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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Incident Code

CS1736

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Location

الشفعة, 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

Four families of Tajik nationality were reportedly killed as a result of airstrikes on the town of Al Sha’afa, according to local sources.

All reports stated that the non combatant victims were related to members of so-called Islamic State. Although the sources implied that women and children were harmed by the bombardments, no names, photos or other details were provided. Euphrates Post for example noted that “Four families of Tajik nationality [immigrants belonging to Daesh] were killed by air raids on the town of Al-Sha’afa yesterday.”

Reports from Baladi and Al Sharq Al Souri Agency identified the “International Coalition” as the culprit.

In addition, al Sharq al Souri noted the death in an airstrike that day of “Abu Osman al-Shami from al-Hisan village, one of Islamic State’s medical officials.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 16
  • (2 children2 women)
  • 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 (4) [ 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 March 6th, the Coalition reported: “On Mar. 6 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged two Daesh tactical units and destroyed a Daesh supply route, a front end loader and a staging facility.”

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 16
  • (2 children2 women)
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1766

Incident date

June 12, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A single source reported one civilian killed and an unspecified number of people injured after the village of al Soussa was shelled.

Al Soussa Youth reported that one person was killed and two others were injured when the house of al-Matar al Luqman was struck. The source also stated that an Iraqi family was wounded, although the report did not specify the number of family members that were harmed in the attack.

The report listed the houses that were targeted in the shelling: the house of Hamid al-Salbi, the roof of al-Khaleef al-Mushrif, the house of al-Matar al-Luqman, a property of Habshi al Salbi, the farm of Hamed al Sabli, the shops of Rafe’ al-Ghannam, a shell near the house of Hamdan al-Salem, two shells near al-Ghannam mosque and one near the house of Fallah al Douman.

The report did not identify a culprit. When an individual in the comment section asked whether the shells were being fired by the Kurds or by the regime, Al Soussa Youth replied, “both: the regime is shelling from al Bukamal and the Kurds from Dahrat al Baghouz”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that explosions that “shook the areas in the enclave controlled by Islamic State in the areas near al Soussa, caused by SDF shelling.” The Observatory also noted that there was “no information about casualties caused by the shelling”. Other sources, like Shaam News, also reported on “heavy artillery shelling” by the SDF without making claims of civilian harm.

It is important to note that the SDF is not believed to have had access to its own artillery in Deir Ezzor – making this a likely Coalition event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Reported destruction from Coalition strike (via al Soussa Youth)
  • Reported destruction from Coalition strike (via al Soussa Youth)
  • Reported destruction from Coalition strike (via al Soussa Youth)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Soussa (السوسة), for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675. Some sources report civilian casualties occurring “in Al Luqman house” after shelling

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • June 12, 2018, near al-Soussa, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 12th, the Coalition reported that “On June 12 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of 10 engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged one Daesh tactical unit.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For June 6th – 12th, France report that Task Force Wagram conducted 32 artillery shooting missions in support of the ongoing offensive in the Euphrates Valley. Additionally, 22 aerial sorties were conducted in support of local forces engaged on the ground; there were no strikes.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·THURSDAY, 14 JUNE 2018 CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit.Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, l’offensive a déjà permis de reprendre plus de 40 km2 de territoire à Daech. La progression est néanmoins ralentie par la menace importante que font peser les engins explosifs improvisés sur les forces engagées au sol. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent afin de finir de démanteler les cellules de production d’engins explosifs improvisés et les réseaux terroristes restants. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Monsabert conduit actuellement quatre stages au profit des soldats de la 6e division irakienne. Ils couvrent les domaines de formation respectifs suivants : utilisation de mortiers, fouille opérationnelle, recueil de renseignements, formation au combat. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, ils ont d’ores et déjà réalisé 143 missions de tirs. Cette semaine, 32 missions de tirs ont été réalisées (bilan du 6 au 12 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1802 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, 22 sorties aériennes ont été réalisées en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 6 au 12 juin inclus), essentiellement des missions de recueil de renseignements ou de reconnaissance aérienne. Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8137 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1798

Incident date

September 13, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported dead and wounded civilians after “artillery and missile shelling” on the outskirts of Al Soussa.

Step News Agency reported in full: “Dead and wounded civilians by artillery and and a rocket attack by the Syrian Democratic Forces on the outskirts of the town of Soussa countryside # Deir al-Azur East.”

However the SDF had no known access to artillery, suggesting that the Coalition was responsible.

Deir Ezzor 24 tweeted a similar report, but did not identify the culprit.

Almanar instead claimed that the civilians had been harmed after coming under attack from rocket propelled grenades.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020

  • Sep. 13, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3188/CS1798 37SFU805225

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reported the following: “On September 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes consisting of 15 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal, 12 strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, and destroyed nine ISIS supply routes, four ISIS fighting positions, one ISIS compound, one ISIS sentry location, one ISIS staging area and one ISIS counter battery fire and damaged one ISIS compound and suppressed two ISIS mortar firing points."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For the third consecutive week Dutch jets deployed weapons. Aircraft targeted ISIS storage units during 2 missions in Deir Ezzor governorate and near Abu Kamal. Between September 13th-18th, F-16s supported ground troops during 9 missions in Deir Ezzor and Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 19-09-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour en Irak. Er zijn 2 keer wapens ingezet in de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal. Logistieke opslagplaatsen van ISIS waren het doelwit. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 13 tot 18 september 2018. Afgelopen week maakte het kabinet bekend dat Nederland de bijdrage van F-16’s in de strijd tegen ISIS na 31 december niet verlengt.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Sept 12th-17th, France report that Task Force Wagram has carried out 22 artillery ‘firefights’ from Iraq this week. Aircraft conducted 19 sorties but there were no airstrikes.

‘CHAMMAL Cette semaine est marquée par le 4ème anniversaire de l’opération Chammal qui a débuté le 19 septembre 2014 et constitue la contribution française à l’opération Inherent Resolve regroupant 74 pays et 5 organisations internationales dans la lutte contre Daech. SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, la situation n’a pas évolué de manière significative. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français n’a connu qu’une seule évolution, avec la relève du Chevalier Paul par la FREMM Auvergne en Méditerranée orientale. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate En appui de l’offensive lancée le lundi 10 septembre par les forces au sol dans la région de Hajine, la TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 22 missions de tirs cette semaine (bilan du 12 au 17 septembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1911 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Emirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech au sein de la coalition. La semaine dernière, ils ont réalisé 19 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 12 au 17 septembre inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8477 sorties / 1457 frappes / 2249 objectifs neutralisés. TF Monsabert et Narvik La Task Force Monsabert et la Task Force Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation au profit des forces irakiennes.’

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1819

Incident date

October 28, 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

At least one and as many as 20 civilians including an unspecified number of women and children died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Shaafa, which was under the control of ISIS, according to local media.

Several local sources including Euphrates Post reported that “a number of civilian died” in the airstrike. @DeirEzzor24 put the death toll as low as one civilian and reported that dozens more were injured. The Syrian Network said that three had died.

However, Horrya said that as many as 10 civilians were killed. Baladi News, the Syrian Unified Observatory and @Mrskurai reported the deaths of 20 civilians in Al Shaafa and Hajin combined.

According to Al Shaafa Official, the raid in in Al Shaafa killed a “number of civilians”, one of who was named as Bader Al-Zaghir, who is from an area or a tribe called “Saad”.

Multiple sources stated that “most” of the victims were women and children.
The Step News Agency added that an unspecified number of “Daesh elements” had also been killed in strikes on Al Shaafa, Al Soussa and Hajin.

In its October 2020 monthly civilian casualty review, the US-led Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, asserting that “This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Bader Al-Zaghir
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 20
  • (2–5 children2–5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in al Shaafa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU774280
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020

  • 4. Oct. 28, 2018, in al Shaafa, Syria, via Airwars report. This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3226/CS1819 37SFU774280

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 28th 2018 the Coalition publicly reported “Near Hajin, eight strikes engaged two tactical units, and destroyed one supply route, two vehicles, one command and control center, one mortar, one explosive manufacturing facility, one compound and one staging area."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Sunday 28 October – a Reaper attacked a group of terrorists caught in the open in eastern Syria, whilst Typhoons collapsed the entrance to a cave containing stockpiled weapons in northern Iraq…On Sunday 28 October, a Reaper conducted armed reconnaissance over the Abu Kamal area, and carried out a successful attack with a Hellfire missile, striking a group of terrorists spotted manoeuvring through fields. In northern Iraq, a Daesh stockpile of weapons had been identified in a set of caves on a hillside thirty miles north-west of Kirkuk; a Typhoon flight was able to collapse the entrance to the caves using Paveway IVs.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Oct 24th-30th, France report that the three CAESAR guns of Task Force Wagram have conducted 6 firing missions from Iraqi territory. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties and four strikes north of Abu Kamal, 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, se poursuit. Daech a profité des mauvaises conditions météorologiques pour mener des contre-attaques cette semaine et reprendre du terrain aux forces démocratiques syriennes. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. La Task Force Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont ainsi réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 6 missions de tir (éclairement, harcèlement, destruction – bilan du 24 au 30 octobre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1998 missions de tirs. 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 24 au 30 octobre inclus) et conduit 4 frappes, en appui des FDS au nord d’Abou Kamal en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8600 sorties / 1476 frappes / 2275 objectifs neutralisés.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For October 24th – 31st, Dutch MoD reports that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions. Weapons were deployed in four: near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria and near Mosul, Nineveh province, Iraq. Targets were ISIS warehouses and vehicles.

‘In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 4 zijn wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 24 tot 31 oktober 2018. Dat gebeurde in de provincies Deir al Zour en Ninawa, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal (Oost-Syrië) en Mosul (Irak). Doelwit waren opslagplaatsen en voertuigen van ISIS.‘

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 20
  • (2–5 children2–5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1853

Incident date

November 24, 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

Fourteen civilians from the same family were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike which was said to have targeted or struck civilians homes in Al Sha’afa.

Jisr TV called the incident an “aerial bombardment” and labeled it a continuation of the recent massacres in Deir Ezzor over recent days.

According to multiple sources, the victims were mostly women and children, however none have yet been named. Madar Daily said that a family of six including four children were among 32 fatalities in multiple strikes on the town around this date.

A single source reported that the victims were “elements of Daesh”, however no other reports made this claim, and it was also not clear if this indicated family members rather than fighters. Further to this, many sources added that the area targeted was residential.

All sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the event.

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2020, the US-led Coalition asserted that “that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14
  • (2–6 children2–6 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (23) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020

  • 18.Nov. 24, 2018, in al Shaafa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3244/CS1853 37SFU805225

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 24th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 24 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 65 strikes consisting of 86 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 65 strikes engaged 24 tactical units and destroyed 28 firing positions, eight vehicles, six fighting positons, four supply routes, four IED factories, two buildings, five command and control facilities, two staging areas, one vehicle borne IED, one piece of engineer equipment,  one checkpoint, one weapons cache and one AAA system.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14
  • (2–6 children2–6 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1887

Incident date

January 13, 2019

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A house in the town of Al Soussa was struck by what sources described variously as a drone strike, airstrikes, artillery shelling, a rocket or a rocket-propelled grenade, killing two named brothers. Three of their other brothers were reported injured.

Although one source implied the brothers were members of ISIS, this was not mentioned by any other source. Mena-Monitor and Sham-FM specifically referred to the deaths of two civilians.

Some sources blamed the Coalition, while others blamed SDF.

Although it was alleged that SDF artillery had been responsible for the casualties, Airwars understands that only the US-led Coalition had access to field artillery at the time. This is therefore a potential Coalition civilian harm event.

In its December 2020 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that “The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to assess its credibility.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Hassan Sabah al-Khurair
Adult male killed
Abdul Rahman Sabah al-Khurair
Adult male killed
Brother
Adult male injured
Brother
Adult male injured
Brother
Adult male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (13) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU805225
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 15, 2020

  • Jan. 13, 2019, in al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to assess its credibility. 3265/CS1887 37SFU805225

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1916

Incident date

March 19, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

Two local sources reported that two named civilians – Shaimaa Walid Al Turki  and Rahaf Darwish – died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Baghouz camp.

According to revo.palmyra3, the two victimns were displaced from Palmyra and died “as a result of the daily bombardment of aircraft”.

Palmyra and Al Sukhna group noted that Rahaf Darwish was “young”, suggesting she may have been a child.

revo.palmyra3 noted that “many of the displaced are still trapped in the area and there is no news of them until now”.

In July 2019 the Coalition announced that it had assessed this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Shaimaa Walid Al Turki
Age unknown killed
Rahaf Darwish
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Stated location
    near Al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2019

  • Mar. 19, 2019, near Al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

"Between March 10 - 23, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 250 strikes consisting of 398 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 193 strikes consisting of 338 engagements, engaged 346 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 104 vehicles, 63 supply routes, 39 fighting positions, 31 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, nine tactical vehicles, six fuel tankers, four weapons caches, two command and control nodes, one tunnel, one tanker for petroleum oil and lubricants, one mortar system, and one checkpoint."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For March 13th-19th, France report that Task Force Wagram did not carry out any artillery missions. Aircraft carried out 57 sorties and there was one strike. It also provides a review of the four years of training of TF Narvik and Monsabert

CHAMMALSITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTREOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiquessyriennes, appuyés par la coalition, pour reconquérir le réduit de Baghouz continuent. Les combats sont intenses, la progression effective, mais lente, en raison de l’évacuation de nombreux civils, et de l’imbrication des combattants et des non combattants.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak, et reste sous contrôle des Forces de sécurité intérieures qui poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué depuis la semaine dernière. Le groupe aéronaval participe toujours à l’opération Chammal : une frappe aérienne a été réalisée par ses Rafale cette semaine en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes.En parallèle, le groupement naval est intégré, en soutien associé, à l’opération Sea Gardian, opération maritime de l’OTAN qui accomplit actuellement trois tâches de sûreté maritime en Méditerranée : la constitution de capacités de sûreté maritime, la connaissance de la situation maritime, et la lutte contre le terrorisme.Enfin, la frégate britannique HMS Duncan a rejoint le groupe aéronaval cette semaine.Bilan des quatre ans de formation des TF Narvik et MonsabertDepuis mars 2015, en complément de l’appui feu aux troupes engagées au sol contre Daech, la France a déployé à Bagdad des militaires dont la mission est d’améliorer les capacités de commandement et les savoir-faire des troupes irakiennes. Deux Task Force (TF), Narvik et Monsabert, aux périmètres différents, ont été mises en place pour assurer cette mission.La TF Narvik prend part à la formation des forces spéciales de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS), dans des domaines d’expertise immédiatement exploitables dans la lutte contre Daech : le combat en zone urbaine, le renseignement, le tir aux armes collectives et armes lourdes, la lutte contre les engins explosifs ou le sauvetage au combat.Les premiers mandats proposaient des instructions générales et spécialisées aux jeunes recrues et aux soldats expérimentés. L’ICTS est progressivement devenue autonome dans ces domaines et la TF Narvik porte désormais ses efforts sur la formation des cadres et des opérateurs spécialisés tout en perfectionnant à travers des stages dédiés des bataillons opérationnels de l’ICTS.Au bilan, la TF Narvik a formé plus de 8000 soldats et 300 instructeurs, et a mené des stages de perfectionnement au profit de plus de 3000 soldats, ce qui représente 25 % des actions de formation menées par la coalition pour l’ICTS.De son côté, la TF Monsabert fournit assistance et conseil (Advise and Assist — A2) à l’État-major et aux soldats de la 6e division d’infanterie, responsable notamment de la sécurisation de Bagdad.Dans le cadre de son partenariat avec la 6e division, la TF Monsabert a formé depuis sa création plus de 3300 soldats irakiens, et plus de 1700 formateurs.En constante évolution pour répondre aux besoins de ses partenaires irakiens, la TF Monsabert a récemment mis en place des cycles d’évaluation des savoir-faire fondamentaux des soldats de la 6e division. Plus de 4000 soldats irakiens ont déjà été passés au crible, permettant aux experts de la TF et au commandement de la 6è division de disposer d’une appréciation globale du niveau des différents régiments.Enfin, depuis 6 mois, dans le cadre de son partenariat avec l’école d’artillerie irakienne la TF Monsabert a formé 330 officiers et sous-officiers irakiens.Depuis quatre ans, ce sont au bilan plus de 20 000 soldats irakiens qui ont bénéficié de l’expertise de 1400 instructeurs français qui se sont relayés au sein de l’opération Chammal, dispensant 150 stages et participant à plus de 200 missions de conseil et d’appui.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram n’a pas réalisé de missions de tir, depuis le territoire irakien, cette semaine (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus).Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus)Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis, et projetés depuis le groupe aéronaval poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 57 sorties aériennes (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 01 frappe cette semaine, réalisée par les aéronefs du groupe aeronaval.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS268

Incident date

December 12, 2015

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.53366, 40.95819 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Twelve civilians – most of which were women and children – were killed and several injured in an airstrike on Al Soussa – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. One source also blames the Coalition.

The Shaam News Network initially reported that 10 non-combatants – most of them from the same family – died when Russian warplanes struck. But the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed regime warplanes, and put the death toll at nine.

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (12)

Samirah al-Turky
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Son of Samiraal-Turky
Child male Named by VDC killed
Sara al-Turky
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Son of Sara al-Turky
Child male Named by VDC killed
Fatima al-Turky
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Khawla al-Turky
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Daughter of Khawla al-Turky
Child female Named by VDC killed
Amira al-Turky
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Daughter of Faysal al-Turky
Child female Named by VDC killed
Tahani al Turki
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
The wife of Faisal Al Turki
Age unknown female Listed by Syria2011 injured
Mubarak al Turki
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured

The victims were named as:

Joza al-Thani
Adult female Named by VDC killed
Daughter of Khawla al-Obaid
Child female Named by VDC killed
Abdullah al-Mohammad al-Ewaid
Adult male Named by VDC killed
Manar al Ibrahim al Mheissan
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
Abd al Aziz al Hamed
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
Abir al Hamed
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
Shaimaa al Khaled al Hussein
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
Jamila al Ibrahim
Age unknown Listed by Syria2011 injured
The son of Rifa’at al Thani.
Child male Listed by Syria2011 injured
Son of Omar al Hussein 1
Child male Listed by Syria2011, one of them in a critical condition injured
Son of Omar al Hussein 2
Child male Listed by Syria2011, one of them in a critical condition injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (5 children6 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • A house targeted by airstrikes has been destroyed. (via, Syrian revolution forum)
  • Part of the damaged infrastructure in Al Soussa village. (via Syrian Revolution Forum)
  • An image taken almost immediately after the airstrike fell. (via, Deir Ezzor is slaughtered silently)
  • Although this video is no longer available, this screengrab shows part of the aftermath of the airstrike. (via, Syrialander)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia is not known to have publicly released any information relating to its airstrikes in Syria between December 9th and December 14th 2015.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (5 children6 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (24) [ collapse]