US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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
text search
2091 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

CS1398

Incident date

August 22, 2017

Location

السخاني, Sukhani neighbourhood, near Hani mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9522, 39.0164 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major casualty incident, as many as between 33 and 60 civilians, including many women and children, died following US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al-Sakhani, Raqqa. Almost a year later the US-led alliance accepted responsibility for 33 deaths.

According to Baladi, the strike was near the Al-Hani mosque, while Qasioun reported that one of the strikes hit a building in which civilians were sheltering.

Local media reported that the airstrike occurred on the 20th August, however recent up to date Amnesty field research conducted has reported the strike to have occurred on the 22nd at 7pm.

Local media reported that the majority of those killed were from the same family. A Tweet by @AhmadShblii identified eight of the victims as displaced persons from Palmyra.

All sources obtained held the US-led Coalition responsible for the alleged massacre. In addition to the civilians that died, “dozens” were suspected injured.

Albosleh and @LaSyrianNews put the death toll as high as 60.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which also blamed the Coalition, the 42 civilians it said were killed in the strikes included 19 children. This report may have conflated another, however.

A June 2018 report by Amnesty stated that on 20 August 2017 at 7pm, “Coalition forces simultaneously bombed the two neighbouring houses in which the family were staying.” These air strikes reportedly killed 33 Badran family members and other civilians, mostly women and children. A large number of civilians killed in the airstrike were identified in the report.

In its July 2018 civilian casualty report, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event: “August 20, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Amnesty International report. During a strike on a reported Daesh position near a residential area allegedly caused civilian casualties. Thirty three civilians were unintentionally killed.”

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

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” it was reported that “Thirty-three members of the Badran Family and neighbours, most of them women and children, were killed in the third and most devastating set of four separate air strikes which killed a total of 39 family members and 10 neighbours as they fled from neighbourhood to neighbourhood in search of safety.”

In addition to this, Rasha, a survivor of the strike told Amnesty in a testimony that “Only I, my husband and his brother and cousin survived. In the morning we found Tulip’s body; our baby was dead. We buried her near there, by a tree. I don’t understand why they bombed us. Didn’t the surveillance planes see that we were civilian families?”

The incident occured at 19:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (33)

Shamsa al Badran Bint Mustafa
40 years old female killed
Sahar Mohammad Ahmad al Badran
17 years old female Mohammad's daughter killed
Saja Mohammad Ahmad al Badran
15 years old male Mohammad's daughter killed
Ahmad Mohammad Ahmad al Badran
13 years old male Mohammad's son killed
Hamza Mohammad Ahmad al Badran
11 years old male Mohammad's son killed
Daham Mohammad Ahmad al Badran
4 years old male Mohammad's son killed
Saddiqa al Badran Bint Mustafa
38 years old female Shamsa’s sister, Ismael's wife killed
Mundher Ismail al Saaid
12 years old male Ismael's and Shamsa's son, twin of Sidra killed
Sidra Ismail al Saaid
12 years old female twin of Mundher killed
Aseel Ismail al Saaid
6 years old female Ismael's and Shamsa's daughter
Sumaya al Badran bint Mustafa
45 years old female widow, no children killed
Abta al Badran bint Mustafa
50 years old female widow killed
Qays Mohammad al Sahu
24 years old male Abta's son killed
Mays Mohammad al Sahu
18 years old female Abta's daughter killed
Khud al Badran bint Mustafa
48 years old female divorced killed
Rana Hsein al-Shammari
18 years old female Khud's daughter killed
Thuraya al Badran bint Mustafa
55 years old female killed
Ibrahim
early 30s years old male Thuraya's son killed
Madonna
mid-late 20s years old female Ibrahim's wife killed
Thuraya's nephew 1
Child male killed
Thuraya's nephew 2
Child male killed
Thuraya's niece
Child female killed
Mohammad Khalil
30 years old male killed
Ali al Badran ibn Mustafa
44 years old male no children killed
Ibrahim Fahd Ibn Wahab al-Khadr
70 years old male killed
Khadija al Sahu
60 years old female Ibrahim's wife killed
Tulip Fahd bint AbdulWahab Abbude
1 years old female Rasha's and Abbude's daughter killed
Osama Ibrahim Fahd
32 years old male Abbude's brother killed
Mohamed Imbrahim Fahd
28 years old male Abbude's brother killed
Souad
50 years old female Iraqi national, wife of local man killed
Abu Riad
60s years old male Souad's husband killed
Maha
mid 20s years old female daughter of Souad and Abu Riad killed
Amina al Raqim
60s years old female unmarried, was with Souad and Abu Riad killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    33 – 60
  • (12–19 children12–13 women3–8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (41) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (31) [ collapse]

  • Khalil Ibrahim Albadran, killed in an alleged Coalition strike near Al-Hini Mosque, (via RBSS)
  • ' Türkçe · Kurdî (Kurmancî) · العربية · English (UK) · Español Gizlilik · Koşullar · Reklamlar · Ad Choices · Çerezler · Diğer Facebook © 2017 Syrian Network for Human Rights - الشبكة السورية لحقوق الإنسان 6 saat · The women Thuraya, Sumayya, Abtta, Khood, Seddiqa, and Shamsa Mustafa al Daham, killed along with 11 members of their family in International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on al Sakhani alley north of Raqqa city, Aug 20.' (via SN4HR)
  • Shahid Abu Aboudabrahim Al Wahab, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa (via Sharqiya Voice)
  • Mustafa Al-Badran (via RBSS)
  • Ibrahim Khalil Al-Badran (via RBSS)
  • Qais Mohammed Al-Khader (via RBSS)
  • Sama Ibrahim Al-Badran (via RBSS)
  • Mohammed Ibrahim Abdulwahab Al-Fahed (via RBSS)
  • Ali Ibrahim Al-Badran (via RBSS)
  • Photo of the aftermath of the air strike (via RWB)
  • Tulip Badran (via Amnesty)
  • Aftermath of the air strike (via Amnesty)
  • Members of Al-Badran family killed in the air strike (via Amnesty)
  • Satellite images of the destroyed house in the air strike (via Amnesty)
  • Abta, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Ahmad, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Ali al Badran ibn Mustapha, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Daham, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Hamza, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Khadja, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Madonna Daham, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Mays, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Osama, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Qays, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Saddiqa, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Sahar, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Saja, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Shamsa, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Sidra, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Thuraya, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Tulip Tuteh, killed in a mass civilian casualty airstrike by alleged Coalition planes on August 22nd 2017. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Sakhani (السخاني) neighbourhood of Raqqah, near the Al Hani (الحني) mosque, for which the coordinates are: 35.951373, 39.016984. Following field research by Amnesty International, the incident was found credible by the US-led Coalition, who provided the following MGRS coordinate (accurate to 100m): 37SEV014786.

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

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
    33
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV014786
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • August 20, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Amnesty International report. During a strike on a reported Daesh position near a residential area allegedly caused civilian casualties. Thirty three civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 19th-20th: “Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions.” It additionally added that “On Aug. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, 36 strikes engaged 22 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 29 fighting positions and seven command and control nodes.” That “On Aug. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed five fighting positions, an IED, and a command and control node.” And that “On Aug. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Aug 16-22, France report 5 strikes in Iraq and 2 in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 60 artillery missions.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Sunday 20 August – Tornados and Typhoons hit a target in Raqqa, a group of terrorists and vehicles in eastern Syria, and five Daesh positions around Tal Afar…On Sunday 20 August, Typhoons bombed a further Daesh position in Raqqa. In eastern Syria, Tornados targeted a group of terrorists deployed near the border with Iraq – two Paveways hit their trucks and killed several of the extremists.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    33 – 60
  • (12–19 children12–13 women3–8 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (41) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1833

Incident date

November 11–12, 2018

Location

الكشمة, Al Kashma, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6205556, 40.9386111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 10 and as many as 60 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Kashma, according to local media. Airstrikes were carried out in Al Shaafa and Al Kashma around the same time, and most sources reported on a combined number of civilian casualties as a result of airstrikes in both places. The airstrikes were conducted between the evening of November 11th and November 12th.

On November 11th, 10 civilians were reported to have died in an alleged Coalition airstrike. Both ISIS and medical sources reported to local media that 20 civilians died as a result of the strikes, most of whom were reported as women and children.

An individual source known as @saleemalsaied reported in a tweet that as many as 50 civilians died in the attacks. And Qasioun News referred to a Sana News report that put the total toll of civilians that either died or were injured as a result of airstrikes on these locations at 60 civilian deaths.

UNICEF later issued a statement condemning the high number of deaths being reported from the Hajin pocket. “UNICEF is alarmed by recent reports of up to 30 children who have been killed in recent violence in Al Shafa village, in eastern Syria. These reported killings demonstrate that the war on children is far from over in Syria…. UNICEF calls on warring parties to protect all children – no matter where they are in Syria and no matter whose control they live under.”

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

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

For November 10th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 10 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes consisting of 36 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 23 strikes destroyed two command and control centers, one IED facility, one logistic facility, five buildings, four tunnels, two staging areas, six supply routes, one fighting position and one UAS launch site.
For November 11th: "On Nov. 11, 2018 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 23 military strikes consisting of 34 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 23 strikes engaged 16 tactical units and destroyed nine buildings, two weapons caches, four tunnels, two fighting positions, two supply routes, two command and control centers, one piece of heavy equipment, and one visual observation post."
For November 12th: "On Nov. 12 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 38 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 17 strikes engaged 18 tactical units and destroyed 10 buildings, one weapons cache, one tunnel, one command and control center, and two supply routes."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. 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 l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1832

Incident date

November 11, 2018

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 20 and as many as 60 non-combatants died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Sha’afa, according to local media. A number of sources including Baladi News and the Syrian Unified Observatory, reported that the airstrikes hit both the towns of Al Sha’afa and Al Kashma, killing mostly civilians including women and children.

According to Sana News at least 60 civilians were either dead or injured as a result of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Sha’afa.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that it monitored the recovery of the bodies of at least 28 people after the airstrike on Al Sha’afa including 22 ISIS family members. It said that among the victims were eight “citizen women” and nine children under the age of eighteen. The Observatory later added that the toll of civilian casualties had risen to 32 civilians from the families of ISIS, including 13 children under the age of 18, and 12 women, while an additional 6 casualties were found to be IS members. Dozens of civilians were reportedly injured.

UNICEF published a statement in response expressing that “UNICEF is alarmed by recent reports of up to 30 children who have been killed in recent violence in Al Sha’afa village, in eastern Syria.”

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 60
  • (9–13 children8–12 women)
  • 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

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 34.57888, 40.9344

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near al Shaafa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU7742928044
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • Nov. 11, 2018, near al Shaafa, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 3225/CS1832 37SFU7742928044

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 11th, the Coalition publicly reported: "On Nov. 11, 2018 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 23 military strikes consisting of 34 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 23 strikes engaged 16 tactical units and destroyed nine buildings, two weapons caches, four tunnels, two fighting positions, two supply routes, two command and control centers, one piece of heavy equipment, and one visual observation post."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. 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 l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 60
  • (9–13 children8–12 women)
  • 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

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS578

Incident date

March 16, 2017

Location

الجينة, Al Jina, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.117309, 36.802243 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A unilateral US drone strike on a mosque complex near al Jina town killed between 37 and 62 civilians according to multiple reports and eyewitness statements. While the US has admitted it carried out the attack, officials have claimed that al Jina’s Omar Ibn al Khattab mosque where the casualties occurred was not targeted in the raid. The Pentagon instead insisted that “an al Qaeda in Syria meeting location” had been struck – though announced an investigation into reported civilian deaths.

The evening attack at al Jina – which was initially blamed by many on Russia – was in fact according to the Washington Post conducted by two US Reaper drones , which fired six Hellfire missiles at the location at around 7pm before dropping a 500lb bomb. The results were devastating.

At least 300 people were reportedly present for an evangelical religious class at Jina’s new mosque when it was struck – among them some children. According to Step News, “US aircraft targeted a Dawah centre of al Dawah Wa al Tabligh. The group holds a weekly meeting in one of their centres every Thursday which is attended by dozens of students of religious studies, sheikhs, shariaa experts and fighters in the Islamic factions and civilians from the region.” In Islamic theology according to Wikipedia, “the purpose of da’wah is to invite people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to understand the worship of Allah as expressed in the Qur’an and the sunnah of the prophet Muhammad and to inform them about Muhammad.”

Suspicions of US involvement were first raised by online monitors including Bellingcat, after missile fragments were found at the scene. After initially claiming a unilateral strike that day was in Idlib, CENTCOM confirmed to Airwars late on the night of March 16th that the attack at Al Jina had in fact been by the US.Spokesman Major Josh Jacques told reporter Samuel Oakford that the target was “assessed to be a meeting place for al Qaeda, and we took the strike… It happened to be across the street from where there is a mosque.” He said the mosque was not the target, and that it wasn’t hit directly. Both CENTCOM and the Pentagon told Airwars that they were further investigating the attack.

In an effort to discredit claims that it had targeted worshippers, the Pentagon also issued a photograph which it said showed the mosque at al Jina intact. However this appeared to backfire, with most commentators noting that both buildings including that targeted were in fact mosques.

The White Helmets – more usually seen aiding casualties from Assad regime or Russian strikes, led the rescue effort. It eventually estimated that at least 50 people had died. As Shaam News reported, “The bombing was following by residents and rescue teams putting out a call to all defense teams in the region calls for help for all defense centers and ambulance crews in the area to go to the site shelling and help lift the martyrs out of the basement.”

One angry eyewitness told Smart News: “This is a praying center. For those aged from 8 to 60 years old. Unarmed civilians. Where is the terrorism? They are unarmed, not terrorists. Peaceful civilians praying. I am one of them, there are no terrorists here. There are almost 250 people including children and the elderly. Many are under the rubble and we don’t have the equpiment to lift them. Assad, Europe and Russia took everything from us, how can we lift them? By our hands? All you do is send us a food basket, we don’t need it anymore. Keep it for yourselves.” A number of cities and towns in the area reportedly cancelled Friday Prayers for fear of further attacks.

Syria News Desk claimed that 15 children were among the dead. While this number cold not be verified, the White Helmets have named five victims under the age of 17, and a child was filmed being rescued from the rubble at al Jina.

The militant Islamic rebel group Ahrar al Sham – the apparent target of the US attack – later issued a statement attacking “the shameful spectacle where the an international community has turned from a passive silent party in towards the Syrian case to a contributor to the killing of the Syrian people.”

Turkey’s deputy Prime Minister condemned the US attack as a ‘war crime.’ However Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that “In principle, we have no doubts that the US military targeted terrorists.”

The White Helmets have named 29 civilian casualties and  26 of 100 or more people reportedly injured in the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Khaled Orabi
Child killed
Hasan Omar Orabi
Child
Ahmad Nouri Issa
Adult killed
Mustapha Nashat Said al Sheikh
Adult killed
Ahmad Kiyali
Age unknown killed
Ali Mustapha
Child killed
Abd al Rahman Hasim
Child killed
Ahmad al Zein
Age unknown killed
Ismail Hamada al Sheikh
Age unknown killed
Nadim Abu Bashir Kababi
Adult male killed
Nassim Hussein Abbas
Adult killed
Adel Mohammad Qitaz
Child killed
Ibrahim Abboud
Adult killed
Kinjo Haj Yusuf
Adult killed
Abu Hussein Taliha
Age unknown killed
Abd al Al Qader Janat
Adult killed
Abd al Latif Mu’del
Age unknown killed
Nader Fatloun
Age unknown killed
Safwat al Zein
Adult killed
Bashir al Ghabra
Age unknown killed
Abd al Ghafour Abd al Ghafour
Age unknown killed
Adel Mohammad Rashid
Age unknown killed
Mohammad Abd al Salam
Age unknown killed
Saleh Fatloun
Age unknown killed
Mustapha Nasser Yasin
Age unknown killed
Mufid A’kal
Age unknown killed
Ibrahim Qatiba
Age unknown killed
Ibrahim Bassamiya
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    37 – 62
  • (5–15 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    100
  • 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 (97) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (27) [ collapse]

  • Post by Aleppo White Helmets on March 17th, 2017, depicted the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Jina.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by Step News Agency on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by HNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by SNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by SNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by SNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by HNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Post by Airwars revealing that the US admitted to have carried out the strike on the mosque in Al Jina.
  • Tweet by @sonawa1
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was struck in an alleged Coalition airstrike, according to an SNN Facebook post on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to Halab Today TV on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to Halab Today TV on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to Smart News Agency on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Cleaning up the rubble after an alleged airstrike targeted Al Jina, posted by the Aleppo White Helmets Facebook page on March 17th, 2018.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video showing the remains of one of the victims being pulled out of the rubble, posed by SNN on March 17th, 2018.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al-Jina town, west Aleppo, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCV022991
    Military Grid Reference System

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

A CENTCOM press release issued in the early hours of March 17th 2017 stated: “U.S. forces conducted an airstrike on an Al Qaeda in Syria meeting location March 16 in Idlib [later corrected to Aleppo], Syria, killing several terrorists.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    37 – 62
  • (5–15 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    100
  • 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 (97) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS065

Incident date

April 30, 2015

Location

بئر محلي, Jubb Mahli (Ber Mahli), Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.561113, 38.41203 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In one of the worst reported incidents in nine months of bombings by the US-led Ccoalition, 64 civilians were said to have died in an attack on the village of Ber Mahli near Sareen – the majority of them women (19) and children (32). It remains disputed as to whether the village was partly or wholly under the control of Islamic State forces at the time.

Later admitting that it had carried out a strike on the village, the Coalition said it had instead bombed “several ISIL fighting positions [and] striking more than 50 ISIL fighters.” A CJTF-OIR spokesman appeared to blame any error on Kurdish forces in the area, telling Airwars by email that: “Prior to the airstrikes, Kurdish forces, who held the town before leaving after being attacked by ISIL, reported there were no civilians present in that location and that there had not been any civilians present for two weeks prior to the Coalition airstrikes.”

An internal CENTCOM investigation almost immediately decided “allegation initially not determined credible”, it was revealed in September 2015. The declassified document also appeared to pin responsibility for any error on the YPG, noting that the Kurdish fighters “had held the village up until the ISIL attack and [reported] that there were no civilians in the village.”

According to Al Jazeera, eyewitnesses said that when the village was first bombed, residents ran out of their houses. However Ber Mahli was then repeatedly struck, including a group of cars leaving the village. SN4HR also claimed that “some of the houses were targeted again after people and medical teams gathered to help the victims and wounded.”

Speaking from his hospital bed, one injured survivor spoke of the attack: “We were four families gathered in one room. It was around 11 or 12 at night. They kept on striking the houses. The first time they struck, my cousin was killed with his small children. Why did this happen? Is it because Obama wants to please the King of Saudi Arabia? Why is the coalition bombing us? Why don’t they fight [President] Bashar?“

Another unnamed and injured survivor, a young girl, also spoke for the cameras:”The planes came above us and bombed us and destroyed houses. My father was killed and two of my sisters.”

Buzzfeed also interviewed a 67-year-old witness to the attack, who went by the name of Abu Khaled, who corroborated the names of many of those killed. “They killed whole families. The Americans will never apologize, and they will keep killing civilians,” hecomplained to the news site from southern Turkey.

All 64 known fatalities have now been named by SN4HR and by Manbij News, indicating that entire families were wiped out.

Fadel Abdulghani, head of monitoring group the Syrian Network for Human Rights, demanded that those in the coalition responsible for the deaths be held accountable: “Despite all the efforts made to avoid this, this incident indicates a blatant disrespect for the lives of innocent civilians. The people responsible for this crime should be held accountable which would be a clear message to their associates and commanders.”

In an assessment of the event published in October 2016, it was noted that “a review by Amnesty International of a series of aerial images of the Bir Mahli area, including a satellite image taken approximately one week after the attack, indicates four strike locations and nine to 10 houses being completely flattened…. Amnesty International is concerned that Coalition forces appear to have either mistakenly carried out a large-scale attack on an entirely civilian area having failed to take adequate steps to positively identify a military objective prior to attacking or to have carried out a grossly disproportionate attack against suspected IS targets. In addition, CENTCOM appears to have dismissed evidence indicating scores of civilian casualties.“

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (64)

Ali Al Shawakh Al Salibi
Adult male killed
Aida Al Hussein al Salibi
Adult female Ali al Salibi's wife killed
Khaled Ali al-Shawakh
25 years old male Aida's son killed
Mohammad Ali al-Shawakh
24 years old male Aida's son killed
Eid Ali al-Shawakh
23 years old male Aida's son killed
Jumah Mustafa Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi
1 years old male son of Shuaa Mustafa al-Shawakh killed
Feisal Ali al-Shawakh
17 years old male Aida's son killed
Mustafa Ali al-Shawakh
17 years old male Aida's son killed
Wassel Ali al-Shawakh
6 years old male Aida's son killed
Noura Ali al-Shawakh
14 years old female Aida's daughter killed
Houriah Ali al-Shawakh
10 years old female Aida's daughter killed
Nadeih Jassem al-Sheikh
Adult female Khaled al Shawak's wife killed
Ameirah Eid al-Mustafa al-Shawakh
Adult female Eid Ali Al Shawak's wife killed
Nadeih Eid Ali al-Shawakh
1 years old female Ameriah's daughter killed
Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi
56 years old male killed
Fatima Al Kahhal
Adult female Jumah's wife killed
Shawakh Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi
24 years old male Fatima's son killed
Ahmad Jumah al-Shawakh al-Sleibi
17 years old male Fatima's son killed
Lamya Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi
23 years old female Fatima's daughter killed
Shuaa Mustafa al-Shawakh
30 years old female wife of Mustafa Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi killed
Moneirah Mustafa al-Shawakh
24 years old female Wife of Shawakh Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi killed
Khaznah Ahmad al-Obeid
28 years old female Wife of Wasel Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi killed
Mustafa Wasel Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi
1 years old male Khaznah's Ahmad al Obeid's son killed
Malak Mustafa Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi
3 years old female the daughter of Shuaa Mustafa al-Shawakh
Turki Mustafa Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi
2 years old male the son of Shuaa Mustafa al-Shawakh killed
Jumah Mustafa Jumah al-Shawakh Al-Sleibi
1 years old male the son of Shuaa Mustafa al-Shawakh killed
Hadla al-Msallam
Adult female wife of Ali Mohammad al-Ali killed
Hadlah
Adult female the second wife of Ali Mohammad al-Ali, from Alja'adah village killed
Mustafa Ali al-Mohammad al-Ali
31 years old male son of Hadla al-Msallam killed
Fatema Ali al-Mohammad al-Ali
18 years old female the daughter of Hadla al-Msallam killed
Najeeb Ali al-Mohammad al-Ali
1 years old male the son of Hadla, the second wife killed
Maram Mustafa Ali Mohammad al-Ali
6 years old female the daughter of Mustafa Ali Al-Mohammad Ali killed
Mohammad Mustafa Ali Mohammad al-Ali
5 years old male the son of Mustafa Ali Al-Mohammad Ali killed
Ali Mustafa Ali Mohammad al-Ali
3 years old male the son of Mustafa Ali Al-Mohammad Ali killed
Fatema Ali al-Mohammad al-Ali
1 month old years old female Ali Mohammed Ali killed
Eid al-Mustafa al-Shawakhal-Sleibi
47 years old male killed
Ghazalah
Adult female Eid's wife killed
Shahah Eid al-Mustafa al-Shawakhal-Sleibi
10 years old female Eid and Ghazalah's daughter killed
Sabah Eid al-Mustafa al-Shawakhal-Sleibi
6 years old female Eid and Ghazalah's daughter killed
Mona Eid al-Mustafa al-Shawakhal-Sleibi
2 years old female Eid and Ghazalah's daughter killed
Aysheh Eid al-Mustafa al-Shawakhal-Sleibi
7 months years old female Eid and Ghazalah's daughter killed
Turki Eid Al Mustafa Al Shawakh
12 years old male Eid and Ghazalah's daughter killed
Zleikhah
45 years old female Wife of Jalal Mustafa al-Sleibi killed
Turkeih
42 years old female the second wife of Jalal Mustafa al-Sleibi killed
Muhannad Jalal Mustafa al-Sleibi
14 years old male Turkeih's son killed
Azizah Jalal Mustafa al-Sleibi
11 years old female Turkeih's daughter killed
Abd Jalal Mustafa al-Sleibi
10 years old male Zleikhah's son killed
Warde
32 years old female Hussein Al Ali Al Salibi's wife killed
Raghad al-Husain al-Ali al-Sleibi
11 years old female killed
Aboud al-Ali al-Sleibi
10 years old male killed
Younes al-Ali al-Sleibi
4 years old male killed
Mustafa al-Shawakh al-Sleibi
65 years old male killed
Shaha Al Salibi
Adult female Mustafa's wife killed
Khatoun Mustafa al-Shawakh al-Sleibi
25 years old female Shahah's daughter killed
Wardah Mustafa al-Shawakh al-Sleibi
18 years old female Shahah's daughter killed
Shawakh al-Bakko al-Sleibi
40 years old male killed
Ahmad Shawakh al-Bakko al-Sleibi
22 years old male killed
brother of Mustafa al-Bakko al-Sleibi
40 years old male killed
Khatoun al-Hussein al-Sleibi
38 years old female Wife of Aref al-Mustafa al-Sleibi killed
Waheideh Aref al-Mustafa al-Sleibi
8 years old female Khatoun's daughter killed
Amal Aref al-Mustafa al-Sleibi
5 years old female Khatoun's daughter killed
Mahmoud al-Hussain al-Sleibi
40 years old male killed
Ida Al Mahmoud Al Hussein Al Salibi
15 years old female killed
Maryam Mahmoud al-Hussain al-Sleibi
3 years old female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    64
  • (32 children19 women13 men)
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (22) [ collapse]

  • Eyewitness account from a survivor who recounts that the planes struck between 10:00 am and 10:30 am. A family of 9 was killed in the first house, a family of 14 in the second house and 35 members of one family in the third house. [Via: SN4HR]
  • A second survivor recalls how entire families were wiped out in the alleged coalition strikes on the village of Beir Mahli. [Via: SN4HR]
  • Footage of the burial of victims at Beir Mahli, published 14th May 2015. [via: SN4HR]
  • Image showing the coordinates of the village. [via: SN4HR detailed report published on May 6th 2015]
  • Images showing the homes that were targeted in the alleged coalition strikes [via: SN4HR detailed report published on May 6th 2015]
  • The victims' houses that were targeted in the alleged coalition strikes on Beir Mahli [via: SN4HR detailed report published on May 6th 2015]
  • A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]
  • A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A series of stills from a video published by ISIS-affiliated media showing very graphic imagery of the dead a large proportion of them children. The video itself has been removed from youtube. [Via: SN4HR report published on May 6th 2015]

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
    a:1:{i:0;s:5:"other";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Ber Mahli, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2015

  • Prior to the airstrikes, Kurdish forces, who held the town before leaving after being attacked by ISIL, reported there were no civilians present in that location and that there had not been any civilians present for two weeks prior to the Coalition airstrikes

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    64
  • (32 children19 women13 men)
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1686

Incident date

November 26, 2017

Location

الشعفة, al Sha'afa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 65 civilians including 20 or 21 children and nine women died in a major casualty event in al Sha’afa, local media reported. There was one allegation against the US-led Coalition, and also Egypt.

The majority of sources blamed Russia, with @7UFCmSxd0IUBffH saying that a family of 10 were among those killed.

Euphrates Post, also blaming Russia, said that the strike targeted the house of Antar ِAl Salama and Mujama’a Al Fendi. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that of the 44 who died 20 were children and 9 were women.

Sharqiya Voice reported several raids by unidentified warplanes, which struck the following locations: Antar Alsamal’s house, the house of Zubair, the Al-Fandi Commercial Complex.

Euphrates Post later reported that the death toll had risen to 51, while the Syrian Observatory put it at 53 including 21 children. It named the following victims. Names have identified 42 and 8 were unidentified.

However, Raqqa Post, also attributing the event to Russia, said that as many as 65 had died.

According to a BBC report, Russia denied responsibility for the event, with the defence ministry noting: “The Russian Aerospace Forces’ strikes in Syria target areas outside population centres, and only facilities of the international terrorist groups… The reports by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which is based in Great Britain, about the alleged strikes by the Russian Aerospace Forces’ planes on the village of al-Shafah, are yet another fake.

Only one source pointed towards the Coalition. According to Zamanalwasl, Salama al Hussein from Euphrates Post told Zaman al-Wasl that an air strike carried out by aircraft believed to belong to the international coalition forces or Egyptian aircraft took place at dawn today on the compound of Alfandi in the town of Deir al-Zour. It claimed the lives of about 30 civilians and wounded dozens. The source said that the death toll was expected to rise due to the numbers of people trapped under the rubble.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Daugter of Joseph Nader Al Shaaban
female via Euphrates Post killed
Abdullah Nader Al Shaab
male via Euphrates Post killed
The wife of Abdullah Nader Shaaban
Adult female via Euphrates Post killed
The son of Abdullah Nader Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Ibrahim Nader Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Hussein Nader Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed

Family members (4)

Alaa Ahmed Al-Zubair
female via Euphrates Post killed
The daughter of Alaa Khalid Al – Zubair
female via Euphrates Post killed
The mother of Alaa Khalid Al Zubair
female via Euphrates Post killed
Ahmed Khaled Al-Zubair
male via Euphrates Post killed

Family members (10)

Maouloud Abdul Razzaq al-Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Bashir Maouloud Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Bara’aa Nader al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Jarir Maouloud al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Nour Adel Al Sahab
via Euphrates Post killed
Ismail Jareer Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Maouloud Jarir Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Ammar Maouloud Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Abdul Razzaq Maouloud Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Muntaha Maouloud al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed

Family members (2)

Daughter of Nadir Nasser al-Jubeir
female via Euphrates Post killed
The second daughter of Nader Nasser Al-Jubeir
female via Euphrates Post killed

Family members (7)

Nader Abdul Razzaq Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Nusra A’nan al Shaaban
via Euphrates Post killed
Mohamed Nader Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Kafaa Maouloud al Shaaban
via Euphrates Post killed
Anas Mohammed Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Nader Mohammed Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post killed
Yousef Nader Al Shaaban
male via Euphrates Post injured

Family members (4)

Khaled Matloub Al-Zaher
male via Euphrates Post killed
Khaled Matloub al Zaher’s wife
female via Euphrates Post killed
Khaled Matloub al Zaher’s daughter
female via Euphrates Post killed
Khaled Matloub al Zaher’s son
male via Euphrates Post killed

Family members (6)

Ammar Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
male via Euphrates Post killed
Omar Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
male via Euphrates Post killed
Bakr Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
male via Euphrates Post killed
Osman Fakhri Bashir Al-Issa
male via Euphrates Post killed
Ahmed Nawar Marwah Al-Issa
male via Euphrates Post killed
Bashir Fakhri Al-Issa
male via Euphrates Post killed

The victims were named as:

Daughter of Khader Al-A’ntar
Age unknown female via Euphrates Post killed
Nader Nasser Al-Jubeir
Age unknown male via Euphrates Post
Hana Rachid Aldibs
Age unknown female via Euphrates Post

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 65
  • (20–21 children9 women9–12 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • A tweet contains an image shows the aftermath of the air strike on al Sha'afa, on November 26, 2017 (via @7UFCmSxd0IUBffH)
  • A picture of one of the victim, who killed following strikes on al Sha'afa, Deir Ez-Zor, on November 26, 2017
  • A picture of one of the victims, who were killed following strikes on al Sha'afa, Deir Ez-Zor, on November 26, 2017

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Sha’afa (الشعفة), for which the coordinates are: 34.57888, 40.93441. The alleged Coalition strike targeted the Al Fandi (الفندي) residential complex, the location of which is unknown.

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
    al Sha'afa, Deir Ez-Zor
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU774280
    Military Grid Reference System

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 25th-26th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, five strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed four ISIS vehicles and a headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 65
  • (20–21 children9 women9–12 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS217

Incident date

May 27, 2016

Location

كلجبرين, Kaljibrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5359847, 37.1173525 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A fierce battle for the town of Kaljibrin left up to 39 civilians dead – with both Daesh and the Coalition blamed for the fatalities.

So-called Islamic State launched a major assault on Kaljibrin, later releasing a video in which it boasted of capturing weapons there. However Coaltion aircraft then reportedly struck at Daesh forces in the town, also hitting residential areas.

Local source Abu Firas al Halabi reported that “16 martyrs occurred including women and children in the village of Kaljabreen, northern Aleppo, after it was targeted by rockets by Daesh yesterday evening and this morning before it gained control of it.”

However, others reported that Coalition airstrikes then killed up to 39 civilians, “most of them women and children.”

A report from the Syrian Observatory later noted: “Casualties have risen since yesterday in the northern countryside of Aleppo, Mare’ and Kaljibrin to at least 68 dead, including 41 or more fighters from rebel and Islamic Factions killed in shellings, bombings and clashes against so-called Islamic State; as well as 27 civilian citizens – including 7 children at least and 5 women – were killed during the military operations which took place in the town of Kaljibrin north of Mare’ city. The fate of another 10 people is still unknown. It is unclear whether they were killed, or were able to flee to areas nearby.”

In a video, Halab Today TV reported testimony from an eye witness (at 0’21”): “on Thursday 26/5/2016 we woke up to noises of clashes in the village which was taking place between IS and the FSA which led to IS gaining control of the village completely.. The next morning coalition planes launched a raid on the village which led to the death of more than 50 martyrs, all of them civilians and most of them women and children and men.”

And then at 1’14”: “after IS withdrew from the village, Russian planes also launched a raid on the village which killed one child and injured two others“.

Syrian Network also blamed the Coalition, citing its own eyewitness: “We were at the cemetery burying the young man who is the son of Ali Marndi where he was killed by ISIS’s bullets when international coalition forces warplanes fired three missiles. One of the missiles fell a few meters away from me. I felt the big explosion of the missile and then headed home which is located 50 meters away from the cemetery to find that it was reduced to ruins over the dead bodies of my family. I pulled out three of my nephews and was able to rescue them. I also was able to save two of my sisters, but I lost my dad and 11 others of my family including children. Also, the head of the village council was killed, and his name was Faraj Shikhou.” The Network has named the following 28 fatalities

In its August 2017 monthly report, the Coalition said it had classed the event as non credible based on insufficient evidence of civilian harm: “May 27, 2016, near Khan Jibran, Syria, via Airwars report: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdullah Yousef AbdulLatif Sqar
Child male killed
Raghda Yousef AbdulLatif Sqar
Child female killed
Wa’d Yousef AbdulLatif Sqar
Child female killed
Ayman Yousef AbdulLatif Sqar
Child male killed
Hazem Yousef AbdulLatif Sqar
Child male killed
Hasnaa’ AbdulLatif Sqar
Adult female killed
Abdullah Ayman Sqar,
Child male killed
Yousef Ayman Sqar
Child male killed
Amina Ayman Sqar
Child female killed
Mohammad Ayman Sqar
Child male killed
Rawan Mahmoud AbdulLatif
Child female killed
Adham Abdullah Sqar
Child male killed
Abdullah Ammar Sqar
Child male killed
Alyaa Omar Sqar
Child female killed
Hussein Mohammad Al Qaddour
Adult male killed
Ali Mohammad Ali
Adult male killed
Mahmoud Mohammad Sqar
Child male killed
Ahmad Mohammad AbdulLatif Sqar
Child male killed
Fatima Mohammad AbdulLatif Sqar
Child female killed
Manal Abdou Hmidi
Adult female killed
Fatoum Mohammad Hmidi
Adult female killed
Feryal Dorj
Adult female killed
Samar Abdullah Sqar
Child female killed
Samer Abdullah Sqar
Child male killed
Faraj AbduRrazzaq Shikhou
Adult male killed
AbduRazzaq Shikhou
Adult male killed
Khaled AbdulHai Al Hellou
Age unknown male killed
Ali Ibrahim Al Qarmouz
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    28 – 65
  • (18–21 children4 women6 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • 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 (21) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (15) [ collapse]

  • Destruction at Kaljibrin following a reported Coalition strike (via Syrian Network for Human Rights)
  • Translation: Coalition planes bomb now Kafr Kalbain and Kaljabreen.
  • Translation: Coalition planes now bomb the village of Kafr Kalbain and Kaljabreen even though civilians are until now stuck inside the two villages.
  • Translation: 16 martyrs including women and children in the village of Kaljabreen northern Aleppo after it was targeted by rockets by Daesh yesterday evening and this morning before it gained control of it.
  • Translation: Coalition planes commit a terrible massacre in the village of Kaljabreen in northern Aleppo countryside killing 39 martyrs most of them women and children.
  • Translation: 39 civilian martyrs in Kaljabreen in the Aleppo countryside a result of an indiscriminate attack by Daesh and international coalition raids.
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the bombardment (via SNHR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the bombardment (via SNHR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the bombardment (via SNHR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the bombardment (via SNHR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the bombardment (via SNHR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the bombardment (via SNHR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the bombardment (via SNHR)
  • Pictures showing the destruction that resulted from the bombardment (via SNHR)
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 Khan Jibran, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCA3176045088
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reports for May 27th-28th 2016 that “Near Mar’a, three strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    28 – 65
  • (18–21 children4 women6 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • 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 (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS038

Incident date

December 28, 2014

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.3709658, 37.5179666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In one of the the worst known incidents of mass civilian casualties reportedly caused by coalition bombings, at least 51 non-combatants were killed when aircraft struck an Islamic State local headquarters, which was also being used as a temporary prison.

Somewhere between 150 and 400 people were being held by ISIL on petty charges at the time of the 7.45pm attack at the Al Saraya site, it was reported. Multiple sources have confirmed significant civilian casualties in the event. For example news agency McClatchy “located two sources who confirmed a high civilian death toll from the strike. One witness, an activist in Al Bab, gave the death toll as 61 civilian prisoners and 13 Islamic State guards. The Syrian Network for Human Rights estimated the death toll at 80, and said 25 of those were Islamic State Guards and another 55 were either civilians or imprisoned fighters from non-Islamic State rebel groups.”

Recovering the dead and injured from the site took many days according to VDC, which also reported 60 civilians killed: “On the first day more than 20 injured civilians were taken out in addition to 7 injured members of the organisation who were the policemen in the centre. On the second day after the attack more than 13 bodies of civilians were pulled out of the rubble and 37 more bodies of civilians on the following day as well as a number of unidentified bodies. At the time of counting 10 people were still missing.”

Among those killed were men imprisoned by ISIL simply for buying cigarettes. At least four women and a number of teenagers were reportedly among the dead. News agencies and monitoring groups, which gathered biographical details of many of those killed, initially chose not to make public the names of those killed for fear of retaliation by ISIL against surviving relatives.

Between December 28th 2014 and January 10th 2015, the United States concealed the fact that it had carried out any airstrikes at Al Bab on the night in question. Only after “repeated inquiries” by McClatchy did CENTCOM spokesman Colonel Patrick Ryder finally concede that “Coalition aircraft did strike and destroy an ISIL headquarters building in Al Bab on Dec. 28.”

On April 1st 2015, CENTCOM reassessed claims that multiple civilians had been killed in the Al Bab attack, but still concluded that there was “insufficient information to determine CIVCAS.” This was partly justified by citing an Assad regime airstrike on the city 48 hours before the US attack, “which resulted in media reports of CIVCAS as well.”

This new assessment appeared to take little account of detailed investigations carried out by McClatchy, SN4HR and others.

The use of the al-Saraya building as a holding facility for locals had been widely reported long before the US airstrike. Syrian NGOs were damning of the coalition’s actions: “There is no evidence that the International Coalition exerted any effort to ensure that there were no civilians near the building nor to be certain that the building itself was not a secret detention center for ISIL, as was widely known in town,” noted VDC.

33 unidentified non-combatant males and one unidentified civilian woman (40 years old) were listed in addition to the names below.

 

The incident occured at 19:45:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Hasan Saradar
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Jomea Ayoub
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Bashar Ahmad Saeidi
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Khaled Mohammad Saeid
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Hamdan al-Taha
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Hasan Mohammad
25 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Salem Sharaf
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Salem Selo
25 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Khaled Naesani
40 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Omer Jazzar
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Abdullah Naser
50 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Saeid Jandoli
17 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Mohammad Basheer Hamdan
18 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Majd al-Shami
22 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Farah Hamdan
45 years old female Listed by VDC killed
Mohammad Kassar
20 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Mohammad Alweh
45 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Mohammad Abdullah Nofous
50 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Mahmoud Hajjar
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Mahmoud Baker
25 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Mohammad Mahmoud Hamdan
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Yousef Sokar
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Yamen al-Sayeh
20 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Mahmoud Sharaf
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Mohammad al-Aboud
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Hamdo al-Asali
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Omer
18 years old male Listed by VDC killed
Abd el-Elah Mohammad Nadeem al-Najjar
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Mohammad al-Naous
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Mostafa Yousef al-Nashef
Adult male Listed by VDC killed
Mokhlef Mahmoud
Adult male Listed by VDC killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    51 – 65
  • (2–4 women30 men)
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • A satellite image showing the targeted location in Al-Bab city (via al-Bab Lens page)
  • A satellite image showing the targeted location in Al-Bab city (via al-Bab Lens page)
  • An image showing Al-Saraya building in al-Bab city after being targeted (via al-Bab Lens page)
  • Al-Saraya building before bombing (via SNHR)
  • Aftermath of the alleged attack (via SNHR)
  • Aftermath of the alleged attack (via SNHR)

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
  • Stated location
    al Bab City, Syria.
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2015

  • Twitter report from ANF accused ISIL of keeping prisoners at a location in Al Bab city that was struck in an airstrike. Violations Documentation Center (VDC): 60 alleged civilians killed in a strike on the Saraya Center. // Webops reported atmospherics from a report that ISIL had kept prisoners at a prison location in AI Bab City that it knew would be targeted by the coalition. // Assessed to be insufficient information to determine CIVCAS. Assessment details the strike in question, but also details a Syrian regime strike conducted in close proximity to al Bab City 48 hours prior to coalition, which resulted in media reports of CIVCAS as well. CAOC assessment provided relevant intel and BDA, which did not confirm CIVCAS.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

COALITION-ASSESSED CASUALTY INCIDENT

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    51 – 65
  • (2–4 women30 men)
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]