US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1250

Incident date

July 22, 2017

Location

البچري, Bajari, old town, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.94727, 39.01441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Bajari, according to local sources.

Smart News Agency and Baladi reported that “likely” Coalition raids on Bajari killed a woman.

In April 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event, noting: “Coalition aircraft struck an identified Daesh mortar firing position. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed and three more were unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the coordinates for this event accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

E’tedal Ahmed Hijo Ka’kaji
Adult female killed

Summary

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

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.948086, 39.015225

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
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Bajari, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV013781
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019
  • July 22, 2017, near Bajari, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft struck an identified Daesh mortar firing position. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed and three more were unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 22nd-23rd: “Near Raqqah, nine strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units, destroyed eight fighting positions and a mortar system, and damaged two supply routes.” It additionally reported that “On July 22, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, a storage facility, and a tunnel.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Saturday 22 July – Tornados struck an engineering vehicle in northern Iraq…Update: air strikes against Daesh – GOV.UK The following day [July 22nd], a Tornado mission used a single Paveway IV to destroy an engineering vehicle which terrorists had attempted to conceal some miles north of Tall Afar. On Sunday and Monday, the RAF operations focused on supporting the SDF in Raqqa.

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • Coalition admit to supporting the SDF on 22 July 2017, Raqqa. (via CJTFOIR)

Summary

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

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS445

Incident date

January 16, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.90953, 38.56999 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian in an event near Raqqa.

Their July 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS compound, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that one civilian who was not observed near the target during the engagement was unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

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

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Unseen at time of engagement
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV612740
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2018
  • Jan. 16, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS compound, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that one civilian who was not observed near the target during the engagement was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 15th-16th the Coalition publicly stated: “ Near Ar Raqqah, eight strikes engaged six ISIL tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, a heavy machine gun, a vehicle, and a bridge; suppressed a heavy machine gun; and damaged a supply route. Near Tabaqah Dam, four strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units, destroyed two fighting positions, and suppressed an ISIL tactical unit.“
For January 16th-17th it noted: “Near Ar Raqqah, nine strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed three fighting positions, an artillery system, a supply cache, a VBIED, a front-end loader, a tactical vehicle, and an ISIL weapons storage facility; and damaged a supply route.“

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

[In the past week, France reports carrying out 53 sorties, including 45 reconnaissance missions or planned strikes, 6 intelligence missions (ISR) and 2 refueling missions. There were 17 strikes destroying 21 targets. Of these, 14 strikes were carried out in support of the coalition operations around Mosul – 13 were conducted in support of troops on the ground against groups of ISIL fighters entrenched in buildings The other three strikes were carried out in Syria in the Raqqah and Hassakah areas. A planned strike was conducted on the outskirts of Mosul on January 16. Performed in conjunction with six other coalition fighter jets, the strike resulted in the destruction of Daech-occupied buildings housing artillery pieces, armored suicide bombs, explosives and a command post. Task Force Wagram led 16 support missions to Iraqi troops engaged in the takeover of Mosul.]

CHAMMAL APPRECIATION DE SITUATION Au Levant, Daech maintient une défense solide dans ses zones refuges. En Irak, l’organisation terroriste perd constamment du terrain dans la bataille de Mossoul, et l’Est de la ville se gagne pas à pas. Dans le reste du pays, Daech oppose toujours une vive résistance aux opérations de l’armée irakienne dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. A Bagdad, l’organisation a mené à nouveau des attaques dans le but de maintenir l’insécurité dans la capitale et cherche ainsi à fragiliser l’action du gouvernement aux yeux de la population. En Syrie, Daech perd également du terrain à proximité de Raqqah, tout en lançant une nouvelle offensive dans la région de Deir-eiz-zor. AVANCEE SUR LA BATAILLE DE MOSSOUL Dans la partie orientale de la ville de Mossoul, l’organisation terroriste ne parvient pas à contrer l’avance des forces irakiennes. Ces dernières se sont emparées dans la semaine de quartiers importants comme celui de l’Université de la ville le 14 janvier. Daech se réfugie dans une stratégie de sanctuarisation de ses positions et renforce désormais les défenses de la partie occidentale de la ville. Les tentatives régulières de mouvement de ravitaillements logistiques témoignent d’une volonté de tenir cette zone. ACTIVITES DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a représenté un volume de 53 sorties, dont 45 missions de reconnaissance armée ou de frappes planifiées, 6 missions de renseignement (ISR) et 2 de ravitaillement. Les missions réalisées ont permis de conduire 17 frappes et de neutraliser 21 objectifs. 14 des frappes ont été conduites en appui des opérations de la coalition autour de Mossoul. Les 3 autres frappes ont été réalisées en Syrie dans la région de Raqqah et de Hassaké. Appui feu – TF Wagram La TF Wagram a conduit 16 missions d’appui au profit des troupes irakiennes engagées dans la reprise de Mossoul : 7 missions d’éclairement, et 9 missions. Focus sur Mossoul Sur les 14 frappes menées dans la région de Mossoul, 13 ont été conduites pour appuyer les troupes au sol contre des groupes de combattants retranchés dans des bâtiments. Une frappe planifiée a été conduite en périphérie de Mossoul le 16 janvier par une patrouille de Rafale de l’armée de l’air. Effectuée conjointement avec six autres avions de chasse de la coalition, la frappe a permis la destruction de bâtiments occupés par Daech abritant des pièces d’artillerie, des véhicules suicides blindés chargés d’explosifs et un poste de commandement.’

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI445

Incident date

January 30, 2017

Location

حي التنك, Mosul, Tanak, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.345117, 43.049873 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

It was reported that 11 civilians died in a Coalition airstrike at Tanak in western Mosul.

The Coalition later admitted a US strike in the near area, noting in their April 2017 civilian casualty report that “During a strike on an ISIS weapons manufacturing facility, it was assessed that one civilian in the building was unintentionally killed.” Officials confirmed to Airwars that this was at al Tanak.

A key early source at the time of the event appeared to be ISIL via its Al A’Amaq media arm, which noted “The death of 11 people, including children and women as a result of international coalition air strikes targeting life in the city of #Mosul yesterday evening.”

In an update published on February 5th, Mosul Ateka reported the subsequent death from his injuries of Mustafa Mayser Mahmoud – noting that his mother and father Mayser Mahmoud had also died in the incident.

The Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to a one metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mustafa Mayser Mahmoud
Adult male Mustafa Mayser Mahmoud killed
Mayser Mahmoud
Adult male Father of killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 11
  • (2 children2 women2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mayser and his father (via Mosul Ateka)

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
    Inside target building
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF2499823993
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 1, 2017
  • Jan. 30, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS weapons manufacturing facility, it was assessed that one civilian in the building was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 29th-30th the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed five watercraft, four VBIED factories, four front-end loaders, an artillery system, a vehicle, two ISIL-held buildings and a command and control node; and suppressed an ISIL mortar team.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 11
  • (2 children2 women2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI696

Incident date

May 8, 2017

Location

17 تموز, Mosul, Tammuz / July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.370859, 43.085399 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In its July 2017 monthly casualty report, the Coalition said it had killed a civilian in the Tammuz 17 area of Mosul. The man’s family reported his name as Laith Azhar Saadallah al-Obeidi.

According to the report, “during a strike on an ISIS command and control node, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed after entering the target area after the munition was released.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a one metre box. The location given places the event in the July 17th neighbourhood.

Relatives had posted the following message at the time: “My cousin was martyred on Monday [May 8th. Laith Azhar Saadallah al-Obeidi, after he was hit on his house on July 17, killing him and neighbors buried him in the garden of the house. God is patient with his children.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Laith Azhar Saadallah al-Obeidi
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF2824326785
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017
  • May 8, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS command and control node, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed after entering the target area after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 7th-8th: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and a sniper team; destroyed six fighting positions, four rocket-propelled grenade systems, four VBIEDs, three medium machine guns, two tactical vehicles, two supply caches, two heavy machine guns, two anti-air artillery systems, two vehicles, a mortar system, a recoilless rifle, a ISIS staging area; damaged 10 ISIS supply routes, seven fighting positions; and suppressed two mortar teams.“

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS088

Incident date

July 4, 2015

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9662, 38.97006 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the second confirmed civilian fatality incident of the day in Raqaa, the Coalition later declared that “during strikes against 16 ISIL bridges, it was assessed one civilian in a truck with a trailer was likely killed.” US aircraft were responsible for the death, CENTCOM admitted some six months later.

Reporting remains confused for the city that day – a result of dozens of bombings by Coalition aircraft. As Raqqa is Being Slaughtered noted at the time, the air raids were “accompanied by the sound of ambulances going all over the city and a state of panic and fear among the civilian population.” There is no specific reference to a civilian killed with a truck and trailer – suggesting that this fatality was discovered as a result of US post-strike assessments.

In July 2019, the alliance provided Airwars with coordinates for this event to within a 100m box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • July 04, 2015, Coalition Airstrikes video on Daesh-controlled structures near SRaqqah [via: US Department of Defense]

Geolocation notes

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV973802
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 22, 2016
  • On July 4, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during strikes against 16 ISIL bridges, it was assessed one civilian in a truck with a trailer was likely killed.

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS536

Incident date

February 25, 2017

Location

Desert road SW of Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.180051, 37.967398 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition reported that one civilian died near Raqqa.

In its June 2017 casualty report it said: “During a strike on ISIS oil tankers, after warning shots were fired to dislodged drivers from the vehicles, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

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
    1
  • Stated location
    near Raqqa
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDU0597893498
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 2, 2017
  • Feb. 25, 2017, near Raqqah Syria, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS oil tanker trucks, after warning shots were fired to dislodge drivers from the vehicles, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Near Ar Raqqah, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle, a
tactical vehicle and a mortar system.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS097

Incident date

July 11, 2015

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.90566, 39.17953 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A young civilian male named as Issa Al Hmeidan was reportedly killed along with an Islamic State militant in a confirmed US airstrike near Ar Raqaa. According to a number of sources, aircraft targeted a sugar factory which was used as a base by the militants.

In January 2016, CENTCOM admitted civilian casualties had been inflicted in the attack: “During counter-ISIL strikes it was assessed one civilian was killed. A post-strike review revealed a secondary explosion from a vehicle crossing a bridge nearby the intended target; this explosion resulted in one civilian likely killed.”

CENTCOM’s ommission of the deceased mans’ biographical details indicates that credible external sources had not played a major role in the casualty assessment.

In  July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for this event to within an accuracy of a 100 metres box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed

Summary

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

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Killed by secondary explosion(s)
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV162735
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 22, 2016
  • On July 11, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during counter-ISIL strikes it was assessed one civilian was killed. A post-strike review revealed a secondary explosion from a vehicle crossing a bridge nearby the intended target; this explosion resulted in one civilian likely killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Near Ar Raqqah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL structure and destroyed an ISIL excavator.

Summary

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

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS171

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Location

الغازلي, Al Ghazili, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.69735, 38.95634 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, CENTCOM later confirmed the death of a civilian in a US airstrike in Al Ghazili, near Ayn Isa.

According to the official release, “On Feb. 2, 2016, in Al Ghazili, Syria, near Ayn Isa, during a strike on an ISIL vehicle, it is assessed that one civilian was killed after unexpectedly driving into the target area after weapons were already in flight.”

Our researchers have so far not been able to locate any additional reports relating to this incident.

In January 2017 the Coalition stated that that it had not been involved in a claimed civilian casualty event in Hama governorate on this date. However an official later informed Airwars that the correct date for this secondary allegation was February 15th 2016.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 36.3106469, 39.0171129

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    in Al Ghazili, Syria, near Ayn Isa
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA961613
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 22, 2016
  • On Feb. 2, 2016, in Al Ghazili, Syria, near Ayn Isa, during a strike on an ISIL vehicle, it is assessed that one civilian was killed after unexpectedly driving into the target area after weapons were already in flight.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Near Ayn Isa, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]