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

CS1773

Incident date

June 16, 2018

Location

تل الجاير, Tal al Jair, Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.033926, 41.0987592 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to Marsad al Hassaka and An Eye on al Hassaka, two young men were killed and three others were injured (two severely) in a mortar shelling on the village of Tal al Jair by “Kurdish units”.

According to both sources, all five civilians harmed were from the same family. It is important to note that the reports were apparent carbon copies of each other, and are therefore counted as a single source by Airwars.

On June 17th, the SDF confirmed that its forces “liberated the town of Dashishah in the southern town of Hasaka completely from a terrorist organization.” Multiple local sources confirmed that SDF now controlled most of the main strongholds, including Tal al Jair, in the southern region of Hasakah. However, none of the reports made mention of civilian harm.

While both sources attributed the event to mortars, it appeared possible that the action may have instead involved artillery. The US-led Coalition has however denied responsibility, and publicly reported no strikes in the governorate that day.

The incident was first reported on June 16, 2018 at 7:00 pm by .

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Tal al Jair, for which the coordinates are: 36.033926, 41.0987592

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Tel al-Jayer, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV784884
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • June 16, 2018, near Tel al-Jayer, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 16th, the Coalition did not publicly report any airstrikes in the Hasakah governorate.

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1772

Incident date

June 15, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Three civilians, including women and children, were allegedly killed and several others injured by a Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa.

Sound and Picture reported “three martyrs” and several wounded. Smart News quoted local activists who also mentioned a tally of three civilians killed after a Coalition raid targeted the “residential neighbourhoods in the town of Al Sousse”. The report also mentioned the destruction of “homes and property”.

Shahab al Sousse did not identify the number of civilians killed, but did mention that women and children were among those who died in the bombardment. And al Jisr TV reported that “Local sources said that among the dead were Iraqi refugees.”

Shaam News also reported “artillery bombardment by SDF” on Al Soussa, but did not make mention of civilian harm. The US’s ground proxies in Syria were not known to have had access to artillery – making this likely an erroneous attribution.

The incident occured around dawn.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1–2 children1–2 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 (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention residential neighbourhoods in the village of Al Soussa, for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675. The incident was first reported at 7 am local time

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • June 15, 2018, near al-Soussa, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 15th, The Coalition reported that “On June 15 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of three engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed one Daesh vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For June 13th – 19th, France’s Task Force Wagram reports five shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st there have been 148 missions. Over the past week, There were 22 air sorties in support of the local forces on the ground, but no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit. Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, l’offensive a déjà permis de reprendre plus de 150 km2 de territoire à Daech. Actuellement, les opérations en cours se concentrent sur la libération de la ville Dashisha. La résistance opposée par Daech demeure relativement faible. La principale menace reste celle liée aux engins explosifs improvisés. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu, donnant lieu à des destructions régulières de caches, de munitions et d’engins explosifs improvisés. Un climat sécuritaire qui s’améliore en Irak Le bon déroulement de l’ensemble des manifestations d’envergure récentes, notamment plusieurs pèlerinages et fêtes régionales ainsi que les élections, tend à montrer une amélioration notable du climat sécuritaire en Irak. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Narvik a débuté cette semaine cinq nouveaux stages au profit de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Ils couvrent les domaines de formation suivants : la lutte contre les engins explosifs, le maniement et entretien d’armements lourds, le déplacement tactique en convoi, le secourisme au combat et le tir de précision. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Le nombre de canons de la Task Force a été ajusté, passant dans un souci d’ajustement des moyens au besoin opérationnel de quatre à trois canons. L’évolution de la situation du théâtre avec la reprise de plus de 98% de l’emprise territoriale initiale de Daech, couplée à l’autonomie croissante des forces de sécurité irakienne, permet cet ajustement. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 148 missions de tirs, dont 5 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1807 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 22 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8159 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1–2 children1–2 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1768

Incident date

June 13, 2018

Location

الحردان, Al Hardan village (al Shayer hill), Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.034386, 41.09951 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two to four civilians were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of al Hardoun.

Marsad al Hassaka stated that the house of Mohammed Ahmed Hardan was targeted at “dawn today”, where he was killed with his three children while his wife was seriously injured.

Zaman al Wasl quoted a local activist who stated that both Mohammed and Manaf al Hardan were killed in the attack, and that an injured woman and a small child from the same family were brought to the hospital.

The report identified the location of the strike as “Mita’afeen”, which is likely another name for al Hardoun village.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Mohammed Ahmed Hardan
Adult male Described as a young man killed
Manaf al Hardan
Adult female Wife of Mohammed. Reported as injured by some sources killed
Unnamed victim 1
Child Child of Mohammad and Manaf killed
Unnamed victim 2
Child Child of Mohammad and Manaf killed
Unnamed victim 3
Child Child of Mohammad and Manaf killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1–3 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Al Hardan (الحردان) and the farm or hamlet Al Muta’afeen (المتعافين). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to locate these places, however, they are most likely in the area of Tell Al Shayer, for which the coordinates are: 36.034386,41.099510

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-Hardan village, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • June 13, 2018, near al-Hardan village, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 13th, the Coalition reported that “On June 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. […] Near Al Shadaddi, three strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed one Daesh tactical vehicle, one Daesh line of communication and one Daesh headquarters.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For June 13th – 19th, France’s Task Force Wagram reports five shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st there have been 148 missions. Over the past week, There were 22 air sorties in support of the local forces on the ground, but no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit. Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, l’offensive a déjà permis de reprendre plus de 150 km2 de territoire à Daech. Actuellement, les opérations en cours se concentrent sur la libération de la ville Dashisha. La résistance opposée par Daech demeure relativement faible. La principale menace reste celle liée aux engins explosifs improvisés. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu, donnant lieu à des destructions régulières de caches, de munitions et d’engins explosifs improvisés. Un climat sécuritaire qui s’améliore en Irak Le bon déroulement de l’ensemble des manifestations d’envergure récentes, notamment plusieurs pèlerinages et fêtes régionales ainsi que les élections, tend à montrer une amélioration notable du climat sécuritaire en Irak. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Narvik a débuté cette semaine cinq nouveaux stages au profit de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Ils couvrent les domaines de formation suivants : la lutte contre les engins explosifs, le maniement et entretien d’armements lourds, le déplacement tactique en convoi, le secourisme au combat et le tir de précision. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Le nombre de canons de la Task Force a été ajusté, passant dans un souci d’ajustement des moyens au besoin opérationnel de quatre à trois canons. L’évolution de la situation du théâtre avec la reprise de plus de 98% de l’emprise territoriale initiale de Daech, couplée à l’autonomie croissante des forces de sécurité irakienne, permet cet ajustement. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 148 missions de tirs, dont 5 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1807 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 22 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8159 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1–3 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1769

Incident date

June 13, 2018

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz Fawqani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, up to four civilians, including women and children, were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Baghouz Foqani.

Step News Agency reported that two women and one girl were killed and another person injured. The Syrian Network for Human Rights however stated that in fact two children and one woman had perished.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the airstrikes had targeted the house of an ISIS member, which killed his daughter and granddaughter and injured others. Euphrates Post added that “two daughters of Jamal al-Ali’s and one of Ra’ad Al-Jamal’s sons” were killed “and a large number of wounded among civilians”. In correspondence with Airwars, Deir Ezzor 24 said that three children died – a son and two daughters of Jamal Ali al Sharida. 

Al Soussa Youth reported in a Facebook post that Ra’ad al Jamal himself was transferred to the hospital in a “critical condition”. However, in a comment to the post, an individual stated that “Ra’ad is ok, his leg was broken and had other injuries in his body.”

Both Deir Ezzor Now and Baladi reported that four civilians, a woman and three girls, were killed. While Al Haall mentioned the death a woman and only one child, the report identified that thirteen civilians were injured in the attack.

On August 30th 2018 the Coalition possibly confirmed responsibility for the event. “(3.) June 13, 2018, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh supply route, one civilian was unintentionally injured.” While Airwars reported a maximum of 4 civilian deaths the Coalition only conceded the injury of one civilian.

The Coalition later supplied Airwars the military grid reference for the strike: 37SFU795166 (accurate to 100 m).

The date, location and description of the Coalition report are consistent with the الباغوز Al Baghouz incident, however we cannot rule out the possibility that this was a separate event.

The incident was first reported on June 13, 2018 at 11:00 am by .

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Daughter of Jamal al-Ali (1)
Child female killed
Daughters of Jamal al-Ali (2)
Child female killed

Family members (2)

Ra’ad Al-Jamal
Adult male Broken leg injured
Son of Ra’ad Al-Jamal
Child male Also listed by one source as son of Jamal Ali al Sharida killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1–3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–13
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Baghuz Fawqani (الباغوز فوقاني), for which the coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778. The alleged Coalition airstrike possibly targeted the house of an ISIS member

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
  • Stated location
    near al-Bagouz, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • June 13, 2018, near al-Bagouz, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 13th, the Coalition reported that “On June 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed two Daesh vehicles, one Daesh supply route and damaged one Daesh vehicle.”

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For June 13th – 19th, France’s Task Force Wagram reports five shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st there have been 148 missions. Over the past week, There were 22 air sorties in support of the local forces on the ground, but no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit. Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, l’offensive a déjà permis de reprendre plus de 150 km2 de territoire à Daech. Actuellement, les opérations en cours se concentrent sur la libération de la ville Dashisha. La résistance opposée par Daech demeure relativement faible. La principale menace reste celle liée aux engins explosifs improvisés. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu, donnant lieu à des destructions régulières de caches, de munitions et d’engins explosifs improvisés. Un climat sécuritaire qui s’améliore en Irak Le bon déroulement de l’ensemble des manifestations d’envergure récentes, notamment plusieurs pèlerinages et fêtes régionales ainsi que les élections, tend à montrer une amélioration notable du climat sécuritaire en Irak. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Narvik a débuté cette semaine cinq nouveaux stages au profit de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Ils couvrent les domaines de formation suivants : la lutte contre les engins explosifs, le maniement et entretien d’armements lourds, le déplacement tactique en convoi, le secourisme au combat et le tir de précision. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Le nombre de canons de la Task Force a été ajusté, passant dans un souci d’ajustement des moyens au besoin opérationnel de quatre à trois canons. L’évolution de la situation du théâtre avec la reprise de plus de 98% de l’emprise territoriale initiale de Daech, couplée à l’autonomie croissante des forces de sécurité irakienne, permet cet ajustement. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 148 missions de tirs, dont 5 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1807 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 22 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8159 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1–3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–13
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1770

Incident date

June 13, 2018

Location

الباغوز تحتاني, Al Baghouz Tahtani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.43221, 40.99226 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source reported that alleged Coalition raids on Al Baghouz Tahtani resulted in civilian harm.

Al Haall quoted an Abu Kamal local, who stated that two raids targeted the village, resulting in “several civilians wounded, and damage to property as well.”

No additional details are presently known – and in October 2018 the US-led Coalition rejected responsibility for any event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Baghouz Tahtani (الباغوز تحتاني), for which the coordinates are: 34.43221, 40.99226

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-Baghouz Tahtani, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU830118
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • June 13, 2018, near al-Baghouz Tahtani, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 13th, the Coalition reported that “On June 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed two Daesh vehicles, one Daesh supply route and damaged one Daesh vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For June 13th – 19th, France’s Task Force Wagram reports five shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st there have been 148 missions. Over the past week, There were 22 air sorties in support of the local forces on the ground, but no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit. Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, l’offensive a déjà permis de reprendre plus de 150 km2 de territoire à Daech. Actuellement, les opérations en cours se concentrent sur la libération de la ville Dashisha. La résistance opposée par Daech demeure relativement faible. La principale menace reste celle liée aux engins explosifs improvisés. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu, donnant lieu à des destructions régulières de caches, de munitions et d’engins explosifs improvisés. Un climat sécuritaire qui s’améliore en Irak Le bon déroulement de l’ensemble des manifestations d’envergure récentes, notamment plusieurs pèlerinages et fêtes régionales ainsi que les élections, tend à montrer une amélioration notable du climat sécuritaire en Irak. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Narvik a débuté cette semaine cinq nouveaux stages au profit de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Ils couvrent les domaines de formation suivants : la lutte contre les engins explosifs, le maniement et entretien d’armements lourds, le déplacement tactique en convoi, le secourisme au combat et le tir de précision. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Le nombre de canons de la Task Force a été ajusté, passant dans un souci d’ajustement des moyens au besoin opérationnel de quatre à trois canons. L’évolution de la situation du théâtre avec la reprise de plus de 98% de l’emprise territoriale initiale de Daech, couplée à l’autonomie croissante des forces de sécurité irakienne, permet cet ajustement. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 148 missions de tirs, dont 5 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1807 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 22 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8159 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1771

Incident date

June 13, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

One or more civilians were reported killed and injured after artillery shelling on the village of al Soussa.

Sound and Picture reported the “martyrdom of a civilian” in the village of Soussa as a result of French artillery shelling. Shaam News only made mention of “a number of civilians” wounded and stated that this was instead a result of shelling by “the Assad forces”.

In a tweet, Deir Ezzor 24 also reported artillery shelling by Assad forces on al Soussa, but did not mention any civilian casualties.

It is important to note that reports of Assad forces shelling Al Soussa could also be referring to June 12th. Suliman Mansoor mentioned for example “Syrian army artillery” on the village a day before the civilian harm incident was reported.

Euphrates Post reported a number of civilians killed, including children, as a result of artillery shelling but failed to identify any culprit.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights made mention of both “shelling by Syrian forces” and “bombing of aircraft likely to belong to the International Alliance” and confirmed the death of “two people believed to be members of the organization [ISIS]”. Two days later Al Jisrt TV reported that “bombardment and artillery on the same area resulted in a number of dead and wounded, including refugees.”

In September 2019 the Coalition announced that it had classed this allegation of civilian harm as non-credible. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted, “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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1–2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Soussah (السوسة), for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    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
  • Stated location
    in Al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU806226
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 26, 2019

  • June 13, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. 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.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 13th, the Coalition reported that “On June 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed two Daesh vehicles, one Daesh supply route and damaged one Daesh vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For June 13th – 19th, France’s Task Force Wagram reports five shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st there have been 148 missions. Over the past week, There were 22 air sorties in support of the local forces on the ground, but no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit. Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, l’offensive a déjà permis de reprendre plus de 150 km2 de territoire à Daech. Actuellement, les opérations en cours se concentrent sur la libération de la ville Dashisha. La résistance opposée par Daech demeure relativement faible. La principale menace reste celle liée aux engins explosifs improvisés. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu, donnant lieu à des destructions régulières de caches, de munitions et d’engins explosifs improvisés. Un climat sécuritaire qui s’améliore en Irak Le bon déroulement de l’ensemble des manifestations d’envergure récentes, notamment plusieurs pèlerinages et fêtes régionales ainsi que les élections, tend à montrer une amélioration notable du climat sécuritaire en Irak. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Narvik a débuté cette semaine cinq nouveaux stages au profit de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Ils couvrent les domaines de formation suivants : la lutte contre les engins explosifs, le maniement et entretien d’armements lourds, le déplacement tactique en convoi, le secourisme au combat et le tir de précision. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Le nombre de canons de la Task Force a été ajusté, passant dans un souci d’ajustement des moyens au besoin opérationnel de quatre à trois canons. L’évolution de la situation du théâtre avec la reprise de plus de 98% de l’emprise territoriale initiale de Daech, couplée à l’autonomie croissante des forces de sécurité irakienne, permet cet ajustement. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 148 missions de tirs, dont 5 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1807 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 22 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8159 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1–2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1771a

Incident date

June 13, 2018

Location

البوكمال, near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.47537, 40.95456 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a previously unreported incident, in the US-led Coalition’s August 2018 report, it conceded it had injured one civilian during a raid on an ISIS “supply route” near Abu Kamal.

The coordinates provided by the Coalition locate the incident East of the Euphrates river, in an area labelled Ash Shājilah (ناحية سوسة) on open source maps.

The Coalition’s assessment might relate to incident CS1771, which occurred in nearby (السوسة) Al Soussa on the same day. However, without further information, Airwars cannot determine a positive match.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

  • Military Grid Reference (100 x 100 m) given by the US-led Coalition

    Date taken:
    June 21, 2011

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected 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
    Previously unknown
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU795166
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 30, 2018

  • June 13, 2018, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh supply route, one civilian was unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

On June 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets.
Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed two Daesh vehicles, one Daesh supply route and damaged one Daesh vehicle.
Near Al Shadaddi, three strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed one Daesh tactical vehicle, one Daesh line of communication and one Daesh headquarters.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Weekly overview of Defense operations News item 13-06-2018 | 12:00 In the fight against terrorist organization ISIS, Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 11 missions. This happened over the provinces of Deir Ezzor and Al Hasakah in eastern Syria. No weapons were deployed on any of the missions.

Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 13-06-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 11 missies. Dat gebeurde boven de provincies Deir al Zour en Al Hasakah in Oost-Syrië. Bij geen van de missies zijn wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 6 juni tot en met 12 juni 2018. Analisten van het 306 Squadron (in oprichting) analyseerden deze week voor het eerst live beelden uit het Midden-Oosten. Op Vliegbasis Leeuwarden werden beelden van een operationele vlucht met een onbemand vliegtuig verwerkt. Van de verzamelde informatie maakt de eenheid inlichtingenrapporten. Militaire instructeurs in Irak leren Koerdische strijders gebieden te beveiligen. Daarbij staan onder meer wapenhandelingen, medische verzorging, leiderschapstrainingen, oorlogsrecht en civiel-militaire samenwerking op het programma. De door de coalitie opgeleide instructeurs verzorgen een deel van de opleiding. Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2-hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Noorse medici.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1766

Incident date

June 12, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

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

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

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

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

Geolocation notes

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]