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

CS1295

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

According to Euphrates Post, two civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah.

Hasaka Marsad also named these two victims and blamed the Coalition for their deaths.

This event might or might not be related to the two events that the Coalition has admitted responsibility for — see S1138b and S1138c below.

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 the allegation provided insufficient information on the timing and location of the strike to make a determination.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Hossam Rachid Jadaan Al Haj
Age unknown male killed
Souzan Rashid Jadaan Al-Haj
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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 (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
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020

  • July 29, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3137/CS1295 37SEV008784

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 28th-29th: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, an artillery system, and a vehicle; and suppressed a fighting position.” It additionally reported that “On July 28, near Raqqah, Syria, 16 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units, destroyed an anti-air artillery system, and damaged seven fighting positions.”

For July 30th – 31st, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, three supply caches, two ISIS-held buildings, a vehicle, a tunnel, and a command and control node; and suppressed a fighting position.“

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1327

Incident date

August 4, 2017

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

Up to 17 civilians including women and children died and 10 more were wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, according to local media.

Most sources put the death toll at six with 10 more injured and blamed a “US bombing” of Raqqa neighbourhoods.

However, on August 5th the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights “documented the death of at least 10 persons including 2 children and 1 citizen woman. They were killed in the past 24 hours” – but some caution is required as this could be a general number and not specific to just this event.

A report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at 17, “including 7 children and 5 women, IDPs from al Bab city in Aleppo”, and said that they died when Coalition missiles struck a residential building.

The incident was first reported on August 4, 2017 at 8:33 pm by @AbuMuaazalRaqqah.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 17
  • (2–7 children1–5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident only mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited information and satellite imagery 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
    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
  • May 31, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 4th-5th the Coalition reported that “On Aug. 4, near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, a staging area, and a tunnel..” It also stated that “On Aug. 4, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions; and damaged a fighting position.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 4 August – Typhoons struck an ammunition factory and three sniper positions in Raqqa…An improvised ammunition factory had been identified in a large single-storey building in Raqqa, and this was struck with two Paveway IVs from Typhoons on Friday 4 August. The Typhoons then conducted two further strikes with Paveways against sniper positions, while a second Typhoon flight dealt with a third sniper team.’

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 17
  • (2–7 children1–5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1359

Incident date

August 9, 2017

Location

بلدة الطيبة, Al Tayba, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.0052619, 40.4581082 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two children were killed and many others wounded in strikes on al Tayba village, according to numerous local sources.

At present it is unclear who was responsible for the incident; some sources have cited Russia and the regime, whilst others held the Coalition suspect.

A Tweet by @palestinedam said that “the death of a child and wounding of others” was a result of “aggression” from the “US-led Alliance aircraft”.

According to activists speaking to Smart news, the town – under the control of so-called Islamic State – suffered shelling on civilians homes. Smart alleged that this was carried out by the “International Coalition”.

Jisirtv said that 31 civilians were injured along with the death of two children – and blamed a “Russian bombardment”.

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 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:

Ammar Yasser Al A’yada Ajaj
Child male killed
Hatem Daham Al-Arjan
Child male killed
Mohamed Gomaa Ali Al Arjan
Age unknown male Died from wounds as a result of the air strike that targeted the town killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    31
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Child Ammar Al-Yasser Al-A’jaj (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village or neighbourhood of Al Tayba (الطيبة) in or near the city of Al-Mayadin, Deir Ezzor governorate. The coordinates for Al Tayba (الطيبة) are: 35.0052619, 40.4581082.  

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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU330745
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020

  • Aug. 9, 2017 in Al Tayba, 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. 3142/CS1359 37SFU330745

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed three ISIS supply routes.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Aug 9-15th, France report 2 strikes in Raqqah, Syria – and 13 artillery missions in Mosul.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    31
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1391

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Location

البياطرة, al Bayatra, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.951121, 39.011357 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The death of a young man, named Ali Ismail al-Mu’idi, was reported by local media. His death followed an alleged US-led Coalition airstrike on the city of Raqqa. No other details are presently known.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Ismail al-Mu’idi
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ali Ismail Almaidi (via Ammar Al Suliman)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Bayatra (البياطرة) neighbourhood of Raqqah, for which the coordinates are: 35.951121, 39.011357. Neighbourhood to the south (Al Sharaqsa) is sometimes also called Bayatra.

  • Neighbourhoods of Al Bayatra (البياطرة) and Al Sharaqsa in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

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
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 18th-19th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 19 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 20 fighting positions, an anti-air artillery system, and a command and control node.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 18, near Raqqah, Syria, 20 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units, destroyed 14 fighting positions, and damaged a tunnel entrance.” And that “On Aug. 18, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions.” Also that “On Aug. 18, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Saturday 19 August – Typhoons bombed a truck on the move near Bayji, while Tornados attacked a terrorist position in Raqqa...A Typhoon flight faced a challenging target on Saturday 19 August – a fast-moving truck carrying a group of terrorists across the desert in Iraq, west of Bayji. Despite the vehicle’s speed, a Paveway IV was guided accurately onto the target, destroying it. Tornados continued to provide close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa, destroying a terrorist strongpoint.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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

CS1423

Incident date

August 27, 2017

Location

Fardous, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.954025, 39.006268 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five family members of a ‘Kazakh ISIS fighter’ (a woman, her two sons and one daughter) died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Fardous in Raqqa, according to local media.

Smart reported that “a local source told Smart that the family was made up of a woman and three of her children, and including a girl. The father, a member of the organisation [IS] was still fighting against the Syrian Democratic Forces (Qusd) on the city’s Traffic Street.”

According to Beirut Press and Smart, the fighter and his family were originally from Kazakhstan.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Yusra Rabea al-Kaji
Age unknown named by RBSS who said said had “died a result of an earlier air strike by the coalition aircraft on Al-Fardous neighborhood in the city of Raqqa.” killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Destruction at Fardous, Raqqah, following an alleged Coalition strike, August 27th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Destruction at Fardous, Raqqah, following an alleged Coalition strike, August 27th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Destruction at Fardous, Raqqah, following an alleged Coalition strike, August 27th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Destruction at Fardous, Raqqah, following an alleged Coalition strike, August 27th 2017. (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Traffic Street (شارع المرور) and the Fardous or Paradice area (الفردوس). The coordinates for the midpoint of Fardous area (الفردوس) are: 35.954025, 39.006268. Airwars cannot geolocate Traffic Street (شارع المرور), however, is aware of an Hadika Al Mororia or Traffic Park (الحديقة المرورية).

  • What Airwars understands to be the midpoint of Fardous area (الفردوس) and the location of Hadika Al Mororia or Traffic Park (الحديقة المرورية). The boundary of Fardous (الفردوس) area is unclear.

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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
  • May 31, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 27th-28th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 29 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 19 fighting positions, five logistics nodes, three vehicles, three ISIS headquarters, two VBIEDs, and two command and control nodes.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 27 near Raqqah, Syria, 24 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 22 fighting positions, two anti-aircraft artillery systems, and two logistics nodes.” And that “On Aug. 27, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Sunday 27 August – Typhoons and Tornados bombed ten Daesh positions in Raqqa.’

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For Aug 23rd-29th, France report 8 strikes in Iraq and 11 strikes in Syria, plus 46 artillery missions in Tal Afar, Iraq.(@EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1455

Incident date

September 8, 2017

Location

النهضة, Nahdah neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.9560544, 38.9925385 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 11 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a school in Raqqah’s Al Nahda neighbourhood, local media reported.

Baladi and Al Hasaka Rasd put the death toll at nine – both blaming the US-led Coalition.

According to RT Arabic, “The Syrian government has accused the international coalition of committing a new massacre against the citizens of Syria and killing 11 civilians, including 3 children, in a raid on a school in the northern city of Raqqa.

The US-led coalition aircraft ‘targeted a school in Al-Nahda neighborhood in the western part of the city of Al-Raqqa, where a number of families were sheltering’ said the state-run SANA news agency, quoting unnamed sources. SANA claimed that the bombing resulted in ‘the deaths of 11 civilians, including the family of a man and his wife and three children, in addition to a number of wounded.’”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 11
  • (3 children)
  • 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 (5) [ 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 September 7th – 8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes destroyed 11 ISIS fighting positions and a command and control node and suppressed three fighting positions.” It was additionally reported that “On Sept. 7, near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 15 fighting positions, 15 vehicles, four VBIEDs and suppressed four fighting positions.”

For September 8th - 9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 40 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 24 fighting positions, four logistics node, two vehicles, an ISIS communication line, a mortar system, a command and control node and suppressed four fighting positions.” It was additionally reported that “On Sept. 8, near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 15 vehicles, six logistics nodes, four fighting positions, and an IED; and suppressed three fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

'Thursday 7 September - Tornados destroyed a truck, a fuel depot and a terrorist accommodation block in northern Iraq, while Typhoons attacked a machine-gun team in Raqqa ... On Thursday 7 September, Tornados patrolled over northern Iraq . A couple of miles north-east of Hawijah , a truck carrying a group of extremists was successfully targeted using a Brimstone missile. Our aircraft were then tasked with the destruction of a fuel depot near Sharqat where Daesh had been spotted refueling truck-bombs, as well. Both were struck with Paveway IVs. Over Raqqa , Typhoons flew further to the Syrian Democratic Forces, successfully bombing a light machine-gun position. '

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

'Friday 8 September - has Reaper killed two terrorists setting up an ambush north-east of Dayr az Zawr in Syria , and eliminated Reviews another group in a small building nearby ... A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft Conducted armed reconnaissance over a Largely desert area Some twenty miles North-East Dayr Az Zawr on Friday 8 September. Two terrorists were tracked on a motorcycle as they gathered weapons and headed out to an apparent ambush position. They were both killed by a single Hellfire missile. Not far away, another small group of terrorists were seen entering a small building, and also eliminated with a Hellfire.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 11
  • (3 children)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1488

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Location

العشارة, Al A'shara, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.92, 40.56 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that members of ISIS families died in airstrikes which hit homes in al A’shara/Al Hawa – though none of the reports said who was responsible for the incident. Moreover, there was some dispute over the location of the strike, and whether the homes struck belonged to civilians.

According to Euphrates Post, “Two foreign families belonging to IS were killed as a result of the targeting of two houses by warplanes in Al-Hawi neighborhoods in the city of Al-A’shara.”

However, in the comments section underneath the post, a comment by Amin al Huweish reads: “By God, I don’t know where you get your information from. First of all the strike was not on al Hawi Road. Secondly the raids were on civilian homes and until now no one is reported killed. I am from al A’shara and I know it inch by inch and neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Have some fear of God when spreading news.”

7al also said the strike was on the Al Hawi neighbourhood, resulting in the death of “two European families belonging to the organization [ISIS]”

Two children were named as injured in an airstrike.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Rahaf Hussein Ali Al-Ma’and
Child injured
Wissam Hussein Ali Al Hassan
Child injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 6
  • 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
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The girl Rahaf Hussein Ali Al-Ma'and was injured following suspected airstrikes on Al-Azhar, Deir Ezzor, September 14th (via Euphrates Post)
  • The child Wissam Hussein Ali Al Hassan was injured in suspected airstrikes on Al-Azhar, September 14th (via Euphrates Post)
  • The impact on the streets of Al-Ashra following alleged Coalition airstrikes, September 14th (via Euphrates Post)
  • Material destruction in Al-Ashra following suspected Coalition airstrikes, September 14th (via Euphrates Post)
  • A street in Al-Ashra following suspected Coalition airstrikes, September 14th (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention multiple neighbourhoods (Al Jaber, Al Ahmadali, Al Hawi and Al Hikma street (الحكمة)) in the town of Al Asharah (العشارة), for which the coordinates are: 34.92, 40.56

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’shara, Deir Ez Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU424528
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • 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 September 13th-14th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, nine strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two tactical vehicles, an ISIS fuel station and a fighting position.”

For September 14th - 15th, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two vehicles". It later reported, "On Sept. 14, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria six strikes destroyed an ISIS UAS, a fighting position, an ISIS supply route and suppressed three fighting positions"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 15 September – a Reaper supported coalition airstrikes near Dayr az Zawr, and delivered two attacks itself against extremists in the open, whilst Typhoons destroyed a Daesh-held building… On Friday 15 September, a Reaper was again very active north-east of Dayr az Zawr; it provided support to coalition airstrikes which destroyed three Daesh-held buildings, then conducted two attacks on its own account with Hellfire missiles against terrorists moving through the area. Nearby, a Typhoon flight bombed a further Daesh-held building.’

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 6
  • 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
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1520

Incident date

September 23, 2017

Location

Hawari school, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.962186, 39.003224 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One adult male civilian, named as Said Mohammed al-Said, died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hawari school in Raqqah, according to local sources.

Reports said that the victim was the father of six daughters.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Said Mohammed al-Said
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'Said Mohammed al-Sa'id was killed when coalition aircraft bombed Hawari School, the father of six girls' Sept 23rd (via Amer Hweidi)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Hawairi school (هواري) in the city of Raqqa, for which the coordinates are: 35.962186, 39.003224. Satellite imagery of September 24, 2017 doesn’t show obvious signs of an airstrike on this school.

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
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 22nd-23rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 39 strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed 41 fighting positions, a command and control node, a supply route and suppressed two fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]