US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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US-led Coalition
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Incident Code

CS944

Incident date

June 8, 2017

Location

الرقة, near Raqqah, Syria, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.942996, 38.963162 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 29th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm “near Raqqa, Syria” via an NGO report. According to the Coalition report, “102. June 8, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via NGO report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.“

The Coalition shared the military coordinates with Airwars: 37SDV9667777626. This corresponds with Jarah in Raqqa.

No additional information is presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV9667777626
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 7th-8th: “Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 fighting positions, three vehicles, two ISIS staging areas, an ISIS excavator, an ISIS weapons cache, and an ISIS training camp.” It also added that “On June 7, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed six fighting positions and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” And that “On June 7, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS minefield.”

For June 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, nine strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, three vehicles and a mortar system."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1937

Incident date

November 22, 2019

Location

حي اللطوة, Latwa neighbourhood, Dhiban, Deir Ezzor , Syria

Geolocation

35.0162094, 40.5101418 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian male was killed and one woman and five children from the same family injured after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted their home in Al Latwa neighbourhood of the town of Dhiban, Deir Ezzor governorate, on November 22nd, 2019, according to local sources. Two members of the SDF were also reported killed and another five wounded.

Euphrates Post reported that the house of civilian Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi was hit by the alleged International Coalition airstrike, which killed him and injured his wife. The Euphrates correspondent added that two SDF soldiers were also killed in the incident.

According to Halab Today, “The SDF arrested at least 20 people in the town, including civilians and former ISIS operatives, during a series of raids in the town’s al-Latwa neighbourhood.” The source added that Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi “had tried to prevent SDF members from raiding his house, which led to his death”.

Jesr Press also said that “there was a verbal altercation with members of the patrol which developed into a  shooting. Khalid opened a bomb and threw it on the elements [of the SDF], injuring five of them”.

Xeber24 said: “Activists added that the landing operation, which took place on Friday morning (November 22nd), involved three US Apache helicopters, a war fighter and two reconnaissance planes, during which clashes took place between the gunmen in Al-Lattwa neighborhood in Theban town and SDF fighters.”

Jesr Press added that the victim was killed the day after his wedding: “Khaled Mahmoud al-Hussein, a native of Theban, was working in Qatar before the Syrian revolution. He returned to his home town two months ago to get married, and then intended to return to Qatar to continue his work. He celebrated his wedding on Thursday. he was killed today [Nov 22nd0 although he did not participate in any armed activity.”

Additionally, Step said that  Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi’s “wife and five of his children were wounded” in the operation.

AA reported: “A coalition statement said on Saturday that ground and air operations continued in Deir ez-Zor on Friday, including airdrops, which resulted in the neutralization of many ISIS elements and the injury of others (without giving a specific number).

“The statement said that ‘special forces from several countries in the coalition participated in the clearance of ISIS positions’ in the province, and the arrest of many of its fighters, as well as the confiscation of ‘a significant amount’ of light weapons, hand explosives and ammunition”.

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 after a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein
Adult male killed
Wife of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein
Adult female first name unknown injured
Child of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein
injured
Child of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein
Child injured
Child of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein
Child injured
Child of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein
Child injured
Child of Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Hussein
Child injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–6
  • 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2
  • Belligerents reported injured
    5

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Photo of the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the house of Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi in Al Latwa neighbourhood of Dhiban town, Deir Ezzor, on November 22nd, 2019 (via Euphrates Post on Facebook).
  • Photo of the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the house of Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi in Al Latwa neighbourhood of Dhiban town, Deir Ezzor, on November 22nd, 2019 (via Euphrates Post on Facebook).
  • Photo of the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the house of Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi in Al Latwa neighbourhood of Dhiban town, Deir Ezzor, on November 22nd, 2019 (via Euphrates Post on Facebook).
  • Photo of the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the house of Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi in Al Latwa neighbourhood of Dhiban town, Deir Ezzor, on November 22nd, 2019 (via Euphrates Post on Facebook).
  • Photo of the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the house of Khalid Al Hamoud Al Hammadi in Al Latwa neighbourhood of Dhiban town, Deir Ezzor, on November 22nd, 2019 (via Euphrates Post on Facebook).
  • Khaled Al Hamoud al-Hammadi Husse (via Jesr Press)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a strike within the Latwa neighbourhood (حي اللطوة) in the village of Diban (ذيبان) for which the generic coordinates are: 35.0162094, 40.5101418. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU388738
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Nov. 22, 2019, in Diban, Syria via Syrian Observatory for Human Rights report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 2888 37SFU388738

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–6
  • 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2
  • Belligerents reported injured
    5

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1964

Incident date

September 26, 2021

Location

الزر, Al Zir, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.125270, 40.428640 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one young man, a civilian, was killed and two to three other civilians were injured in alleged Coalition and Syrian Democratic Forces raids on the village of Al Zir on September 26, 2021. Two to three others were arrested in the raids but it is unclear if they were civilians or members of ISIS.

Euphrates Post reported that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Coalition forces “raided Mishaal al-Qubba’s house in al-Mankar neighborhood in the center of al-Zar village and arrested Malik Khalil al-Munkar and Anas Hamidi al-Munkar, in addition to injuring two other civilians who were near the place”. The home of the al-Qubba family was burned down before the forces withdrew.

Deir Ezzor 24 added that the attacking forces first called through the loudspeaker for the targets in the house to surrender themselves but when they refused, clashes broke out. The wanted persons were allegedly members of ISIS.

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights identified the house targeted as “hosting ISIS affiliated members” and added that “three people in the house were wounded” but did not specify if those wounded were members of ISIS.

According to Euphrates Eye, Muhammad Abadi Al-Saleh Al-Mankar, “a civilian who does not belong to any military faction,” died from his injuries sustained during the operation and the SDF handed over his body to his family.

A “Jisr” correspondent also identified Ali Basil Abadi Al-Saleh (likely the same man as mentioned above) as being shot and then arrested by the SDF, and he later died. The family of the young man reported that he was only 18 years old, worked with his brothers raising livestock and had no connections with ISIS.

Euphrates Eye published the identities of men arrested in the raid, referring to them as the “village’s civilians”: Mazen Jassim Al-Mankar (a civilian with a neurological disease) ), Faris Al-Huwaili (a civilian driver of a private car) and Ibn Hijab.

The Coalition spokesperson Col. Wayne Marotto tweeted that “.@Coalition successfully conducted another raid in the vicinity of Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria today resulting in the death of 3 Daesh terrorists, & the detention of 2 associates.” It is possible that the “detention of 2 associates” refers to this incident.

A correspondent for Furat Network pointed out that the operation “involved several helicopters and a warplane that opened the sound barrier, causing panic and fear among the people, while targeting the landing area with heavy machine guns” and Euphrates Eye put the specific count at five coalition helicopters, accompanied by drones. All of the sources attributed the strikes to the Coalition and/or SDF.

The incident occured at approximately 2:00 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad Abadi Al-Saleh Al-Munkar محمد عبادي الصالح المنكار
18 years old male Also referred to as Ali Basil Abadi Al-Saleh killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The young man, Muhammad Abadi Al-Saleh Al-Munkar, allegedly killed by SDF and Coalition forces in a raid on Al Zir on September 26, 2021. (Image posted by Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Zir (الزر), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.125270, 40.428640. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

@Coalition successfully conducted another raid in the vicinity of Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria today resulting in the death of 3 Daesh terrorists, & the detention of 2 associates. We will continue to hunt them down, prevent acts of violence & derail their efforts to regroup.

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS084

Incident date

June 19, 2015

Location

العدوانية, Al-'Adwaniyah, Al-Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.41958, 39.16063 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a previously unreported incident, CENTCOM reported on January 2016 that the US had injured a non-combatant during an airstrike.

The release stated: “On June 19, 2015, near Tall al Adwaniyah, Syria, during a strike against two ISIL vehicles, it is assessed that one civilian was injured when appearing in the target area after the U.S. aircraft released its weapon.”

A search by Airwars could find no additional published details in relation to this event. In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates to within a 100 metre box for the incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 36.6998231, 39.653306

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 injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Tall al Adwaniyah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEA144305
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 15, 2016

  • On June 19, 2015, near Tall al Adwaniyah, Syria, during a strike against two ISIL vehicles, it is assessed that one civilian was injured when appearing in the target area after the U.S. aircraft released its weapon.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

In its original release for June 19th-20th 2015, the Coalition reported that “Near Al Hasakah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS473

Incident date

February 3, 2017

Location

Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.

Incident Code

CS634

Incident date

March 28, 2017

Location

Maskanah, Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.907881, 39.169956 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.

Incident Code

CS666

Incident date

April 6, 2017

Location

near al Hassakah, Syria

Airwars assessment

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.

Incident Code

CS730

Incident date

April 25, 2017

Location

زور شمر, Zor Shmar, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.7807781, 39.3691635 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that five civilians were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Zor Shmar.

No further details are currently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

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 Zor Shmar Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties. (1375)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 24th-25th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed three ISIS command and control nodes, a fighting position, and a heavy machine gun; and suppressed two ISIS tactical units.” For April 25th-26th, the Coalition reported no strikes at Raqqa though noted that “Near Tabqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; and destroyed four fighting positions and a fuel truck.“ The Coalition later reported: "Near Tabqah, on April 25, two strikes destroyed two fighting positions" and * "On April 24, near Tabqah, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed two fighting positions and a rocket-propelled grenade team"

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]