US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident Code

CS1658 RS2669

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

السكرية, Al Sukkariya, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.491136, 40.886135 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians – two women and two girls – died in an airstrike on the residential neighbourhood of al Sukkariya, local media reported. It was unclear who was responsible, though one source attributed the event to Russia.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “four citizen women including two girls were killed as a result of bombing by the warplanes on areas in Al-Sokkariyeh village in the countryside of Al-Bokamal city in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor during the past 24 hours”.

However, according to Baladi, Russia was responsible. It put the death toll at “two women and two children”.

Jisir TV didn’t say who carried out the strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 women)
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incidents mention residential houses in the village of Sukkariya (السكرية) for which the coordinates are: 34.491136, 40.886135

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 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

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 women)
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1690

Incident date

December 2, 2017

Location

Abu Hamam or Al Kashkiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.823668, 40.668812 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Abu Hamam and al Kashkiya, local media reported.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “International Coalition’s warplanes targeted areas in the towns of Abu Hamam and Al-Kashkia, killing three citizens including two women, and injuring others”.

One woman was specifically reported killed by the Coalition in Abu Hamam by the Shaam News Network, Step News and others.

Other sources reported Coalition airstrikes on al Kashkiya that day in support of SDF ground actions. And there were broader references to three civilians killed in the two towns.

According to Al Sharq al Souri, “Three members of the [Islamic] state organization were killed in a coalition air raid targeting a car for the organization in the town of Al-Kashkiya east of Deir Al-Zour”. Al Haal put the number of ISIS fighters killed at six with nine others wounded, while other sources also reported violent clashes in the area.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1–2 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 (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Image showing SDF presence in the town of Daranj East, Dec 2nd (via QSD jabha )

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbouring villages of Abu Hamam (ابو حمام) and Al Kashkiya (الكشكية), for which the coordinates are: 34.823668, 40.668812

  • The neighbouring villages of Abu Hamam (ابو حمام) and Al Kashkiya (الكشكية).

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 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

For December 1st-2nd the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, 12 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed four ISIS vehicles, a tactical vehicle, an ISIS fighting position, an indirect fire weapon and a heavy weapon.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1–2 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1722

Incident date

February 5–6, 2018

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that between 17 and 59 civilians were killed in the village of Al Sha’afa. According to a tweet by @syrians, most of the casualties were women and children.

Radio al Kul and Free Deir Ezzor both stated specifically that 17 non combatants died at al Sha’afa. Step News Agency only makes mention of the destruction of “many buildings, houses and shops.” Other sources may have included the dead from S1526 in their tallies.

In a reply to a query by one of our researchers, Sound and Picture stated that the airstrikes started on the night of February 5th and continued until the morning of February 6th. This was later echoed by Zamanal Wasl. All sources mention the Coalition as the culprit.

It is important to note that Baladi News and Zamanal Wasl identified Al Amaq, the propaganda wing of so-called Islamic State, as their main source.

The incident occured after midnight.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 59
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: #Deer Al Zour 17 martyrs civilians in the # massacre committed by coalition aircraft targeting the village of # Al-Shafa near the border # Syria # Iraq'

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 5th the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 5 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of six engagements against ISIS targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, six strikes [1 British] engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two staging areas, an ISIS motorcycle, a fighting position and a VBIED."

For February 6th the Coalition reported: "On Feb. 6 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes consisting of four engagements against ISIS targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed two ISIS supply routes, a tunnel entrance and a weapons cache."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

The Wagram Task Force continues its support security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, two firefighting missions were carried out for the benefit of the Iraqi security forces. This week, the air activity provided intelligence and support missions for the Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian Democratic Forces. It resulted in 28 sorties (assessment from 31 January to 6 February) during which a strike was conducted in the Abu Kamal area in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the last pockets of Daesh in the valley of the Euphrates.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les dernières poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur combat contre les dernières poches daechies présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate. La Coalition y apporte un appui continu, permettant aux forces locales au sol de progresser régulièrement malgré une résistance importante de Daech. Poursuite des opérations de sécurisation en Irak… En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs efforts pour sécuriser le territoire. La priorité porte actuellement sur les régions de Baji et de Kirkouk où des caches d’armes sont régulièrement découvertes et détruites. … favorisant le retour des réfugiés A la faveur de la sécurisation croissante du territoire irakien, les conditions du retour des réfugiés se sont sensiblement améliorées, notamment dans la partie ouest de l’Anbar. Les réfugiés rejoignent progressivement les villes d’Al Qaim et d’Anah où les opérations de dépollution des engins explosifs improvisés laissés par Daech se poursuivent. Environ 80 camps ont été fermés en Irak et une vingtaine devrait l’être dans les semaines à venir. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram forme des artilleurs irakiens… Du 30 janvier au 1er février, un détachement de la Task Force Wagram a réalisé une action de formation inédite au tir canon au profit de plus d’une centaine d’artilleurs irakiens. Cet échange d’expérience est le résultat des liens établis entre les Task force Monsabert et Wagram avec l’Ecole d’artillerie irakienne. Ce type de stage est appelé à être renouvelé. … tout en poursuivant son appui aux opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, deux missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (1 mission d’éclairement et 1 mission d’interdiction – bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1617 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a permis d’assurer des missions de renseignement et d’appui au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 28 sorties aériennes (bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février) au cours desquelles une frappe a été réalisée dans le secteur d’Abu Kamal en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes combattant les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7736 sorties / 1435 frappes / 2223 objectifs neutralisés.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For January 31st-February 6th, the Dutch MoD reported its F-16s released four munitions in the vicinity of Abu Kamal: on ISIS fighters, a storage facility and artillery positions. Jets provided support to ground troops in 12 missions, including in the Iraqi provinces Nineva, Salah ad-Din and As-Sulaymaniyah.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 07-02-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-doelen aan: strijders, logistieke opslaglocaties en artillerieopstellingen. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 31 januari tot en met 6 februari 2018. F-16 taxiet naar startbaanToon opties Een Nederlandse F-16 op weg naar de startbaan. De jachtvliegtuigen hielpen de grondtroepen tijdens 11 missies, ook boven de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Sala ad-Din en As-Sulaymaniyah. Bij 4 werden wapens ingezet. Nederland doet boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband mee aan de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Irak Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainen Nederlandse militairen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. Het team van Capacity Building Mission Iraq (CBMI) IX droeg vorige week het stokje over aan CBMI X. Zij voeren deze missie uit tot en met mei 2018. 2 trainingsteams verzorgen een basis-infanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en daarnaast een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Dat gebeurde in 2 opleidingscentra van Peshmerga. Zij kregen les in basisvaardigheden, kaartlezen en het verrichten van medische handelingen. Degenen die de training afrondden, ontvingen een certificaat. In het westen van Irak werkt een chirurgisch team in het Amerikaanse Role 2-hospitaal. De Nederlandse medici werken daar nauw samen met een Brits team.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 59
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1751

Incident date

May 14, 2018

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

According to a single source, several civilians were wounded as a result of Iraqi and Coalition air or artillery strikes on the village of Al Baghouz on May 15th.

Multiple sources stated that the Syrian Defence Forces (SDF), supported by the International Coalition and in coordination with Iraqi forces, took control of the town of Al Baghouz on the Syrian-Iraqi border.

Al Haal quoted Faisal Sayed, an Abu Kamal resident, as saying that “Iraqi and international coalition planes targeted IS positions”. In an earlier statement to Al Haal, the source confirmed that the bombing led to “several civilians wounded” but did not identify whether this was a result of Coalition or Iraqi air or artillery strikes. Marsad al Hassaka published an almost exact copy of the report.

Some sources, such as a tweet by @DeirEzzoreNow, mentioned that the Coalition targeted locations within the town of al Baghouz and its environs. However, Airwars researchers did not identify any other public reporting mentioning civilian harm.

A report by Zaman al Wasl also noted that the SDF People’s Protection Unit had said in a statement that it had taken control of the village.

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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'International coalition targets locations within the town of # Albagouz and its outskirts.'

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Baghouz (الباغوز), 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, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018
  • May 14, 2018, near al-Baghouz, 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 May 14th, the Coalition reported that: “Near Abu Kamal, eight strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, destroyed one Daesh fighting position, one Daesh logistics office, one Daesh headquarters building, and one Daesh command and control center."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For May 9th -15th, France reports that Task Force Wagram conducted 27 shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. There were 16 air sorties in support of the local forces engaged on the ground. A planned strike was carried out in the area of Abu Kamal destroying an ISIS logistics building.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, cette semaine a été marquée par la poursuite de l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech en Syrie et par le bon déroulement des élections parlementaires en Irak. Offensive contre les dernières poches daechies en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive menée contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate suit son cours. Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, elle est appuyée par la Coalition et coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes positionnées en interdiction de leur côté de la frontière. Depuis le 1er mai et le lancement de l’offensive, plus de 30 km2 de terrain ont été repris à Daech. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes ont été principalement engagées dans la sécurisation des élections parlementaires qui se sont déroulées sans incident majeur. La France a participé à aider les Irakiens, en particulier avec un stage d’apprentissage à l’utilisation de drones qui ont permis la surveillance des abords de certains points de vote. En parallèle, les opérations des forces de sécurité irakiennes se sont poursuivies, en particulier dans les secteurs de Tal Afar et Mossoul. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes Les instructeurs de la Task Force Narvik ont débuté depuis le 29 avril l’enseignement d’un nouveau module intitulé « Intelligence Collecting Course » au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Ce stage a pour but de former des petites unités autonomes capables de s’infiltrer, de se dissimuler, de collecter, d’analyser et de faire remonter des informations afin de fournir du renseignement tactique et appuyer le commandement. Cette nouvelle formation dure un mois, deux semaines de cours théoriques suivies par deux semaines de pratique. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. La Task Force Wagram est toujours engagée en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, elle a réalisé 27 missions de tir (bilan du 09 au 15 mai). Depuis le début de son engagement, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1709 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations. L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se poursuit en appui des forces engagées au sol. Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 16 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 09 au 15 mai). Une frappe planifiée a été réalisée dans le secteur d’Abu Kamal permettant la destruction d’un bâtiment logistique de Daech. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 8063 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For the second consecutive week, Dutch F-16s deployed weapons in Deir Ezzor. The Dutch MoD reported that between May 8th-15th jets targeted ISIS fighters and an HQ in two missions nr Abu Kamal. Dutch aircraft supported ground troops in Deir Ezzor in 10 missions.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 16-05-2018 | 12:00 Plaatsvervangend Commandant der Strijdkrachten luitenant-generaal Wijnen en de krijgsmachtadjudant Nico Spierenburg brachten een bezoek aan de militairen van de Capacity Building Mission Iraq in Erbil. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 8 tot en met 15 mei 2018. Na aankomst in het gebied was er een ontspannen meet and greet met militairen in de Dutch Corner op Camp Stephan. Tijdens de gesprekken kreeg de P-CDS een positieve indruk van de gedrevenheid waarmee de trainers zich aan hun taak kwijten. Hij benadrukte namens de CDS het belang van de inzet in Koerdistan waar Nederland een waardevolle bijdrage levert aan de opleiding van Peshmerga. De Special Operation Forces (SOF) zijn in Erbil begonnen met de voorbereidingen op terugkeer naar Nederland. De Nederlandse SOF-bijdrage in Bagdad en een resterend trainingsteam in Noord-Irak blijven actief in het gebied.’

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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1783

Incident date

July 24, 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

According to local sources three to four civilians were killed by artillery or airstrikes, injuring up to 18 others near the sheep market of al Soussa.

Al Soussa Youth reported “a very violent bombardment of rocket launchers” on the sheep market and nearby houses. According to the report, “more than ten missiles” resulted in large clouds of smoke, while drones were flying overhead.

In a later report, Al Soussa Youth identified a number of civilians that were killed in the attack: Sa’ad Hashim al-Khudair al-Suwa’yi (possibly killed as he left an internet shop) and two sons of Ali Khalif al-Hasan al-Shahani – according to Baladi, one of them was still a child.

In a video following these reports, Al Soussa Youth would note that the victims were sitting on a veranda when they were killed. According to the official Facebook page for al Soussa, rockets had struck Al A’liyat mill, near the house of Hussein al-A’kla and confirmed the death of the three civilians, adding that women and children were also injured.

Deir Ezzor 24 was the first source to note that “aircraft believed to be affiliated to the Coalition” were responsible for the civilian casualties. Al Haall also said that the Coalition was responsible for “killing four civilians and injuring more than 18 other, some of them critically”. The outlet quoted Faisal al-Sayyed, who noted that “most of the shells fell next to the Osman mosque”.

Euphrates Post however stated that the rockets originated from “forces of the Assad regime stationed in the city of Abu Kamal”, targeting the town of al Soussa “yesterday evening”. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also concluded that the “violent explosions” that shook al Soussa were caused by “targeting by the regime forces”.

Baladi made mention of a fourth “unidentified body” of a person killed in the bombardment. The report stated that it was not the Coalition or pro-regime forces, but the SDF’s artillery and missile fire which were responsible for the incident. According to the media outlet, “local media sources” had informed them that “sdf forces shelled dozens of rockets in the town of al-Sousse […], killing four civilians and injuring others, mostly women and children.” Sadaa al Sham and Al Araby al Jadid also identified the SDF as the culprit.

Al Ghad al Souri noted two separate strikes on the city. The first, by the US led Coalition, targeted and killed ISIS leader Abkhadijah al Jazairi [the Algerian] in a residential area of al Soussa it said, noting that three civilians also died. A second action by regime forces then killed and injured civilians near the sheep market.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Son of Ali Khalif al-Hasan al-Shahani
Adult male killed
Son of Ali Khalif al-Hasan al-Shahani
Child male killed

The victims were named as:

Sa’ad Hashim al-Khudair al-Suwa’yi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 7
  • (0–1 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–18
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • #D24: Three civilians were killed and others wounded by the bombing of an aircraft believed to be affiliated to the coalition the town of # Sousse rural # Deiralzor east'

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 24th, the Coalition did not publicly report any air or artillery strike in Syria, asserting: "There were no reported strikes conducted in Syria on July 24, 2018."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For July 18th – 24th, France report just two artillery shooting missions by Task Force Wagram in the Euphrates Valley. There have been a total of 197 missions since the offensive began on Maty 1st. French aircraft carried out 29 sorties in support of ground forces but there were no airstrikes.

‘IRAK – SYRIE – CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les deux dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit. La sécurisation de la poche de Dashisha est quasiment terminée mais la dépollution de la zone est toujours en cours. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak Les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent. Une opération majeure dans le désert de Djézireh s’est terminée notamment le 18 juillet. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes Depuis début juillet, la Task Force Narvik conduit une formation de lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés (C-IED) au profit de 40 soldats de l’Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle a pour objectif l’apprentissage de méthodes élémentaires de détection, de sécurisation et de destruction des engins explosifs improvisés à courte distance. Cette formation contribue à la montée en puissance des unités de sécurité nationales irakiennes. Elle s’inscrit, avec l’ensemble des instructions réalisées, dans le pilier «formation» de la contribution française à l’opération Inherent Resolve. 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, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 197 missions de tirs, dont 2 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 18 au 24 juillet inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1856 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 29 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 18 au 24 juillet inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8265 sorties / 1453 frappes / 2244 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 7
  • (0–1 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–18
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1805

Incident date

October 8, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A civilian house was reported destroyed in a Coalition airstrike on al Soussa. Two media reports said that non-combatants died.

A tweet by @ashameree199 described “A raid by the International Coalition against the house and shops of Mr. Rafie al-Ghannam, which is inhabited by the families of fighters of the organization’ [IS]  with Iraqi nationality, and it has been raised to the ground.”

Free Deir Ezzor Broadcasting reported that “A raid by the international coalition was aimed at the house and shops of Mr. Rafie al-Ghannam. The entire area was destroyed in the town of al-Sousse in Deir al-Zour countryside.” It also cited the death of a civilian family – though gave no further details.

In the second of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, 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 (3)

Unnamed family
male
Name unknown
female
Name unknown
Child

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • 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]

  • 'A raid by the International Coalition against the house and shops of Mr. Rafie al-Ghannam, which is inhabited by the families of fighters of the organization' [IS] from the Iraqi nationality - and it has been raised to the ground.'

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
    37SFU805225
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Oct. 8, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3194/CS1805 37SFU805225

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

"On Oct. 8 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of 10 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal, five strikes engaged seven tactical units, and destroyed one weapons cache, one staging area and one supply route."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For October 3rd-10th, Dutch F-16s supported ground troops in Syria during nine missions. Weapons were deployed during two missions. The weapons deployment took place in the province of Deir Ezzor, in the vicinity of Abu Kamal. ISIS weapons, a logistics warehouse and ISIS fighters targeted.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 10-10-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s ondersteunden tijdens 9 missies grondtroepen in Syrië. Dit gebeurde in het kader van de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Tijdens 2 missies werden wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 3 tot 10 oktober 2018. De wapeninzet gebeurde in de provincie Deir al Zour, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal. ISIS-wapenopstellingen, een logistieke opslagplaats en ISIS-strijders waren het doelwit. Irak Nederlandse militairen geven momenteel de ‘bataljonstraining’ aan Koerdische eenheden in de omgeving van Erbil, Irak. Dat geldt ook voor een instructeursopleiding en een training voor het beveiligen van grote gebieden. Samen met Finse militairen wordt een leiderschapstraining voorbereid, die op korte termijn start. In de omgeving van Bagdad ondersteunen Nederlandse trainers het Speciale Operaties Trainings Centrum. Defensie levert ook een chirurgisch team voor het Amerikaanse Role 2-hospitaal. Hier werken de Nederlanders nauw samen met Deense en Britse medici.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For October 3rd-9th, France report that the three CAESAR guns of TF Wagram carried out 18 shooting missions from Iraq. In the same week, aircraft conducted three strikes north of Abu Kamal in Syria.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, se poursuit. La progression est rendue difficile, Daech ayant notamment recours à une vaste palette d’engins explosifs improvisés. La coalition poursuit son action en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation qui ont permis la neutralisation d’abris, de caches et de matériel. Daech maintient sa stratégie d’évitement. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas connu d’évolution notable. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Cette semaine, les trois canons CAESAR de la TF Wagram ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 18 missions de tir (éclairement, fumigène, harcèlement – bilan du 03 au 09 octobre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1947 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 03 au 09 octobre inclus) et conduit trois frappes en appui des FDS au nord d’Abou Kamal en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8546 sorties / 1462 frappes / 2254 objectifs neutralisés. TF Monsabert et Narvik La Task Force Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, aux mois d’août et septembre, Monsabert a réalisé une dizaine de missions en différents lieux de Bagdad, notamment dans un hôpital de la ville ou pour rendre une expertise visant à préparer les travaux de construction d’un mur de protection. Début octobre, le « partenariat artillerie » a mené un audit du 106ème bataillon d’artillerie, ce qui a permis d’aider les Irakiens à planifier et conduire une campagne de tirs incluant, pour la première fois, des tirs de nuit.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • 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]

Incident Code

CS1840

Incident date

November 17, 2018

Location

قرية ابوالحسن(البقعان جزيرة)ة , Abo Al Hassan (al-Buqa'an Jazeera), East of Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 53 civilians were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike with “heavy shelling” on the village of Abo Al Hassan, east of Hajin in the Deir Ezzor governorate, according to locals.

Sources claimed that the death toll would rise due to the difficulty in getting civilians out of the rubble. This was reportedly due to the raids targeting residential homes, thereby displacing “hundreds of families”. All sources blamed the International Coalition for the airstrikes.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least 15 civilians were killed, including five children and two women.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that out of 36 civilians allegedly killed, 17 were children and 12 were women. The Observatory was the only source which claimed these casualties were members of families of Daesh fighters. Amnesty International re-reported the same figures later on.

Free Deir Ezzor Radio added that the number of deaths as a result of the airstrike had risen to  53 after the later recovery of six new bodies from the rubble, including two children  and the death of two people who died from their injuries. In a further post, it reported the names of victims who belonged to one family.

Boukamal Live claimed that over the preceding 24 hours, over 100 civilians were killed at the hands of the Coalition in Deir Ezzor governorate.

In response to these reports, the US-led alliance published the following statement:

“SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 17, 2018 —

Multiple open source reports today falsely claimed that Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve strikes near Hajin, Syria, resulted in the deaths of civilians.

CJTF-OIR conducted a total of 19 strikes in the Hajin area between the hours of 11:00 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 Eastern European Time. These strikes were in support of ground operations against ISIS targets in the Middle Euphrates River Valley. CJTF-OIR validated these targets as legitimate ISIS targets and assessed them to be free of civilian presence at the time of the strikes. CJTF-OIR’s initial assessment following the strikes is that there was no evidence of civilians near the strikes.

CJTF-OIR detected a total of ten additional strikes in the same area of Hajin that did not originate from the Coalition or partner forces. These strikes were neither coordinated with nor approved by CJTF-OIR. CJTF-OIR calls on all other actors to cease uncoordinated fires across the Euphrates.

CJTF-OIR deliberately selects targets and uses stringent precautions to avoid injuring or killing innocent civilians in its operations to defeat ISIS. CJTF-OIR takes allegations of civilian casualties seriously and investigate each one thoroughly.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mohammed Mahmoud Tawfiq Taj Al Deen
Adult male killed
Abdul Hadi Sheikh Dib
Age unknown male killed
Abdul Karim Abass
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 53
  • (17 children12 women)
  • 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 (45) [ 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
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU741359
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Nov. 17, 2018, in Abu Al-Hasan, Syria, via Syrian Observatory for Human Rights report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 2633 37SFU741359

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 17th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 17 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 37 strikes consisting of 53 engagements against ISIS targets.
]Near Hajin, 37 strikes engaged five tactical units and destroyed 15 buildings, seven supply routes, seven staging areas, four fighting positons, two weapons caches, one media cell, and one tunnel.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

France report that from Nov 14th – 20th, Task Force Wagram conducted 64 firing missions – 47 ‘lighting’, 17 ‘destruction’. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties but there were no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Appuyées par la coalition, les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent. Evitant le contact, Daech tente d’alimenter un sentiment d’insécurité par des actions clandestines ciblant indistinctement les FSI ou la population irakienne. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 64 missions de tir (47 éclairement, 17 destruction – bilan du 14 au 20 novembre inclus).’ Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2165 missions de tirs.'

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 14th-20th 2018, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16’s supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 10 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting IS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 14 t/m 20 November laat MinDef weten F-16’s te hebben ingezet tijdens 10 missies ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Bij 3 werden wapens ingezet, boven Deir al Zour in Syrie. Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities van IS zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 53
  • (17 children12 women)
  • 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 (45) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1322a RS2380

Incident date

August 2, 2017

Location

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.78379, 39.36559 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was killed in an airstrike in Zor Shamer, Raqqa, according to local media sources – though it was not clear who was responsible. Most sources attributed responsibility to Russian forces, though one reported that Coalition aircraft conducted the strike.

DeirEzzor24, reported that “Coalition aircraft targeted the area south of Hsaywa, Zor Shamer”.

Syrian Network for Human Rights was the only known source to mention any civilian harm and named the man who had died. They, along with all of the other known sources, attributed responsibility to Russia for the event.

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:

Adult male killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ibrahim Khaled al Qadour was killed in a contested Coalition-Russian airstrike in Zor Shamer, August 2 2017. (Via: SN4HR)
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
    37SEV330600
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020
  • Aug. 2, 2017, in Zor Shamer, 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. 3141/CS1322a 37SEV330600

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 21 strikes consisting of 26 engagements against
ISIS targets.
 Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed nine fighting positions,
two vehicles, a supply cache, a VBIED, a mortar position, an ISIS UAS site, and a generator.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any specific strikes between August 1st-31st 2017.

Summary

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