 the Coalition claimed responsibility for the event:  “It was assessed that during a strike on an ISIS media center and headquarters 15 civilians were unintentionally killed.”

In an interview with ITV News in summer 2019, British ISIS fighter Alexanda Kotey claimed that up to 40 people died when a single apartment block [presumably the al-Dahmoush building, see below] was bombed that day – including a notorious British ISIS supporter Sally Jones, known as the ‘White Widow’, and her 12-year-old son Jojo.

Many sources, including Euphrates Post, the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Smart News Network, initially reported the death of four non-combatants on May 25th. Other sources, however, put the death toll higher, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reporting that up to 35 civilians died, including many family members of IS.

According to the Syrian Observatory, “Reliable sources confirmed to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights that the strikes on the Dahmoush building have killed 26 other people at least, most of them are from the families of the organization’s members, others were injured and went missing due to these airstrikes. The Syrian Observatory learned that those who were killed, injured and missing belonged to 7 families of members of the ‘Islamic State’ organization”.

On May 30th Euphrates Post also reported “The death of the mother of Saddam, the wife of Hussein al-Hamad al-Arrouk, who was injured by the raids that targeted the city of Al-Mayadeen a few days ago. She joins her husband, her sons, her daughter and her grandson.”

The Observatory documented a number of strikes by Coalition jets: “At 7:25 pm two warplanes accompanied by two drones hovered in the sky of Al-Mayadin city, coinciding with citizens’ entry to the city’s mosques. Both warplanes carried out 4 strikes using 4 consecutive rockets, the first two rockets targeted the 4-storey al-Dahmoush building, which housed family members of the ‘Islamic State’ organization of Syrian and Moroccan nationalities. It was destroyed completely, and the raid killed a man and 2 women and a baby from Al-Mayadin. A second raid targeted the market of the city, which killed a woman, her 2 children and 2 other children. The number of Syrian people who were killed has become 9, including 5 children and 3 citizen women.”

Arabic.rt also put the death toll at 35 and blamed the Coalition.

However, Zamanalwsl pointed towards Iraqi warplanes.

Two other sources – Alaraby and @abojannarawi201 said that Russia was responsible.

According to Alaraby, Russian warplanes carried out three strikes, and “one of the raids targeted the market of the Office of the vicar in the city centre, and civilian homes resulted in the deaths and injuries.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights later reported: “The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights received information from reliable sources about the presence of Ryan Meshaal in al-Dahmoush building 3 hours before it was targeted by the International Coalition; at 7:25 in the evening of Thursday the 25th of May 2017, while the Syrian Observatory can’t confirm whether Ryan Meshaal [one of the founders of IS media agency A’amaq] is among those who were killed by the airstrikes that targeted the building and killed 26 persons of the organization’s families, also the airstrikes caused injuries and some people gone missing, where the Syrian Observatory learned that those who were killed, injured and lost belong to 7 families of the Islamic State organization’s members.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammed Abdul-Wahab Al-Aziz
Adult male killed
Wife of Martyr Mohammed Abdul Aziz
Adult female killed

Family members (2)

Wife of Muhannad Rahbi
Adult female killed
Mohamad Muhanad Waka’ al Rahbi
Child male Baby son of Muhannad Rahbi killed

The victims were named as:

the mother of Saddam
Adult female wife of Hussein al-Hamad al-Arrouk killed
Jojo Jones
12 years old male Son of Sally Jones, aka the 'White Widow' killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 40
  • (2–5 children2–3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (37) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The child Mohamad Muhanad Waka’ al Rahbi alleged killed with his mother in shelling by the Coalition forces on al Mayadeen city in Deir Ez-Zour, May 25, 2017 (via SN4HR May 25th 2017).
  • The child Mohammad Muhannad al Rahbi who was killed with his mother in shelling by the Coalition forces on al Mayadeen city in Deir Ez-Zour, May 25, 2017 (via Euphrates post on November 26th 2018).

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

  • 37SFU324762

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    15
  • Stated location
    near Al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU324762
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 26, 2018
  • May 25, 2017 near Al Mayadin, Syria via Airwars report. It was assessed that during a strike on an ISIS media center and headquarters 15 civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 24th-25th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed an ISIS barge.“
For May 25th-26th, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed seven ISIS oil trucks, four ISIS barges, an ISIS well head, a command and control node, and an ISIS headquarters."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 40
  • (2–5 children2–3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (37) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1721

Incident date

February 3–4, 2018

Location

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

Geolocation

34.735379, 40.773976 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported up to 40 civilians killed, including up to 20 named children and at least 13 women, and “dozens” wounded in a major casualty event in Al Bahra on February 4th.

All sources identify the Coalition as the culprit or – as with the Enabbaladi local report – specifically mentioned “indiscriminate US shelling”.

ISIS released a video via A’amaq on February 4th, showing damage and the bodies of children laying on the ground. Multiple photographs appeared to document high infant fatalities in the town.

A report from Jisr TV mentioned that this incident was a continuation of the campaign on the village as mentioned before in event S1525, noting that “the international coalition fighters intensified their air strikes on the areas under the organization east of Deir Ezzor recently, especially in the village of Al-Bahra”.

On February 8th, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the fatality toll had risen to “at least 40, including 20 children and 13 women”. According to the report, the airstrike targeted a school with Internally Displaced Persons. Euphrates Post and the Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies both later provided a list of the casualties that had been so far documented: Euphrates Poist said most of the deceased were IDPs from the town of Safira in eastern Aleppo.

Despite the event being apparently well documented, the Coalition later denied responsibility.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (21)

Malik Mohammed Al-Hussein Al Arabesh
Adult male killed
Wife of Malik Mohammed al Hussein
Adult female killed
Mahmoud bin Ali al-Hussein Al Arbash
Age unknown male killed
Haitham bin Ali Al Hussein Al Arbish
Age unknown male killed
Wife of Haitham
Adult female , daughter of Ahmed Al Ahmad al Juma’a killed
Wife of Malik Al-Ali
Adult female Al-Hussain the daughter of Mahmoud Al Dandal killed
Abdul Rahman
4 years old male Son of Mohammed Al-Hussein killed
Mohammed
3 years old male Son of Mohammed Al-Hussein killed
Emad
3 years old male Son of Haitham Al Hussein killed
Sondos
2 years old female Daughter of Haitham al-Hussein killed
Jihad Mahmoud Ali Al-Hussein
3 years old male killed
Mariya
2 years old female Daughter of Mahmoud al-Hussein killed
Shahd
5 years old female Daughter of Mahmoud Al Ali Al Hussein killed
Wife of Mahmoud bin Ali al-Hussein
Adult female Daughter of Mohammed al-Haj Ali killed
Wife of Ahmed bin Ali Al Hussein Al Hussein
Adult female killed
Hisham
7 years old male Son of Malik bin Ali Al Hussein killed
Hudhayfah
5 years old male Son of Malik Ali al Hussein killed
Bayan
3 years old female Daughter of Malik Ali Hussein killed
Nasreen al-Husain
Adult female Daughter of Hussein, wife of Ahmed al-Hussein bin Ali killed
Aya
3 months years old female Daughter of Ahmed Al Hussein Bin Ali killed
Nour
14 years old female Daughter of Ali al-Hussein killed

Family members (9)

Saleh Al Abboud Al Ahmad Al Alawi Abu Fadi
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim
6 years old male Son of Saleh al-‘Abdu al-Ahmad al-‘Alu killed
Izzo
9 years old male Son of Saleh al-‘Abdu al-Ahmad al-‘Alu killed
Wife of Fadi Ibn Saleh Al-Abboud Al-Ahmad Al-Alu
Adult female Daughter of Professor Mohamed Fouad Ismail killed
Magda
28 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-Hamdu al-Alou killed
Samih
40 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-Hamdu al-Alawi killed
Fatima
9 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-‘Abdu al-‘Alu, nicknamed Abu Basha killed
Maha
7 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-‘Abdu al-‘Ali killed
Iman
36 years old female Daughter of Hammad Al-Ahmad Al-Alou killed

Family members (7)

Abdullah Abu Hussein Haj Ibrahim
Age unknown male killed
Malika
Age unknown female Daughter of Abdullah Abu Hussein killed
Bashar
17 years old male Son of Abdullah Abu Hussein Haj Ibrahim killed
Mohammed
13 years old male Son of Abdullah Abu Hussein killed
Anwar Mohammed Al-Anwar
9 years old male killed
Nourah
3 years old female Daughter of Mohammed Al-Anwar killed
Qutaibah
2 years old male Son of Ibrahim Abdullah Abu Hussein killed

The victims were named as:

Wafa Al Ahmed Al Haj Ali
Age unknown male killed
Abdo Al-Ahmad Al-Alo Abu Nayef
Age unknown male killed
Wife of Abu Fadi
Adult female Daughter of Hammad Al-Ahmad Al-Alawi killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    38 – 40
  • (7–21 children13–20 women3–7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A little girl, one of the victims of the continued air campaign on Al Bahra (via Jısırtv)
  • A stills grab from an al Amaq propaganda video detailing reported destruction at al Bahra on Februiary 4th
  • A stills grab from an al Amaq propaganda video detailing reported destruction at al Bahra on Februiary 4th
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (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
  • Stated location
    near al Bahra village, 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 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 February 3rd, the Coalition reported that "On Feb. 3 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of eight engagements against ISIS targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes [2 or more British] engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS supply route, four ISIS-held buildings and a weapons cache."

For February 4th the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 4 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six engagements against ISIS targets.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Saturday 3 February – Typhoons and a Reaper hit three Daesh buildings…they [Typhoons] demolished a further two such buildings on 3 February, , whilst a Reaper destroyed another.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Sunday 4 February – a Reaper struck a large group of terrorists in a building…On 4 February, a Reaper hit another building held by a large group of terrorists.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

The Wagram Task Force continues its support security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, two 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 Syrian Democratic Forces. It resulted in 28 sorties (assessment from 31 January to 6 February) during which a strike was conducted in the Abu Kamal area in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the last pockets of Daesh in the valley of the Euphrates.

‘OPÉRATION 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. La Coalition y apporte un appui continu, permettant aux forces locales au sol de progresser régulièrement malgré une résistance importante de Daech. Poursuite des opérations de sécurisation en Irak… En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs efforts pour sécuriser le territoire. La priorité porte actuellement sur les régions de Baji et de Kirkouk où des caches d’armes sont régulièrement découvertes et détruites. … favorisant le retour des réfugiés A la faveur de la sécurisation croissante du territoire irakien, les conditions du retour des réfugiés se sont sensiblement améliorées, notamment dans la partie ouest de l’Anbar. Les réfugiés rejoignent progressivement les villes d’Al Qaim et d’Anah où les opérations de dépollution des engins explosifs improvisés laissés par Daech se poursuivent. Environ 80 camps ont été fermés en Irak et une vingtaine devrait l’être dans les semaines à venir. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram forme des artilleurs irakiens… Du 30 janvier au 1er février, un détachement de la Task Force Wagram a réalisé une action de formation inédite au tir canon au profit de plus d’une centaine d’artilleurs irakiens. Cet échange d’expérience est le résultat des liens établis entre les Task force Monsabert et Wagram avec l’Ecole d’artillerie irakienne. Ce type de stage est appelé à être renouvelé. … tout en poursuivant son appui aux opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, deux missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (1 mission d’éclairement et 1 mission d’interdiction – bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1617 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 28 sorties aériennes (bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février) au cours desquelles une frappe a été réalisée 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 : 7736 sorties / 1435 frappes / 2223 objectifs neutralisés.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For January 31st-February 6th, the Dutch MoD reported its F-16s released four munitions in the vicinity of Abu Kamal: on ISIS fighters, a storage facility and artillery positions. Jets provided support to ground troops in 12 missions, including in the Iraqi provinces Nineva, Salah ad-Din and As-Sulaymaniyah.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 07-02-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-doelen aan: strijders, logistieke opslaglocaties en artillerieopstellingen. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 31 januari tot en met 6 februari 2018. F-16 taxiet naar startbaanToon opties Een Nederlandse F-16 op weg naar de startbaan. De jachtvliegtuigen hielpen de grondtroepen tijdens 11 missies, ook boven de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Sala ad-Din en As-Sulaymaniyah. Bij 4 werden wapens ingezet. Nederland doet boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband mee aan de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Irak Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainen Nederlandse militairen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. Het team van Capacity Building Mission Iraq (CBMI) IX droeg vorige week het stokje over aan CBMI X. Zij voeren deze missie uit tot en met mei 2018. 2 trainingsteams verzorgen een basis-infanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en daarnaast een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Dat gebeurde in 2 opleidingscentra van Peshmerga. Zij kregen les in basisvaardigheden, kaartlezen en het verrichten van medische handelingen. Degenen die de training afrondden, ontvingen een certificaat. In het westen van Irak werkt een chirurgisch team in het Amerikaanse Role 2-hospitaal. De Nederlandse medici werken daar nauw samen met een Brits team.’

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    38 – 40
  • (7–21 children13–20 women3–7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1531

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.961778, 39.006083 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 21 and 40 civilians, the majority women and children, were reported killed in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city.

Initially the citizen journalist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), reported 40 civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition. According to RBSS, the strikes hit an apartment building and all of “the bodies are still under the rubble”. RBSS described the aircraft responsible as a “B52 plane”. The media wing of ISIS also claimed that the same number of civilians died.

A subsequent report from the Syrian Network for Human Rights alleged “at least 21” died following US-led Coalition raids on Al Badou neighbourhood. Smart then reported 40 dead and “dozens” injured, after Coalition planes reportedly conducted airstrikes on an apartment building in the area.

Qasioun said the death toll was 30, whilst RFS reported 40 – mostly women and children. All sources said the US-led Coalition was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 40
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the airstrikes or artillery targeted an apartment building in the neighbourhood of Badou (البدو) in the city of Raqqa. The coordinates for the neighbourhood of Badou (البدو) are: 35.961778, 39.006083.

  • The neighbourhood of Al Badou (البد) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2019 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Badou, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 25th-26th: “Near Raqqah, 26 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 fighting positions, two ISIS headquarters and two vehicles.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 40
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS123

Incident date

September 9, 2015

Location

الثورة‎, Al-Thawrah (Tabaqah), Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Up to 20 adult civilians were reported killed and injured alongside 15 children after Coalition aircraft reportedly bombed forcibly-engaged civilians who were being forced to dig ditches by Islamic State. The children reportedly belonged to ISIL’s Cubs of Al Khilafa youth organisation. The casualties occurred in the morning at the village of Krin, west of Tabaqah, alongside an estimated 50 Daesh fighters.

Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently later published a report on the event: “The bombing resulted in the killing of a number of what the organisation (IS) refers to as “Cubs of the Caliphate”, in addition to more than 20 civilians who had been hired, at 2,500 Syrian pounds a day [c £13], to work on digging trenches. There were also a number of civilians who had been detained on various charges, such as smoking and failure to pray, and whose punishment was being made to dig trenches.”

SOHR placed the number of adults killed at 15, slightly lower than other sources.

There were later efforts to spread false propaganda about the strike, including images of events [GRAPHIC] which had taken place weeks earlier at Douma.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    30 – 40
  • (15 children)
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Islamic State banner reporting that more than 30 people were killed following alleged coalition raids on the village of Krin west of Tabaqah. It specifies that there were among the planes Apaches and drones. tweeted on 9th September 2015 by @journalist_omar [account now suspended]
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Photo of victim of alleged coalition raids on the village of Krin west of Tabaqah. Tweeted on 9th September 2015 by @journalist_omar [account now suspended]
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Photo of victim of alleged coalition raids on the village of Krin west of Tabaqah. Tweeted on 9th September 2015 by @algareeb333 [account now suspended]
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Twitter account @HewarMaftuh described as 'open dialogue forum by US Central Command' reveals that photos published by pro ISIL accounts claiming to show victims of coalition raids on Tabaqah were in fact showing photos from Douma. 9th September 2015

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition reported a single airstrike in the vicinity for September 8th-9th 2015: “Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and an ISIL training camp and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL motorcycle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    30 – 40
  • (15 children)
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]