US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident Code

CS1201

Incident date

July 13, 2017

Location

هشام عبد الملك, Ar Raqqah: Hisham Bin Abd Al Malek neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.94006, 39.01885 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Nine civilians including seven children and two women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hisham bin Abdul Malik, according to local sources.

The Shaam News Network said that the strike happened near the Al-Mari’ Bakery, while RFS reported that the bakery itself was struck.

All sources blamed the Coalition, with Sharqiya Voice referring specifically to “a US airstrike”.

In April 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event, noting: “Coalition aircraft conducted two strikes on a Daesh hostile fighting position. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed and two more were unintentionally wounded due to the proximity of these strikes.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9
  • (7 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.940833, 39.019167

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Hisham Bin Abd al-Malik neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV017773
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019
  • July 13, 2017, near Hisham Bin Abd al-Malik neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted two strikes on a Daesh hostile fighting position. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed and two more were unintentionally wounded due to the proximity of these strikes.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 13th-14th: “Near Raqqah, nine strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed three ISIS communication towers, three fighting positions, a command and control node, a front-end loader, and an artillery system; and damaged three supply routes.” It additionally reported that “On July 13, near Raqqah, Syria, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed five ISIS communication towers.” And that On July 13, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes damaged nine fighting positions and suppressed five mortar teams.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the past week, France reports 21 sorties and 4 strikes, 2 in Raqqa and 2 in Iraq. Task Force Wagram conducted 15 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014, it reports 1311 strikes, 2076 targets destroyed and 6775 sorties.

‘Point de situation des opérations Armée française – Opérations militaires·Thursday, 13 July 2017 CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la manœuvre d’encerclement menée au Sud de la ville pour couper les combattants de Daech de leurs soutiens est terminée. Dans la ville, la progression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes se poursuit maison par maison, face à une défense de Daech faite d’actions permanentes de harcèlement, d’infiltrations et d’attaques suicides menées avec l’aide de boucliers humains. Les Forces armées syriennes se heurtent aux défense de Daech plus à l’Est et les positions se stabilisent. En Irak, Dimanche 9 juillet, le Premier ministre irakien a annoncé la libération de Mossoul. Cette victoire sur l’organisation terroriste marque le succès de forces irakiennes appuyées par les forces aériennes de la Coalition et un soutien artillerie, au cœur d’une stratégie qui aura permis d’affaiblir Daech avant de contre-attaquer en remontant le Tigre et de progresser ensemble jusqu’au cœur de la ville après l’avoir encerclée. Désormais, les forces de sécurité débutent une longue phase de sécurisation de Mossoul. La nécessité de nettoyer la ville des très nombreux pièges posés par Daech, la présence de combattants-suicides disséminés au sein de la population, la probable présence de cellules terroristes dormantes, va imposer aux Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes de poursuivre leurs efforts pendant de longues semaines. Les combats se concentrent désormais dans le secteur de Tall Afar où bon nombre de combattants terroristes ont trouvé refuge après avoir fui la zone de Mossoul. Daech poursuit de son côté ses actions terroristes dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah où l’organisation dispose encore de forces importantes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes dont 19 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 2 missions de recueil de renseignement. 04 frappes ont été réalisées dont 02 dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 15 missions de tir dont 14 de harcèlement et 01 d’éclairement. Le bilan global depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1311 frappes, 2076 objectifs et 6775 sorties. ‘

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9
  • (7 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1754

Incident date

May 27, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa: al Boubadran, 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, two civilians were killed and two civilians were injured in a declared Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Soussa on May 27, 2018.

Euphrates Post, Lawhat Bukmalna and Deir Ezzor 24 reported that Issa Mohammed al-Debs, an Abu Kamal local, was killed by an air raid on the Boubdran district of Al Soussa “last Sunday”.

Lawhat Bukmalna later clarified that the incident took place on May 27th. The source also stressed that one civilian was killed in the strike, along with several civilians injured.

However, Euphrates Post and Masar Press also reported the “martyrdom of a woman” in the same district of Al Soussa, on a Sunday but did not provide a name. A later report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights confirmed that both civilians were killed as “International Coalition warplanes fired missiles on al Boubadran neighborhood in al Sousa town”.

In the Department of Defense’s 2022 annual report on civilian casualties (1057 report), released April 25, 2024, the US military admitted that two civilians were killed and two civilians were injured in this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Issa Mohammed al-Debs
Adult male killed
Unknown
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Issa Muhammad al-Dibs, an Abu Kamal local, allegedly killed by a Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of al Soussa (السوسة), for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675. The “al Boubdran (البوبدران)” area or neighbourhood is also mentioned, but Airwars was unable to find any mention of this neighbourhood. It is possibly an area where people of the Bu Badran sub-tribe from the Baggara tribe were living

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2024
  • 27 MAY 18 Al Soussa, Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria, 2 civilians killed, 2 civilians injured

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 27th, the Coalition reported that: “On May 27 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of five engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed three Daesh fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For May 23rd to 29th, France reports that task force Wagram continued its support of the offensive against the last pockets of ISIS in the Euphrates Valley, where it conducted 11 shooting missions. French aircraft carried out 20 sorties, mainly missions of intelligence gathering and aerial reconnaissance. No strikes were carried out.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, l’activité majeure demeure l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie. Réduction des dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, après avoir terminé la conquête de la bande frontalière avec l’Irak, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont débuté avec l’appui de la Coalition, leur progression vers le nord et vers l’ouest où se trouvent les derniers emplacements de Daech. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes maintiennent leur présence sur l’ensemble du territoire et poursuivent la planification d’opérations ciblées. Elles assurent actuellement des missions de ratissage et de contrôle de zone en Ninive et dans l’Anbar. Ces opérations permettent toujours de trouver, désamorcer et détruire de nombreux engins explosifs laissés par Daech. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation des contrôleurs aériens avancés irakiens Les moyens aériens français sont régulièrement engagés depuis le mois de mars dans la formation des contrôleurs aériens avancés irakiens. La formation au sol est réalisée par des instructeurs américains et australiens. Les phases pratiques d’entraînement au guidage sont réalisées avec la participation d’aéronefs français et américains. Au total, trois sessions d’entraînement ont été réalisées en trois mois permettant aux soldats irakiens de travailler leurs procédures de guidage aérien. Ces formations participent à la montée en gamme de l’armée de l’air irakienne qui réalise aujourd’hui régulièrement des frappes contre Daech en totale autonomie. 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 demeure engagée 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, 95 missions de tirs ont été réalisées, dont 11 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 23 au 29 mai). Depuis le début de son engagement, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1754 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 20 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 23 au 29 mai), essentiellement des missions de recueil de renseignements et de reconnaissance aérienne. Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 8095 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS213

Incident date

May 16, 2016

Location

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al-Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.05732, 40.73538 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians near as Shadadi.

Their December 2016 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on seven ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were inadvertently killed. One civilian passenger in the vehicle was killed and one civilian riding a motorcycle was killed when he came into proximity of the ISIL vehicle after the munition was released.”

CNN Arabic reported a strike on an ISIL vehicle at the time, though made no mention of civilian casualties.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 36.056316, 40.730438

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released, Inside target vehicle
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near As Shaddadi, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV563917
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 1, 2016
  • May 16, 2016, near As Shaddadi, Syria: During a strike on seven ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were inadvertently killed. One civilian passenger in the vehicle was killed and one civilian riding a motorcycle was killed when he came into proximity of the ISIL vehicle after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 16th-17th. the Coalition reported at the time that “Near Al Shadaddi, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS144

Incident date

November 14, 2015

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah [exact location], Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.955939, 38.992188 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least three civilians died in a Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, the alliance later confirmed.

At the time the Syrian Observatory cited “reliable sources’ as saying that “Coalition warplanes targeted a heavy machine gun for IS near al-Nour mosque but missed the target and killed 3 people at least by opening fire on a house.”

Airwars initially listed the event for November 15th. In its monthly July 2017 report, the Coalition denied responsibility, saying it had conducted no strikes in the near vicinity that day: “Nov. 15, 2015, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties. “

After reassessing original reports, the reported incident [originally S140] was identified by Airwars as likely having occurred on November 14th. The Coalition has since confirmed a civilian casualty event on this date. According to the Coalition’s August 2017 monthly casualty report, “Nov. 14, 2015, near Raqqah, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS vehicle, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed and one was injured.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a one metre box. The location given placed the strike next to the Al Nour mosque in the an Nadah neighbourhood of Raqqa.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV9929579061
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • Nov. 14, 2015, near Raqqah, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS vehicle, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed and one was injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 13th-14th the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes destroyed an ISIL building.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS107

Incident date

July 28, 2015

Location

كفرهند, Kafr Hind, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.08287, 36.42899 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A US targeted air strike (possibly by drone) aimed at four al-Nusra Front suspects traveling in a vehicle also killed up to 10 civilians including six children. The US has admitted three deaths in the event.

Reporting at the time was somewhat confused. Some sources said a vehicle was wrongly targeted killing four civilians. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted ‘the reported death of civilians who happened to be in the area during the airstrike’ on a senior al-Nusra figure. Activists named two militants killed as Abu Jalmoud Aalkamdasi and Abu Obeida Al Yemeni.

Following an investigation, the Syrian Network concluded that the strike had killed eight civilians: “The [ISIL] vehicle was near a fuel shop and hence a fuel tank exploded and 8 civilians were killed including 6 children.”

Exactly one year after the event, CENTCOM released the following statement: “On July 28, 2015, near Idlib, Syria, during a strike on a senior Khorasan Group advisor, it is assessed that three civilians were killed and one vehicle destroyed when their vehicle appeared in the target area after the Coalition aircraft released its weapon.”

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

The incident occured at 15:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

14 years old male killed
16 years old male killed
16 years old male killed
21 years old male killed
9 years old male killed
5 years old male Displaced from al Kintar town in Jisr al Shoughour suburbs killed
8 years old male Displaced from al Kintar town in Jisr al Shoughour suburbs killed
28 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 10
  • (6 children2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • Map showing the exact location of the strike. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • Ten civilians reportedly died when this fuel station was caught in a US airstrike on July 28 2015 (via SN4HR)
  • Aftermath of a US targeted strike in Syria on July 28 which killed at least 4 civilians (via Shaam News)
  • Smoke rising from the location of the strike. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic: An image of one of the bodies charred as a result of the alleged coalition strike in Kafr Hind. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic: unidentified body parts charred as a result of the strike on Kafr Hind. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • Image of the Al Nusra Front car that was burnt and destroyed in the strike. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • Image of the al Nusra Front car that was hit in the strike, killing 4 al Nusra operatives in addition to up to 10 civilians standing by. [Via: SN4HR August 11th, 2015 report]
  • Video showing the aftermath of the strike on the Al Nusra car in Kafr Hind. [via : Bilalo Bilal youtube account]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village as 36.08387, 36.4262

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Idlib, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SBV685962
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 28, 2016
  • On July 28, 2015, near Idlib, Syria, during a strike on a senior Khorasan Group advisor, it is assessed that three civilians were killed and one vehicle destroyed when their vehicle appeared in the target area after the Coalition aircraft released its weapon.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The US has confirmed an airstrike targeting al-Nusra on July 28th 2015: “Separately, on July 28 near Salqin, Syria, U.S. military forces conducted one airstrike against a network of veteran al-Qaida operatives, sometimes called the “Khorasan Group,” who are plotting external attacks against the United States and our allies. The airstrike struck a tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 10
  • (6 children2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS162

Incident date

January 5, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95088, 39.00887 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Airstrikes targeted the Water Foundation building on the outskirts of Raqqah around midnight, killing an employee of the organization and two building guards according to the Syrian Observatory (which did not attribute the strike to any particular party.)

Other sources made no mention of casualties, although a propaganda video released by Daesh appeared to show damage to adjacent homes and shops.

On July 7th, 2017 the Coalition admitted responsibility for the incident, reporting: “Jan. 5, 2016, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report: During a strike on an ISIS headquarters building, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of an apparently confirmed Coalition strike January 5th, which may have killed three non-combatants (via Raqqah Is Being Slaughtered Silently)
  • Tweet and images via @trbrtc relating to confirmed Coalition strike on Raqqa water facility.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.9505639, 39.0094148

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008785
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017
  • Jan. 5, 2016, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report: During a strike on an ISIS headquarters building, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 5th-6th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike struck an ISIL headquarters building.”

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI620

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Location

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.376995, 42.462178 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of three civilians near Tal Afar, Iraq.

Their June 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS VBIED factory, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a one metre box. The location given placed the event in the east of Tal Afar, which is to the west of Mosul.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Tal Afar, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKF7234328755
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 2, 2017
  • April 8, 2017, near Tal Afar, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS VBIED factory, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 7th-8th: no strikes were publicly reported in the vicinity.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI624

Incident date

April 10, 2017

Location

دور موظفي السكك, Mosul, Sekak, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.33881, 43.10241 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that three named civilians were killed including a child, after an airstrike struck their house in Sekak neighborhood in West Mosul.

The Coalition later accepted responsibility for the event, publishing an assessment in December 2018 that stated: “On Apr. 10, 2017, near Sekak (Mosul), Iraq, via Airwars report. The Coalition aircraft engaged two buildings used as ISIS fighting positions. The buildings and ISIS fighters were destroyed. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed during the explosion.”

Local residents reported on Facebook that Professor Yasser Al Habo (see image below) died in the raids, together with his one-year-old daughter, and his nephew Professor Abdul Karim. Iraqyoon also quoted eyewitnesses saying that three people from one family died in the Railway neighbourhood.

While most sources did not specify the culprit, Shafaaq and Al Jazeera indicated that the Coalition was responsible. The Iraqi Spring Media Center posted a video, which it said showed “the destruction of the civilian homes in Sikak neighborhood, their cars and a wounded man who was injured when shelling targeted Khalid Bin Al-waleed Masjid at the right side of Mosul.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Yasser Al Habo
Adult male Professor, uncle killed
Abdul Karim
Adult male Professor, nephew killed
Daughter of Yasser Al Habo
1 years old female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Professor Yasser Al Habo allegedly died in an airstrike on the Railway neighbourhood, together with his daughter and nephew (via Yasir Ahmed Alhussien, Facebook)
  • Another picture of Yasser Al Habo (centre front row, via Hiatham Saddi)
  • Video of the aftermath

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest street at 36.329341, 43.125032

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Sekak (Mosul), Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF297232
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 30, 2018
  • On Apr. 10, 2017, near Sekak (Mosul), Iraq, via Airwars report. The Coalition aircraft engaged two buildings used as ISIS fighting positions. The buildings and ISIS fighters were destroyed. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed during the explosion.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 9th-10th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed five fighting positions, five mortar systems, three medium machine guns, and a vehicle; damaged 22 supply routes; and suppressed four mortar teams.”

For April 10th-11th it reported: "Near Mosul, six strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed a fighting position, a supply cache, a rocket-propelled grenade system, an anti-air artillery system, one VBIED; damaged a fighting position; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit and a mortar team."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]