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

CS501

Incident date

February 17, 2017

Location

المركز الثقافي القديم, Old Cultural disctrict, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.951112, 39.009489 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, Smart, reported that one civilian male was killed and his six-year-old child injured in an airstrike that was later confirmed by the Coalition.

Contrary to the reporting, in October 2017 the Coalition admitted to having killed three civilians. In its monthly civilian casualty report, the following was noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed six ISIS-held buildings and damaged an ISIS fueling station, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed.”

The location of the Old Cultural Center mentioned by Smart is 35.951112, 39.009489 according to Airwars geolocation.

In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box. Although this places the event 4km away from Airwars’ geolocation of the incident, Coalition officials confirmed that that their report was based on this event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ 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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV983803
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017
  • Feb. 17, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed six ISIS-held buildings and damaged an ISIS fueling station, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 16th-17th, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, 17 strikes engaged two ISIS staging areas and an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed four tunnels, three fighting positions, three ISIS-held buildings, two weapons storage areas, two ISIS headquarters, a VBIED storage facility, a fuel station and a bridge.” For February 17th-18th, they reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, seven strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed 70 oil barrels, three oil storage tanks, three fighting positions, two oil refinement stills and a weapons storage area; and damaged a bridge.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI290a

Incident date

September 20–23, 2016

Location

الشوره, Shora, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

35.99539, 43.2216 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were killed and another injured when Shora primary school, which had been taken over by ISIS to make bombs, was hit by an airstrike – an investigation by the New York Times Magazine found.

According to a field investigation conducted by reporters Azmah Khan and Anand Gopal for the New York Times, “Shora Primary School, which had been taken over by ISIS and used to make bombs, was hit by an airstrike between 9/20/2016 and 9/23/2016, and killed three civilians who had been walking nearby:

“Hamfeesh Masour Saleh, a retired soldier who had been near the school after praying nearby; Shida Ahmed Hasan, who was coming back from the Shora medical center, because her son needed medicine; and Shida Ahmed Hasan’s two-year-old son, who was with her. Another woman who had been walking with them survived.”

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted full responsibility for this incident, noting: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike on a Daesh weapons storage facility. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male Retired soldier who had been near the school after praying nearby killed
Adult female Was coming back from the Shora medical center, because her son needed medicine killed
2 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (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
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Qayyarah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE397849
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 27, 2019
  • Sept. 22, 2016, near Qayyarah, Iraq, via media-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike on a Daesh weapons storage facility. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Near Qayyarah, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two vehicles and a
weapons cache.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1701a

Incident date

December 24, 2017

Location

near Kharayij, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.35092, 40.71575 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of three civilians in an event near near Kharayij, Syria.

In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted “Coalition aircraft conducted strikes on a Daesh weapons storage facility and Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strikes.”

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

In May 2020, the Pentagon confirmed this to have been a US military action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

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
    3
  • Stated location
    near Kharayij, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU578024
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019
  • Dec. 24, 2017, near Kharayij, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted strikes on a Daesh weapons storage facility and Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strikes.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

On Dec. 24 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six
engagements against ISIS targets.
- Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed a heavy
machine gun and three ISIS vehicles.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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

Incident Code

CI189

Incident date

February 15, 2016

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.47256, 40.90441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as nine civilians were killed in a nighttime Coalition airstrike at Al Qaim.

While the US has conceded three deaths, one site referred at the time to “nine dead along with the destruction of civilian property, due to heavy strikes by the international Coalition at midnight yesterday on the city of Al Qaim.”

In a statement issued July 28th 2016, CENTCOM reported: “On February 15, 2016, near Al Qaim, Iraq, during a strike on an ISIL staging area, it is assessed that three civilians were 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 – 9
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Amaq agency (Daesh Media): Nine people were killed and massive destruction of civilians properties by an alleged coalition airstrike in the middle of the night in Al Qa'im, west Anbar (via @SYRIA_GID tweet)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 34.3957715, 40.9943684

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 Al Qaim, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU749162
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 28, 2016
  • On February 15, 2016, near Al Qaim, Iraq, during a strike on an ISIL staging area, it is assessed that three civilians were killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 15th-16th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL bunker.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 9
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS870

Incident date

May 27, 2017

Location

المشلب, Al Mashlab, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9449373, 39.0474701 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians died and eight were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa’s Al Mashlab neighbourhood, according to two local sources. No further details are presently known.

In its December 2017 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition acknowledged that on “May 27, 2017 near Raqqah, Syria via media report. During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS headquarters building it was assessed the three civilians were unintentionally killed.” However, because no coordinates were supplied, Airwars cannot determine if the admission refers to the locally reported incident in al Mashlab. The Mashlab incident was one of five civilian harm events monitored for this date in Raqqa.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    8
  • 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]

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
    Not yet assessed

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS headquarters building it was assessed the three civilians were unintentionally killed. (497)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 26th-27th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven vehicles, five fighting positions, three tunnels, an ISIS headquarters and an ISIS staging area.“
For May 27th-28th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three ISIS headquarters, an ISIS staging area and a VBIED." For May 27th, it further added that "Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a six fighting positions, an ISIS-held building and a weapons cache."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    8
  • 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

CI724

Incident date

May 19, 2017

Location

حي الزنجيلي, Mosul, Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.351767, 43.107451 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 in an event near Mosul.

Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS mortar position, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area after the munition was released.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a one metre box. The location given placed the event in the Zanjili area.

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 (8) [ 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
    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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3018024628
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 1, 2017
  • May 19, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS mortar position, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 18th-19th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 13 fighting positions, three rocket systems, two heavy machine guns, two medium machine guns, a VBIED, and a mortar system; and damaged seven fighting positions and three ISIS supply routes.”

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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1792a

Incident date

August 25, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57114, 40.94263 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of three civilians and the injuring of a fourth in an event near Hajin.

In its November 2018 monthly report, the alliance noted the following: “On Aug. 25, 2018, near Hajin Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft struck a known ISIS safe house. Unfortunately, one civilian was unintentionally injured, and three were unintentionally killed during the attack. The safe house was destroyed.”

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

Local sources reported on air- and artillery strikes on Hajin which could be related to the same incident. According to @NorsForStudies, the Coalition used phosphorus shells in an attack on Hajin town, while @soundandpic blamed SDF for intensive artillery bombardments and described the burning of dozens of houses resulting “light bombs in the sky”. Jisr TV blamed the Kurdish as well. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ 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 Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU782272
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018
  • On Aug. 25, 2018, near Hajin Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft struck a known ISIS safe house. Unfortunately, one civilian was unintentionally injured, and three were unintentionally killed during the attack. The safe house was destroyed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition publicly reported the following at the time: "On August 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of three engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed one Daesh supply route, one Daesh-held building and one Daesh vehicle."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘In the fight against terrorist organization ISIS, Dutch F-16s supported ground troops between August 22nd-29th during 10 missions over the Syrian province of Deir Ezzor.‘

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 29-08-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 10 missies boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 22 tot 29 augustus 2018.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For August 22nd – 28th, France reports that Task Force Wagram carried out six shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the beginning of its engagement, the it carried out 1870 shooting missions. Over the past week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal carried out 26 air sorties in support of the local forces engaged on the ground – but there were no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS), après avoir repris cet été la poche de Dashisha, sont actuellement dans une phase de réorganisation avant de lancer leur offensive dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, tout en accompagnant, dans les régions libérées récemment, le retour d’une forme d’administration. L’objectif, pour les FDS, est de permettre le retour à la vie normale et d’éviter le retour de Daech dans ces zones. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, si Daech a mené quelques attaques isolées cette semaine, la situation sécuritaire demeure relativement stable du fait de l’action des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) qui allie opérations de sécurisation et actions de rétablissement des infrastructures essentielles au retour à la vie normale de la population. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Alors que la frégate de défense aérienne « Chevalier Paul » patrouille en Méditerranée orientale, la TF Wagram et les aéronefs déployés sur les bases de Jordanie et des Emirats arabes unis (EAU) ont poursuivi leurs missions d’appui à la coalition. Un Atlantique 2 basé en Jordanie renforce le dispositif. Le C135 ravitailleur basé aux EAU a quitté le théâtre le 29 août. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Six missions de tir ont eu lieu cette semaine (bilan du 22 au 28 août inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1870 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux Emirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech au sein de la coalition. Une patrouille de Rafale a frappé, le 6 août dernier, deux entrées de grottes dans la région d’Al Qaim en Irak où tentaient de se dissimuler des combattants de Daech. Parmi ces derniers il s’est avéré que se trouvaient deux cadres importants de l’organisation : le chef des opérations pour la région de l’Anbar ainsi que le responsable financier pour la même région qui ont été tous deux neutralisés. Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 26 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 22 au 28 août inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8410 sorties / 1456 frappes / 2247 objectifs neutralisés.'

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS083

Incident date

June 19, 2015

Location

خنيز, Road 6, near Khaneez village, north of Raqqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.24479, 39.0345 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Coalition aircraft allegedly struck a three-wheeled motorcycle or ‘tirterah’ which was carrying a vegetable farmer. Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently later published a graphic image of the aftermath.

The victim was identified as a resident of Hamam al-Turkman near Ar Raqqah.

In April 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event, noting: “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, two civilians, and possibly a third, in passing vehicles (a bongo truck and a three-wheeled motorcycle) were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strike.”

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

The incident occured between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Adult male Also known as Abu Abdo, a vegetable farmer from Hamam al-Turkman killed

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Site of alleged coalition strike, June 19 2015, in which a vegetable seller died [via: RBSS]

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a convoy of civilian cars on Route 6, West of the village of Khaneez (خنيز), for which the coordinates are: 36.2451039, 39.0351105. Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently located the airstrike on the road between Slouk and Al Raqqa, in the vicinity of the village of Khaneez (خنيز). The report was accompanied by a photograph of the victim who had been driving a three-wheeler motorbike (a tirterah). Shadows visible in that photograph taken soon after the incident indicate that the strike occurred in a four hour window, between 10:00 and 14:00 local time. Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 36.2451039, 39.0351105

  • Map showing Route 6 and the village of Khaneez (خنيز)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

  • The location of the strike is probably in the MGRS coordinates 37SEA00 or 37SEA01

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
    2–3
  • Stated location
    near Khanaiz village, north of Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEA031111
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019
  • June 19, 2015, near Khanaiz village, north of Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, two civilians, and possibly a third, in passing vehicles (a bongo truck and a three-wheeled motorcycle) were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition appeared to confirm destroying the vehicle, noting for June 19th-20th 2015 that “Near Ar Raqqah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL motorcycle.”

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]