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

CI417

Incident date

January 12, 2017

Location

قرب مسجد الخشاب ، العربي, Vicinity of Al Khashab Mosque, Al Arabi, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.40393, 43.11644 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said heavy artillery shelling which targeted Al Arabi neighbourhood at the left side of Mosul had left dozens of civilians dead or wounded.

In October 2020, the US-led Coalition conceded killing 12 civilians and injuring a further ten in this event.

Iraqyoon said at the time that witnesses had reported to the Iraqi news agency that “the near-Khashab mosque area in the north of the Al Arabi neighborhood of Mosul came under artillery shelling by Iraqi forces.”

Nineveh Media Center reported that a clinic in the neighbourhood had also been targeted. It spoke of heavy, unidentified shelling.

In earlier monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition had indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation was in the process of being assessed. On October 29th 2020, officials confirmed the incident, noting: “Jan. 12, 2017, in Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh facility. Regrettably, twelve civilians were unintentionally killed and ten were unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–15
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of shelling on Al-Arabi neighbourhood in Mosul, on January 12th (via Iraqyoon)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a strike within the vicinity of Al Khashab Mosque (جامع الخشاب), at the coordinates: 36.402348, 43.118259. Coalition has confirmed the location of this strike (within 100m), north of Al Khashab Mosque at the following coordinates: 36.40393, 43.11644.

  • Reports of the incident mention a strike within the vicinity of Al Khashab Mosque (جامع الخشاب). Coalition has confirmed the location of this strike (within 100m), north of Al Khashab Mosque.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    12
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    10
  • Stated location
    in Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF311304
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020
  • Jan. 12, 2017, in Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh facility. Regrettably, twelve civilians were unintentionally killed and ten were unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–15
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI544

Incident date

March 15, 2017

Location

باب الطوب, Mosul, Bab al Tor, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.341601, 43.135709 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local residents and military and medical sources said that up to two dozen civilians were killed or injured due to different kinds of shelling, and strikes by US Apache helicopters. This reportedly occurred during an ongoing battle around the Bab Al Tob area and other ancient neighborhoods in the center of Mosul.

Naynawa Alghad reported on Facebook that due to the heavy clashes on Thursday morning [March 16th] between Iraqi forces and ISIL in the old parts of the city, the US intervened with Apache helicopters. A medical source said that the “battles until dawn on Thursday left dozens of dead and wounded civilians, [who] were killed in their homes by the fighting.”

Iraqi Spring said that up to 20 people were killed and 50 injured.

However, Yaqein reported that four people, including women and children, were killed and six wounded. Nineveh Media Center posted a photo (see below) of the aftermath of the strikes, saying “This is Mosul, without comment!!!”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–50
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Nineveh Media Center posted this photo after violent clashes, including the intervention of US Apache helicopthers, took place in the old neighbourhoods of Mosul. It said "This is Mosul, without comments!!" (via Nineveh MC, Facebook)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017
  • 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 March 14th-15th: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and an ISIS sniper team; destroyed 11 fighting positions, five mortar systems, three watercraft, two supply caches, two VBIEDs, a medium machine gun, a heavy machine gun, a rocket-propelled grenade system, an anti-air artillery system, and an ISIS headquarters; damaged 18 supply routes; and suppressed 11 ISIS mortar teams and six ISIS tactical units.” For March 15th – 16th: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed 11 fighting positions, four mortar systems, two ISIS-held buildings, two vehicles, a medium machine gun, an artillery system, and a rocket-propelled grenade system; damaged 17 supply routes and three ISIS-held buildings; and suppressed six ISIS mortar teams and three ISIS tactical units.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–50
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI841

Incident date

September 7, 2017

Location

Abassi, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.274354, 43.595467 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 12 and as many as dozens of civilians were reported killed following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Abbasi, Huweija in the Tamim province.

According to Al-Rafiden the Coalition launched 17 raids on the Huweija area. The Coalition was accused by the outlet of a bombardment on the city, that killed and wounded dozens of civilians; Yaqin cited well-informed sources who said that militias on the ground exceeded 40, 000 fighters, and were operating in conjunction with Coalition planes over-head.

In a subsequent report, a local source spoke to Yaqin, claiming that the bombing killed at least 12 people and destroyed a number of buildings – referring specifically to Abassi. In a third report, the number claimed killed in the Huweija area by the Coalition was suspected of being about 100. However, it appears that this is a general number over a longer period.

All sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the incident.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • News covers the coalition airstrike on Huweija in the Tamim province where civilians were reported killed (via Al Rafidain Channel)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the area of Abbasi (العباسي), Huweija, in the Kirkuk/Tamim province. It is unclear from reports if this means the town of Al-Abbasi (for which the coordinates are: 35.274354, 43.595467), or elsewhere in the subdistrict

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 Abbasi, Hawijah, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 6th – 7th the Coalition reported “Near Al Huwayjah, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed five oil stills, two ISIS-held buildings, two ISIS headquarters, and a front-end loader.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI526

Incident date

March 9, 2017

Location

الطوافة, Mosul, Tawafah, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.335054, 43.120978 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local residents and press sources said that dozens of civilians were killed and that their bodies were still under the rubble after a violent airstrike targeted Tawafa area, between the station and Bab Al Beith, and demolished the houses of the entire street.

MNN reported that engineer Younis Hamadoun Qasim al-Naimi Oribi (see photo below) was killed in the raids. He worked for the directorate of agriculture. MNN reported that he was “martyred because of the demolition of the house as a result of the bombing [which] led to the destruction of the entire row in the neighborhood block.”

In an earlier post, MNN reported that a member of the Nineveh Provincial Council had launched an appeal to Iraqi forces and the Coalition to “stop the indiscriminate shelling on the right side of Mosul, having claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians” and to “open humanitarian corridors for civilians out towards the safe areas controlled by military units.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Younis Hamadoun Qasim al-Naimi Oribi
Adult male Engineer killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Younis Hamadoun Qasim al-Naimi (via MNN)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Mosul, fives strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed six vehicles, five tanker trucks, four mortar systems, 4 VBIEDs, two supply caches, a fighting position, an artillery system, an ISIS-held building, a tactical vehicle, an ISIS headquarters, and a weapons storage facility; damaged 32 supply routes; and suppressed nine mortar teams, a sniper team, a medium machine gun team, and an ISIS tactical unit.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI699

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Zanjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3502851, 43.1098795 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local press sources reported that ‘dozens of civilians were killed and injured’ in raids by the Iraqi government and/or the Coalition on Zanjili neighboordhood, in West Mosul.

Yaqein Agency spoke of “heavy and indiscriminate shelling”.

No further details are presently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF308246
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 May 8th-9th: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 12 fighting positions, seven rocket-propelled grenade systems, four medium machine guns, three mortar systems, two VBIED facilitation areas, two front-end loaders, a sniper position, a weapons cache, an IED facility, a roadblock, a VBIED; damaged 13 ISIS supply routes, three fighting positions; and suppressed a mortar position.

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1858

Incident date

November 25, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Sources on the ground indicated that between 12 and 14 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin.

All but one sources reported that 12 civilians were killed in the airstrike, according to Step News this number was confirmed by sources loyal to Daesh. Jisr TV was the only source to mention two dozen civilian casualties.

Others were reported wounded, with bodies allegedly still stuck under the rubble.

There are no other known details at this time.

In the first of their March 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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • (2–6 children2–6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU676401
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020
  • Nov. 25, 2018, in Hajin, Syria via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. 2635/CS1858 37SFU676401

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 25th, the Coalition publicly reported: "On Nov. 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes consisting of 26 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 14 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units and destroyed one vehicle, two fighting positons, two supply routes, one UAS launch site, three buildings, one command and control center and one weapons cache. "

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Nov 21st-27th, France report that Task Force Wagram carried out 62 firing missions (35 lighting, 27 destruction) from Iraq territory. Aircraft carried out 16 sorties and two strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Dans la région d’Hajine, profitant de conditions météo défavorables, Daech a récemment lancé des offensives contre les positions des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). L’appui de la coalition, notamment l’engagement de l’artillerie, a permis de stopper ces offensives. Au bilan, cette action a occasionné des pertes dans les deux camps, sans faire évoluer la ligne de front. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un effort le long de la frontière syrienne pour contrer toute tentative d’action de Daech depuis la Syrie. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. 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 les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 62 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 27 destruction – bilan du 21 au 27 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2227 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 16 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 novembre inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 2 frappes cette semaine. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8670 sorties / 1481 frappes / 2280 objectifs neutralisés. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Insérée au sein du quartier général de la division, la TF se compose d’une centaine de militaires dont les expertises variées permettent de dispenser des instructions opérationnelles adaptées aux besoins émis les Irakiens. Depuis le mois d’octobre, treize stages ont ainsi été organisés, dans des domaines variés comme le secourisme de combat, la lutte contre les IED, le combat en zone urbaine, la lutte contre la menace NRBC ou encore la maintenance ou l’entraînement physique et sportif. Ils ont permis de former quelque 240 militaires irakiens, dont une majorité de cadres ayant pour vocation de devenir instructeurs à leur tour. Monsabert intervient également au profit de l’école d’artillerie irakienne : 75 cadres de cette école ont ainsi été entraînés pendant plus d’un mois. L’artillerie est une capacité de premier ordre pour l’armée irakienne qui l’emploie actuellement à la frontière irako-syrienne pour prévenir toute incursion de Daech depuis la Syrie. Composée d’une quarantaine de militaires, la TF Narvik, qui est implantée dans les faubourgs de Bagdad, forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Mi-octobre ont débuté cinq formations dans les domaines suivants : mise en œuvre d’armes lourdes, combat motorisé, lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés, sauvetage au combat et tir de précision. D’une durée de douze semaines chacune, ces formations permettent d’instruire les stagiaires de l’école de spécialité de l’ICTS mais également de conseiller les instructeurs irakiens.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 21st-27th 2018, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16's supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting vehicles, logistical places and IS-fighters.

In het overzicht van 21-27 Nov laat MinDef weten tijdens 9 missies F-16's te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Bij 3 missies boven Deir al Zour in Syrie werden wapens ingezet. Voertuigen, logistieke plaatsen en IS-strijders zijn aangevallen.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • (2–6 children2–6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI342

Incident date

November 17–18, 2016

Location

حي عدن, Mosul, Aden, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.35316, 43.21461 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local reports and an eyewitness inside east Mosul said up to 24 civilians from four families who had been gathered in one room within a three-story house, were killed in Aden Quarter by an alleged Coalition airstrike at 2.30pm during the main offensive by Iraqi security forces.

Iraqi reporter Majid Sharif noted on the day “Heavy fighting in the district of Aden by my brothers, heroes of the fight against terrorism.” And fellow reporter Issa Abdul Razzaq noted that “Counter-terrorism forces have stormed the district of Aden.”

On April 30th 2017, the Coalition confirmed that it had killed eight civilians in the attack: “Nov. 17, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via NGO report: During a strike on ISIS fighters firing on partnered forces from a building Nov. 18, it was assessed that eight civilians were unintentionally killed and 12 civilians unintentionally injured in the building.”

A field report by the Los Angeles Times also confirmed the event: “Sunday’s report confirmed that eight civilians were mistakenly killed and a dozen injured on Nov. 17 in east Mosul’s Aden neighbourhood by a strike meant to hit Islamic State fighters. Victims identified, including an adult man, 6 children and an unborn niece. His mother suffered burns to her scalp and back. His 40-year-old sister’s legs were broken and she still cannot walk. ‘The way they are targeting ISIS is wrong: They will target one ISIS militant, and as a result, many civilians will die,’ Jasim, 30, said Sunday. An unemployed taxi driver, he is trying to get his injured relatives treated, but said no one would lend him the money.”

Between April 2016 and June 2017, reporters Azmat Khan and Anand Gopal visited the sites of nearly 150 airstrikes across northern Iraq for the New York Times Magazine.

Regarding this specific incident, they noted that, “On 11/17-18/2016, the family of Jassim Mohammad Ali was at home when an airstrike hit their home, killing eight of his grandchildren, including one who was born only two days earlier, and injuring three family members.

“Naha Mohammad Hussain, who was among the injured, had just given birth two days earlier, woke up under the rubble, looking up to see sky, thinking about the pain in her right hand and right leg, and where her children were. Her husband pulled her out of the rubble, and she was treated at Salam Hospital. Her right arm has already had three operations, but her hand hangs completely limp. Doctors say she will take two years to recover. Also injured were Zohra Hassan, who has a very deep gash in her head, where you can see her skull, and back, and Fatiiya Jasim, who has a chunk of her left leg missing. The family has rebuilt parts of the house, but still are seeking costly medical treatment for injuries.”

Jassim Mohammad Ali, originally badly injured in the event, passed away in December 2017.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (12)

Imad Jasim
5 years old male killed
23 years old male killed
12 years old male killed
8 years old male killed
5 years old male killed
4 years old male killed
1 years old male killed
1 years old female 2 days old killed
Adult male Died December 2017 killed
Naha Mohammad Hussain
Adult female Mother of Rahma Omar injured
Zohra Hassan
Age unknown female injured
Fatiiya Jasim
Age unknown female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 24
  • (6–7 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A photo shows the house which was destroyed by the alleged Coalition airstrike in Aden Quarter in the Baysan neighbourhood of Mosul where reportedly up to 24 civilians were killed (via LA times)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 36.3535686, 43.2141209

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Inside target building
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    8
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    12
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF398246
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017
  • Nov. 17, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via NGO report: During a strike on ISIS fighters firing on partnered forces from a building Nov. 18, it was assessed that eight civilians were unintentionally killed and 12 civilians unintentionally injured in the building.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 16th-17th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, three strikes [1 British] engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed six mortar systems, four watercraft, three storage containers, two fighting positions, two vehicles, a bunker, a trench, and an ISIL-held building; degraded two tunnels; and suppressed two tactical units and a rocket-propelled grenade system.“

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 24
  • (6–7 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1269

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, near Al-Arbaeen Street, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.017194, 40.449195 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least five civilians and possibly dozens more were killed and more than 17 wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Mayadin, according to local sources.

7al.net reported: “Saad al-Hamad, a resident of the city of Al-Mayadeen, told Al-Hilal’s website that the international coalition aircraft carried out more than four raids in the center of the city last night, targeting civilian houses at the end of Al-Arbaeen Street, killing five civilians and injuring more than 17.”

Almahawer and Alyaumtv put the death toll at six, with Ayaumtv saying that the strikes occurred at “the residential quarters and areas near Al-Arbaeen Street”.

Albaath, also blaming the Coalition, said that there had been “dozens” of deaths and that the strikes had occurred when civilians were heading to work in the morning.

A lawyer named as Obaid Ahmed Obaid Agha Al-Kaikji was wounded when his home was struck by an alleged Coalition airstrike, according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Fawaz Sabra
Adult male named by sawt_ qaryatain killed
Mohammad Shaza
Age unknown male named by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 24
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    17
  • 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]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Obaid Ahmed Obaid Agha Al-Kaikji, who was reportedly wounded in an alleged Coalitiuon airstrike on his home in Mayadin, July 25th 2017. (via RBSS)

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 Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 July 25th-26th the Coalition reported that “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed an ISIS oil tanker trailer and a well-head.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 24
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    17
  • 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]