US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

CS1238

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A woman was killed and her son was injured following alleged SDF shelling into Raqqa, local sources reported.

The deceased woman was identified as the wife of Hamza Mohammed al Fahd and her injured son was identified as Mohammed al Fahd. Al Sokhna claimed Mrs al Fahd’s unnamed daughter was injured.

Both sources alleged that SDF shelling was responsible, however, Airwars understands that only the Coalition is using artillery in Raqqa.

The Syrian Observatory stated that “a female citizen was killed and her son was injured as a result of shelling by the “Euphrates Wrath” Operation Forces and the International Coalition warplanes after midnight on areas in Al-Raqqah city, which is considered the main stronghold of ISIS in Syria.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

the wife of Hamza Mohammed al Fahd
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (4) [ 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 19th-20th: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, a supply cache, and a tunnel; and suppressed a mortar team.” It additionally reported that “On July 19, near Raqqah, Syria, 19 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units; destroyed 34 fighting positions, two IEDs, and a VBIED; and damaged four fighting positions and a mortar position.” And also that “On July 19, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed two ISIS fighting positions and a storage facility and suppressed a mortar system.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Wednesday 19 July – Tornados destroyed an explosives warehouse in northern Iraq, whilst Typhoons and Tornados struck a command post and defensive position in Raqqa…Update: air strikes against Daesh – GOV.UK In northern Iraq, intelligence had identified a warehouse near Hawijah in which large quantities of homemade explosives were being stored by Daesh. A flight of RAF Tornados attacked the building with two Paveway IV guided bombs, and demolished it on Wednesday 19 July. A mixed pair of one Tornado and one Typhoon meanwhile provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting to clear the terrorists from Raqqa. A coalition surveillance aircraft identified a Daesh defensive position, and our aircraft conducted a successful attack with a Brimstone missile. A terrorist command post was also identified within the city, and this was struck with two Paveway IVs.

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1270

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Location

الفردوس, Fardous, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.954025, 39.006268 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A girl was killed following alleged artillery fire into the Al Fardous district of Raqqa, a number of local sources reported.

The majority of the sources that reported the incident alleged that SDF militias were responsible, however Airwars is aware that only the Coalition has access to artillery fire therefore if this munition was in fact used, the Coalition would be responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Qamar Khalid al Hassan
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Qamar Khalid al-Hassan, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Fardous, 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 25th-26th: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, four observation points, three sniper positions, two command and control nodes, two supply caches, two mortar systems, a VBIED, an ISIS communication tower, a front-end loader, an ammunition cache, a tactical vehicle, and a heavy machine gun; and suppressed a supply route.“It additionally reported that “On July 25, near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five mortar positions, a VBIED storage facility, a VBIED, and ISIS equipment.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1326

Incident date

August 3, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was killed in shelling in Raqqa, according to local media.

Only one source – Usama Al Taleb – directly blamed the Coalition, and therefore an SDF mortar/rocket attack cannot be ruled out for causing the man’s death.

As reporting deteriorated within the city the date of death was vaguely reported, falling within a four day range.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdel Aziz al-Sa’id (Abu Ibrahim)
62 years old male killed

Summary

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

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident only mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148  

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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 3rd-4th: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a mortar system, a vehicle, a VBIED and a supply route.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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

CS1355

Incident date

August 8, 2017

Location

Centre, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that 14 people were killed and 35 injured after alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on the city of Raqqa. Two children and two women were reportedly amongst those killed.

In a report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights it was said that the civilians were killed whilst “clashes took place between the Syria Democratic Forces supported by US Special Forces” and “members of the Islamic State organisation”.

According to the report the SDF was attempting to achieve “advancement” in the center of Al-Raqqa city and after the incident took place ISIS control of the area was reduced to about 45% of the city.

Sound and Picture reported that significant material destruction to the city had left the wounded in a highly vulnerable position. It stated that “they are in danger of dying for lack of medical personnel and the destruction of large parts of the only remaining hospital” in Raqqa city.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 14
  • Civilians reported injured
    35
  • 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]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 25 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 37 fighting positions, two command and control nodes, two weapons caches, two vehicles, and a weapons depot.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 7, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, an ISIS communications tower, and a mortar system.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 14
  • Civilians reported injured
    35
  • 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

CI827

Incident date

August 18, 2017

Location

Akashat, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.669497, 39.967918 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local press and other sources reported on the death of three civilians, all from the same family, in airstrikes on Al Rutba, 420 km west of Baghdad.

According to Amad Al-Dulaimi, the mayor of Ar Rutba, the family was killed following a bomb dropped by an unknown aircraft.

Sahafaty News also quoted the mayor who said that the bombing resulted in the death of a woman and her 13-year-old daughter and the wounding of her husband, he said that the injured bodies were taken to the general hospital.

It is unclear who was to blame for this civilian casualty incident. However, tracked sources do refer to the presence of the International Coalition in the area regarding strikes that resulted in Daesh casualties. Artillery shells were used, according to local sources.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Akashat, for which the coordinates are: 33.669497, 39.967918.

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 Ar Rutba, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFS1999055915
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 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
Official source

For August 17th- 18th the Coalition did not report on any strikes in the Anbar Province.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI837

Incident date

September 2, 2017

Location

U'boor district of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.398889, 41.095833 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single report from Yaqein claimed the US-led Coalition had conducted an intensive aerial bombardment resulting in 200 civilians killed and injured within a 48 hour period. The specifics of the civilian casualties, including the toll and identity is currently unknown.

Yaqein described indiscriminate bombing by the warplanes of the international coalition aircraft, asserting that the military operation happened under the pretext of liberation. The source also claimed that significant material destruction had taken place in the province.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    50 – 100
  • Civilians reported injured
    50–100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the area of U’boor (حي العبور), near the town of Al Karabilah. The coordinates for the U’boor area (حي العبور) are: 34.398889, 41.095833

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-Uboor neighborhood, Anbar, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 1st – 2nd the Coalition reported “Near Al Qaim, three strikes destroyed two ISIS fuel storage sites, an ISIS-held building, a front-end loader, a weapons storage area and an excavator.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    50 – 100
  • Civilians reported injured
    50–100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1464

Incident date

September 10, 2017

Location

فردوس, Ar Raqqah: west of Fardous mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95507, 39.00452 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In September 2017, it was reported that 7 civilians were killed in the Al Fardous neighbourhood in Raqqa, following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes.

Alraqqa Ahlna identified three of the victims and said that an additional “three young men and one woman” were killed but they remained unidentified as the bodies were still under rubble. A later report from Ar Raqqa Al Hadath gave further details of one of the victims, Abu Aboud Ibrahim Al-Karaf: he was a judge who had graduated from the University of Damascus in 1994 with a Doctorate in law. According to the report the coalition bombing “hit his house next to Al Basrawi mosque.” It described him as “one of the most prominent jurists in the province of Raqqa” where he “served as a public lawyer”. Reportedly he “refused to leave Raqqa until the date of his martyrdom”. All sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the incident. Some cited the use of artillery. Airwars understand that only the Coalition have access to artillery in Raqqa.

In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

During investigations of this event for the April 2019 joint Airwars and Amnesty report War in Raqqa: Rethoric versus Reality (www.raqqa.amnesty.org), Amnesty field researchers named 2 more victims and identified the precise location of this strike, reporting that a total of 5 people were killed. The report notes: “Two members of the Badran family and three neighbours were killed in the last of four separate air strikes which killed a total of 39 family members and 10 neighbours as they fled from neighbourhood to neighbourhood in search of safety.” The strike hit Faisal Mahmoud Al Sukhni’s house (a three-storey building) at 4pm, west of the Fardous mosque, killing the owner, tenant and 3 guests. Another man and his son in a separate section of the house survived. Amnesty researchers spoke to a witness, named Rasha: “As Ousama and Mohammed left the neighbour’s house a drone struck the road. They ran back into the house and immediately a plane bombed the house and destroyed it. Mohamed, Ousama, the owner of the house and two guests were all killed.” Amnesty also spoke to Abdel’ila Basrawi al Karaf, who testified to the event that killed his father, Ibrahim Basrawi al Karaf.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of Amnesty’s civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

The incident occured at 16:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Faisal Mahmoud Abdalziz al Sukhni
51 years old male house owner killed
Senad al Dhabba
25 years old male killed
Ibrahim Basrawi al Karaf
63 years old male Interviewee Abdel’ila Basrawi al Karaf's father and former Raqqa Attorney-General killed
Osama al Badran
30 years old male killed
Mohammed al Aboud
40s years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (1 woman5 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Faisal Abdul Aziz al-Sokhni Abu Mahmoud, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Ferdous, Raqqa, Setp 10th (via Ahmad Al Shbli)
  • Abu Aboud Ibrahim Al-Karaf, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Ferdous, Raqqa, Sept 10th (via Ar Raqqa Al Hadath)
  • Faisal Mahmoud Abdalziz al Sukhni (via Amnesty International)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Image of Faisal Mahmoud Al Sukhni’s house before the strike on September 8, 2017 (via Amnesty International)

  • Image of Faisal Mahmoud Al Sukhni’s house after the strike on September 20, 2017 (via Amnesty International)

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
    Other
  • Stated location
    near al- Basrawi Mosque Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV994793
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • Sept. 10, 2017, near al- Basrawi Mosque Raqqah, Syria via Airwars report. After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 9th – 10th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 34 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed 21 fighting positions, 16 vehicles, four heavy machine guns, two command and control nodes, a logistics node, and engineering equipment; and suppressed six fighting positions.”

For September 10th - 11th the Coalition reported •Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, two logistics nodes, and a vehicle; and suppressed two fighting positions" It later reported, "Additionally, 15 strikes consisting of 21 engagements were conducted in Syria and Iraq on Sept. 10 that closed within the last 24 hours. On Sept. 10, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed 14 vehicles, three fighting positions, a logistics node, and an anti-air artillery system; and suppressed a fighting position"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Monday 11 September – Tornados destroyed two sniper positions in Raqqa, and attacked a Daesh-held compound and terrorists on a motorcycle near Dayr az Zawr…A flight of Royal Air Force Tornados supported the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting in Raqqa on Monday 11 September, when Paveway IV guided bombs were used to destroy two sniper positions. A second Tornado flight patrolled north-east of Dayr az Zawr, where they attacked a group of terrorists in a compound with a Paveway IV. Survivors of the attack then attempted to move to another position on a motorcycle, but were successfully engaged with a Brimstone missile.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (1 woman5 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1493

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian man died in the city of Raqqa, according to multiple local sources.

Initial reports said his death was caused by airstrikes conducted by the US-led Coalition. However this was refuted by the group Raqqa Journalists Without Borders, which claimed he died in a “painful accident”.

No additional details are available at present.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Khalaf al -Rajabi
Age unknown male

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ali Khalaf al -Rajabi, reportedly killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Sept 14th in Raqqa. (via raqqa_rwb)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 13th – 14th , the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 29 strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 21 fighting positions, a VBIED, and an ISIS UAS; and suppressed four ISIS tactical units.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 13, near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes destroyed four vehicles, three fighting positions, and two logistics nodes.”

For September 14th - 15th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, three vehicles, and a command and control node; and suppressed two fighting positions" The Coalition later reported: "On Sept. 14, near Raqqah, Syria, 31 strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed 25 fighting positions, 25 vehicles, three ISIS supply routes, two logistics nodes, ISIS engineering equipment, and an IED"

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

[In the past week, France carried out 6 strikes destroying 6 targets. The strikes were carried out mainly in Raqqah. The total number of strikes, 2144 targets destroyed and 7095 sorties.] CHAMMAL OPERATION SITUATION In Iraq, Security operations in the Tall Afar region are coming to an end. Ground military operations remained limited this week, with the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) pursuing redeployment in the two main areas still in the hands of Daesh, Hawijah and Anbar. In Syria, In Raqqah, the progress of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continues in a slow but methodical way, facing Daesh fighters few but particularly well entrenched in areas that they saturated with FDI. At the same time the FDS launched this week, with the support of the Coalition, a new offensive in the East of the Country from Shaddadi towards the Euphrates. FORCE ACTIVITIES The soldiers of Operation Chammal continue their missions of support and training for the benefit of the Iraqi units engaged against Daesh. Air Action This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal have made 37 sorties, including 26 armed reconnaissance and ground support (CAS), 6 sorties and 5 outlets intelligence gathering by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. These sorties resulted in 6 strikes and the destruction of 6 targets. Most of the strikes were carried out in support of the fighting in Raqqah. The global balance of the air activity since 19 September 2014 amounts to 1369 strikes, 2144 objectives destroyed and 7095 sorties. Fire support - TF WAGRAM With the end of security operations in the Tal Afar region, the Task Force (TF) Wagram is redeployed to Q-West and Erbil. Since Q-West this week she shot several shots to neutralize jihadist fighters carrying out harassing actions since Hawijah. The CAESAR guns conducted 6 firing missions (6 neutralization).

[In the past week, France carried out 6 strikes destroying 6 targets. The strikes were carried out mainly in support of the fighting in Raqqah. The overall record of air activity since 19 September 2014 amounts to 1369 strikes, 2144 targets destroyed and 7095 sorties.] ‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Irak, Les opérations de sécurisation de la région de Tall Afar s’achèvent. Les opérations militaires au sol sont restées limitées cette semaine, les Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) poursuivant le redéploiement dans les deux principales régions encore aux mains de Daech, Hawijah et l’Anbar. En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) se poursuit de façon lente mais méthodique, face à des combattants de Daech peu nombreux mais particulièrement bien retranchés dans des quartiers qu’ils ont saturés d’IED. Dans le même temps les FDS ont lancé cette semaine, avec l’appui de la Coalition, une nouvelle offensive dans l’Est du Pays depuis Shaddadi en direction de l’Euphrate. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Les soldats de l’opération Chammal poursuivent leurs missions d’appui et de formation au profit des unités irakiennes engagées contre Daech. Action du volet aérien Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 26 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), 6 sorties de ravitaillement ainsi que 5 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Ces sorties ont donné lieu à la réalisation de 6 frappes et à la destruction de 6 objectifs. Les frappes réalisées ont majoritairement été conduites en appui des combats à Raqqah. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1369 frappes, 2144 objectifs détruits et 7095 sorties. Appui feu – TF WAGRAM Avec la fin des opérations de sécurisation dans la région de Tal Afar, la Task Force (TF) Wagram est redéployée sur Q-West et Erbil. Depuis Q-West elle a réalisé cette semaine plusieurs tirs pour neutraliser des combattants Djihadistes menant des actions de harcèlement depuis d’Hawijah. Les canons CAESAR ont mené 6 missions de tir (6 de neutralisation).

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]