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

CI266

Incident date

July 14, 2016

Location

القيارة, Qayyarah, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

35.77028, 43.30185 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 injury of a civilian in an attack on Qayyarah.

In November 2016, CENTCOM noted in their civilian casualty report that “during a strike on an ISIL-held building, it is assessed that one civilian was killed.”

In April 2017 the Coalition revised its position, noting “On April 30th 2017 the Coalition revised its position, noting: July 14, 2016, near Qayyarah, Iraq: Number 18 on Nov. 9, 2016, U.S. Central Command press release reported that one civilian was killed during a strike on an ISIS-held building. That was incorrect; it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured.”

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

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.7977836, 43.2935143

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 injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Qayyarah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE465598
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017
  • Nov 9, 2016
  • July 14, 2016, near Qayyarah, Iraq, during a strike on an ISIL-held building, it is assessed that one civilian was killed.

  • July 14, 2016, near Qayyarah, Iraq: Number 18 on Nov. 9, 2016, U.S. Central Command press release reported that one civilian was killed during a strike on an ISIS-held building. That was incorrect; it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 13th-14th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Qayyarah, four strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL weapons storage facility and destroyed an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL weapons cache, an ISIL tactical vehicle, and four ISIL mortar systems and denied ISIL access to terrain.”

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS288

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Location

الراطونية, Al Ratouniya, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5328813, 38.1774044 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A reported Coalition strike in the Jazeera roundabout area of al Ratouniya village was said to have killed a 27-year old local named as Ziab the son of Obeid al Ziab.

According to the Manbij Documentation Agency the body was recovered three days later: “The young man Ziab the son of Obeid al Ziab from the village of Al Ratounia was killed as a result of Coalition raids on the al Assaf building. It was only today that his family found him dead in his home which is next door to the building that was bombed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

28 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Ziab Obeid al Ziab (via Manbij Documentation Agency)
  • Ziab Obeid al Ziab (via Manbij Documentation Agency)

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
    37SDA263433
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020
  • Aug. 3, 2016, in Al Ratouniya, 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. 3024/CS288 37SDA263433

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 2nd-3rd the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, four strikes struck four separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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

CS311

Incident date

September 14, 2016

Location

الصالحية, Al Salhiya [exact location], Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.7251951, 40.7404912 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Heavy airstrikes were reported, with Step News noting that “Coalition planes bombed al Salhiya near al Bukamal, targeting a bridge that links the area of al Duweir with other areas of Deir Ezzor. They also targeted al Ashayer village east of Deir Ezzor.” No mention was made of casualties.

Beloved Al Salhiya also posted a video showing damage to the bridge – while reporting “no casualties.” A description accompanying a second video said “One of the places hit by the planes under the mountain on the road leading to al Shaeb left a crater 7 meters wide and 4 meters deep.

However Step News, Ara News and others insisted that four civilians died, noting: “The international coalition aircraft bombed the village of al Salhiya targeting a bridge in al Dweir which links it with all areas in all of Deir al-Zour area, killing four civilians.”

In a report published the following month, the Syrian Network noted: “Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired missiles that targeted the international road in Al Salihiya village, located in the eastern suburbs of Deir Ez-Zour and is under the control of ISIS. The road connects between Deir Ez-Zour and Homs governorate through Al Bokamal city. The bombardment resulted in the killing of two children.

In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that after a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

A child from Al-Alwan
Child killed
Saleh Al Alwan
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (2 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Damage from a Coalition airstrike at Salhiye on September 14th 2016. Reports were conflicted on whether four civilians died (via Deir Ezzor 24)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU593439
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020
  • Sept. 14, 2016, in Al Salhiya, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 3043/CS311 37SFU593439

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 13th-14th the Coalition reported that “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed five ISIL supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (2 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS338

Incident date

October 16, 2016

Location

الجرنية, Al Jarnia, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.16054, 38.23337 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

12 civilians were killed, including a number of women and children, and several people injured following an alleged Coalition strike, according to local reports.

A number of outlets, including Step News Agency, Sada al Sham and Al Jisr TV reported that 11 civilians were killed in the attack, though this figure appeared to originated from ISIL-controlled Al A’amaq Agency, which also fingered the Coalition. Al Jisr TV reported that 2 women and 1 child were among the dead. Sada al Sham referred to “several” wounded.

The Syrian Observatory cited “warplanes believed to be from the international alliance” and referenced “the death of several people from the same family.” Other outlets, including Zaitoun Mag, noted the attack came just two days after a similar bombing in Al Ghazli, Raqqa governorate.

LCCSY put the death toll at 12 and also blamed the Coalition.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (1)

Age unknown Whole family killed killed

Family members (7)

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown female Mohammad Beik al Abdallah al Borsan's son killed
Age unknown male Mohammad Beik al Abdallah al Borsan's son killed
Age unknown female killed
Age unknown female killed

Family members (1)

Shawakha al Satam’s family
Several memebers

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 12
  • (2–7 children3–6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Borsan Nasser al Borsan (via RBSS)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 15th-16th the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged three ISIL supply routes and destroyed a vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 12
  • (2–7 children3–6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS352 TS005f

Incident date

October 29, 2016

Location

الجطل, Al Jatal, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5781778, 37.7233572 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one person was killed by alleged Coalition raids in the vicinity of al Jatal, according to sparse local reports. However a Turkish assault on the village was also reported at the time.

Halab News named one male victim who it also said was a victim of “coalition raids.”

The only other specific report was from a Twitter user named Samran al A’anzi, who said that 4 civilians died during “international coalition raids on Al Jatal.” Other reports indicated the Turkish army, or Turkish-backed forces, were operating in the area.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim al A’roude
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Local Islamists posted photographs they said showed 'the repelling of the storming by the apostate Turkish army on al Jatal village west of al Ghandoura town.' (via blog which has since been blocked)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Jatal (الجطل), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.5781778, 37.7233572. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 23rd-24th, the Coalition reported no strikes in the area. For October 24th-25th, the Coalition reported “Near Mar’a, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions, a mortar system, and a vehicle.”

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS369

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

One civilian was killed and several injured due to a Coalition attack, according to a local source.

Step News Agency reported that a Coalition raid at dawn “targeting the IS security perimeter in the city of Raqqa” killed one civilian and wounded others “including women and children.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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]

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 information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • The report contained insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 8th-9th, the Coalition reported “Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes destroyed two ISIL oil well heads and an oil pump.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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

CI345

Incident date

November 22, 2016

Location

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.375659, 42.451536 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 15 civilians were killed and 33 injured by either Coalition or Iraqi airstrikes, according to local sources. The Coalition later denied any role in the incident.

Al Jazeera cited local medical sources and reported that 15 civilians were killed and 33 others injured by Iraqi Air Force and Coalition airstrikes in Tal Afar. A number of other outlets, including Syria News and Ajel.tv, reported the exact same figures. Some reports, including from Instant Reporting Team, only referenced Coalition aircraft.

A Coalition statement issued January 2nd 2017 noted: Nov. 22, 2016, near Tal Afar, Iraq: No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • Civilians reported injured
    33
  • 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

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A video shows the intensive preparation of the battle of Mosul (via Al Jazeera)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2017
  • No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 21st-22nd, the Coalition did not report a strike “near Tal Afar,” but did report “Near Kisik, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • Civilians reported injured
    33
  • 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

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI362

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Location

Mosul, near al Salem hospital, Iraq

Airwars assessment

The Coalition mistakenly hit Iraqi forces during an airstrike near al Salem hospital in Mosul, according to some local sources.

Iraqi Spring Media Center reported that the Coalition mistakenly targeted” government forces near Salam Hospital in the southeast of Mosul. And Sputnik News claimed that US Air Force bombs left 90 Iraqi military members dead and more than 100 wounded.

The Coalition later issued a statement: On Dec. 6th, Iraqi Security Forces attempted to seize the Al Salem hospital complex from ISIL fighters in the heart of East Mosul. ISIL was using the hospital as a base of operations and command and control headquarters. After seizing the area, the ISF fought off several counterattacks and six VBIEDs the following day before retrograding a short distance, under heavy enemy fire, to strengthen their position. On Dec. 7th, after Iraqi forces continued to receive heavy and sustained machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire from ISIL fighters in a building on the hospital complex, they requested immediate support from the Coalition. In support of the Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition aircraft conducted a precision strike on the location to target enemy fighters firing on Iraqi forces. The Coalition complies with the Law of Armed Conflict and takes all feasible precautions during the planning and execution of airstrikes to reduce the risk of harm to non-combatants. We will continue to strike ISIL military targets in support of our partners in order to defeat ISIL in Iraq.

Awaiting clarification on whether friendly forces were engaged.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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

For December 5th-6th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed nine ISIL-held buildings, four mortar systems, two VBIEDs, a vehicle, a heavy machine gun, two repeater tower power stations, and a land bridge; damaged a bridge, a front-end loader, 47 roads; and suppressed a tactical unit.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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]