US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident Code

CS1688

Incident date

December 1, 2017

Location

غرانيج / درنج, Daranj (possibly غرانيج Granij), Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.91808, 40.58189 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child died in a Coalition airstrike according to local media.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported “a child died on December 3rd, due to wounds sustained from International Coalition warplanes which fired missiles on Darnaj village in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs on December 1, 2017″.

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event noting” Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.” The Coalition additionally provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box. Eleven months later this was declared to have been a US action.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights made no mention of civilian casualties but confirmed that the SDF had gained control of Daranj.

However, two other sources (Marsad Al Sharqiya and Obaidahalabdull) reported that the victim died in the town of Granij.

Other sources reported that the SDF had taken control of Daranj.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon declared this to have been a US military action.

The incident was first reported on December 1, 2017 at 2:00 pm by .

The victims were named as:

Adult male (via @obaidahalabdull) killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • An image shows destruction in a building following an alleged coalition strike on Daranj (via step agency)
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention two possible locations: the village of Darnaj (درنج), for which the coordinates are: 34.9244444,40.5791667; and the village of Garnij/Kharanij (غرانيج), for which the coordinates are: 34.7588889,40.7611111 Prior to the release of the MGRS for this incident, Airwars geolocated this incident to the nearest village at 34.9245045, 40.5793762. In June 2019 the Coalition released the MGRS for this incident: 37SFU445651.

  • A geographic image of the villages of Darnaj (درنج) and Garnij/Kharanij (غرانيج)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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
  • Stated location
    near Daranj, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU445651
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2019
  • Dec. 1, 2017, near Daranj, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 30th-December 1st: ” Near Abu Kamal, five strike engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS fighting position, a tactical vehicle and an explosive hazard.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS397

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95809, 39.00554 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian in Raqqa.

Their January 2017 civilian casualty reported noted “During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that one civilian pedestrian was unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, 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

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
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV005793
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2017
  • Nov. 26, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria: During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that one civilian pedestrian was unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 25th-26th, the Coalition originally reported “Near Ar Raqqah, six strikes engaged five ISIL tactical units and a storage facility; destroyed two vehicles, a command and control node, and a fighting position.”

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

CS592

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Al Kanissa roundabout, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.829161, 38.534997 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the first of three reported incidents at al Tabaqa on this date, eight civilians died in a fresh alleged Coalition raid on the city. ‘Dozens’ were also reported injured.

According to local reports, eight members of the family of Musa al-Habib died when their house near the al Kanissa roundaout was struck in an airstrike.

According to Sharqiya Voice, “The international coalition launched an air raid last night targeting al Sina’a street in the market of the town, the gas department and the home of Ibrahim al A’bd between the church and al Shia’a mosque. There is news of martyrs and wounded among civilians.” A further report said that eight members of the Musa al-Habib family died, including women and children. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently also attributed the incident to the Coalition.

In its December 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition conceded killing one civilian at Tabqah on this date.

Coalition officials later confirmed to Airwars that their report was referring to this incident.

The report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS weapons facility and headquarters one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

In April 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.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Musa al-Habib family 1
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 2
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 3
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 4
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 5
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 6
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 7
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 8
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ 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 Al-Thawarah, Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV580651
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • March 20, 2017 near Al-Thawarah, Tabqah, Syria via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS weapons facility and headquarters one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 20th-21st the Coalition stated: “Near Ar Raqqah, 19 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed four petroleum oil lubricant equipment pieces, three barges, three fighting positions, three ISIS headquarters, two VBIED facilities, two VBIEDs, a VBIED factory, a tunnel, a vehicle, a weapons storage facility, and a command and control node; and damaged two supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS881

Incident date

May 29, 2017

Location

جامع الفواز, Fawwaz Mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95268, 39.01331 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to Al Araby, “a civilian was killed as a result of renewed artillery shelling of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units on al-Fawaz mosque area, in conjunction with battles.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named the victim as Muhammad al-Taqi but didn’t say who was responsible for his death.

In July 2018 the US-led alliance accepted responsibility for the death, stating that “During a strike on [a] Daesh VBIED factory, one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad al-Taqi
Adult male killed

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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Muhammad al-Taqi, killed when a shell hit him at al-Fawaz Mosque, May 29th (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 35.95268, 39.01331

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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV012787
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018
  • May 29, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. During a strike on Daesh VBIED factory, one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 28th-29th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed two fighting positions, two vehicles, two VBIED factories, two VBIED facilities, and an ISIS mechanical facility.” It additionally reported for May 28th that “Near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes destroyed a weapons cache, an ISIS staging area, and three fighting positions.”

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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS931

Incident date

June 7, 2017

Location

محكان, Mahkan, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.9817, 40.46918 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An adult male, also an agricultural worker, was named as a victim of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Mahkan town by local media. Sources said that he died from wounds sustained in the strike.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights in a report on June 11th, “an agriculture engineer died from injuries he had suffered in shelling by warplanes believed to belong to the international coalition on a bus carrying him in al-Koriyah town in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor days ago.”

In February 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event, noting: “Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS person of interest in a moving vehicle. At the moment of impact, a separate civilian vehicle passed the target vehicle. Regrettably, it appears that a civilian in the passing vehicle was unintentionally killed.”

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:

Mohammed al-Khamis
Adult male an agricultural worker 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 (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 34.974444, 40.485556

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 Mahkan, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU341720
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019
  • June 7, 2017, near Mahkan, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS person of interest in a moving vehicle. At the moment of impact, a separate civilian vehicle passed the target vehicle. Regrettably, it appears that a civilian in the passing vehicle was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a vehicle.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Wednesday 7 June – a Reaper killed two terrorists planting booby-traps in Raqqa, while a Tornado and a Typhoon attacked two Daesh-held buildings south-west of the city… The RAF is continuing to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian casualties. Royal Air Force aircraft have provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who are now fighting Daesh on the outskirts of Raqqa. In Mosul, our aircraft are continuing to assist Iraqi troops in clearing remaining Daesh positions in and around the city. A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft flew an armed reconnaissance patrol over northern Raqqa on Wednesday 7 June. It observed two extremists burying booby-traps along routes into the city. Hellfire missiles were deployed, killing both. Some 45 miles south-west of Raqqa, a mixed pair of Tornado and Typhoon fast jets used a Brimstone missile to hit one Daesh-held building. A Paveway IV guided bomb left a second target on fire.’

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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1299

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, near Raqqah, Syria, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.94637, 39.00776 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 October 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that engaged an ISIS tactical unit, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

Coalition officials told Airwars that their report referred to this incident.

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

This incident may be related to CS1295, however there is not enough locational detail in that allegation to tell.

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

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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV007780
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017
  • July 29, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via self-report. During a Coalition strike that engaged an ISIS tactical unit, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 29th – 30th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and three vehicles.”

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

CS334

Incident date

October 9, 2016

Location

بادية هجين, Hajin Desert, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.68544, 40.83942 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 3 and 4 civilian drivers were reported killed in Coalition raids in the desert outside Deir ez-Zor, accoring to multiple local sources.

The Coalition reported that it attacked multiple “supply routes” in the area during this period. In November 2017 it confirmed responsibility for the event.

However, the Coalition admitted to having killed only one civilian: “Oct. 9, 2016, near Deir ez-Zoor, Syria, via web report. During a Coalition strike that engaged a Daesh tactical unit and destroyed Daesh fuel trucks, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

Deir Ezzor Free Broadcast reported that three truck drivers transporting fuel in the desert of Hajin were killed “following international coalition raids.”

A report from Qasioun stated that international coalition planes launched at dawn today Monday air raids targeting fuel transport trucks in the Hajin desert in Deir Ezzor countryside which led to the death of 4 people and injury of 3 others.” A number of other outlets placed the death toll at three.

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 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Translation: three people fuel truck drivers in the desert of Hajin in the eastern countryside killed following international coalition raids.
  • Translation: Deir Ezzor countryside - al Natek correspondent: warplane raid on Hajin desert [in al Jazira area in the Bukamal countryside] and news of the death of one person.
  • Translation: a warplane raid on Hajin desert.
  • Translation: News just in - Deir Ezzor: 3 people killed, fuel truck drivers, in Hajin desert in the eastern countryside as a result of raids by the international coalition.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 34.7187577, 40.9177208

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 Deir ez-Zoor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU685397
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017
  • Oct. 9, 2016, near Deir ez-Zoor, Syria, via web report. During a Coalition strike that engaged a Daesh tactical unit and destroyed Daesh fuel trucks, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike damaged three ISIL supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI310

Incident date

October 25, 2016

Location

Mosul, Buwayd, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.42591, 42.77015 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 admitted in its February 2017 civilian casualty report that it had killed one civilian during a strike on a moving vehicle.

The report noted “During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed when the target vehicle passed his location at the time of the munition’s impact.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, 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
    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
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF001335
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2017
  • Oct. 25, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed when the target vehicle passed his location at the time of the munition’s impact.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

At the time, the Coalition publicly noted for October 25th-26th that “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and a mortar system and destroyed seven vehicles, seven tunnels, seven mortar systems, four fighting positions, four supply caches, three staging areas, three ISIL-held buildings, a communications facility, and a VBIED.”

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]