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

CI561

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Location

النبي جرجيس, Mosul, Nabi Jarjis, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.342256, 43.126231 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A family of eleven or seventeen members was reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Nabi Jarjis neighbourhood. While most sources did not specify who carried out the raids, Yaqein news said it was the Coalition.

“The US-led coalition forces on Monday bombed houses on the western side of the city of Mosul, the center of Nineveh province, killing 17 civilians in the continued brutal aggression by the forces on Mosul and its people.

A press source said in a statement that “the coalition forces targeted the bombing of civilian housing in the area of Nabi Jarjis west of the city of Mosul.”

“At least 17 civilians were killed and dozens wounded,” the source said.

The source pointed out that “the number of dead is likely to rise sharply in light of the presence of a number of bodies under the rubble, which is difficult to limit because of the intensity of the bombing and its continuation.”

Iraq News center spoke of indiscriminate shelling on the neighbourhood and said 11 of the family were killed.

A UN report on the protection of civilians in context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: “In the morning of 20 March, an airstrike reportedly targeted ISIL fighters in the neighbourhood of Nabi Jarjees in western Mosul. The airstrike killed 11 civilians—all members of one family, including two women and three children—and wounded five others, including one child. A woman was also reported missing.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 17
  • (3 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ 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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Nabi Jarjis, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF316238
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 26, 2018
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 19th-20th the Coalition stated: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and four ISIS sniper teams; destroyed 17 fighting positions, six heavy machine guns, four vehicles, three rocket-propelled grenade systems, a mortar system, a VBIED factory, an artillery system, and a roadblock; damaged nine supply routes; and suppressed six ISIS mortar teams, five ISIS tactical units, and an ISIS anti-air artillery team.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 17
  • (3 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS611

Incident date

March 23, 2017

Location

حمرة بويتية, Hamra Buwaitiya, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.933056, 39.128611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman and her child died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hamra Boueitiya village in the eastern Raqqa countryside, according to local sources.

According to Arabs Today, “a woman and her child were killed and a civilian was wounded on Thursday after an aerial bombardment by the international coalition on villages in the eastern countryside of the city of Raqqa, north of Syria. The raids focused on the villages of Hamra and Boueitiya village killing and injuring people from one family.”

Syrian Mirror also said that the Coalition was responsible for the deaths, as did Smart news agency, which produced the same report as Arabs Today.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 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 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
    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 Hamra Bowuwaitiya, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 23th-24th it reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two fighting positions, two vehicles, and a weapons storage facility; and damaged a supply route. Near Tabqah, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position; and damaged a supply route.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS631

Incident date

March 28, 2017

Location

مضر, Mudar, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

Almanar, Syrialive54 and Sy_reporter claimed that Coalition jets killed eight civilians and wounded “many more” in an airstrike on Mudar.

Other sources also put the death toll at eight, but didn’t identify the warplanes responsible.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ 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 Mudar, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 27, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 27th-28th, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqa, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed eight barges, a vehicle, a front-end loader, and a truck and trailer.”
For March 28th-29th, the Coalition reported: "Near Ar Raqqah, one strike destroyed an ISIS pump jack.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

"Monday 27 March – Typhoons supported operations in Mosul, while Tornados eliminated a mortar team in eastern Syria…Armed reconnaissance missions continued over the weekend, gathering intelligence on Daesh positions in Syria and Iraq. On Monday 27 March, Typhoons again patrolled over Mosul, and used one Paveway IV against a building from which Daesh fighters were continuing to engage Iraqi forces. Over eastern Syria, two Tornados attacked a building in a remote area south of Hasakah, from which a Daesh mortar team was operating against Syrian Democratic Forces."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS654

Incident date

April 1, 2017

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.83917, 38.74288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Smart News Agency, one civilian died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Mansoura.

Syria Mirror also reported a Coalition strike killing one civilian and injuring an unspecified number of others.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 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. (1270)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 31st-1st April, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a weapons storage facility and a VBIED; and damaged a bridge.”
For April 1st – April 2nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight barges and five fighting positions; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS668

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Location

حمرة غانم, Hamra Ghanem, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9375, 39.144167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between five and seven civilians – five from the same family including one or two women and three children – died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hamra Ghanem, according to local sources.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the death of five civilians in a Coalition strike on “the house of Bashir Yusuf Sultan in the village of Hamra Ghanem”.

Smart put the death toll at seven with ten others wounded. JisirTv reported: “Coalition warplanes committed a massacre killing a family of five: mother father and their three children after targeting their house in Hamra Ghanem in the northern countryside of Raqqa. Others were wounded. The main reason for these massacres is that SDF gives the wrong coordinations to the coalition.”

In July 2019 the Coalition announced that it had assessed this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted “After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Moaied Bashir Yusuf Sultan
killed
Hassan Bashir Yusuf Sultan
killed
Tharaa Bashir Yusuf Sultan
killed
Ahmed Bashir Yusuf Sultan
killed
The wife of Ahmed Bashir Yusuf Sultan
Adult female injured
Wife of Hassan al – Bashir
Adult female injured

The victims were named as:

Khadija Sheikh Issa
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • The house of Bashir Yusuf Sultan, Hamra Ghanem, where five family members died in a reported Coalition strike April 7th 2017 (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)
  • The house of Bashir Yusuf Sultan, Hamra Ghanem, where five family members died in a reported Coalition strike April 7th 2017 (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)
  • The house of Bashir Yusuf Sultan, Hamra Ghanem, where five family members died in a reported Coalition strike April 7th 2017 (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)
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
    in Hamra Ghanem, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV130770
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2019
  • Apr. 7, 2017, in Hamra Ghanem, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 6th-7th, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; and destroyed four fighting positions and a tactical vehicle.”
For April 7th-8th, the Coalition did not report any airstrikes near Ar Raqqah.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS685

Incident date

April 12, 2017

Location

معدان, Ma'adan, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.751769, 39.61639 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians died and five were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Ma’adan, according to local media.

According to Micro Syria, “seven civilians were killed and wounded by a bombardment of warplanes likely belonging to the international coalition”.

Al Araby, which also pointed towards the Coalition said that “two civilians were killed and five wounded, including two women”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ma’adan (معدان), for which the coordinates are: 35.751769, 39.61639, east of Raqqa. 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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Ma’adan, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 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. (1317)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 11th-12th, the Coalition reported: “On April 11, near Raqqa, eight strikes engaged an ISIS staging area, weapons storage cache, and command and control node.”

For April 12th-13th: “Near Raqqa seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed a vehicle and a fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS704

Incident date

April 17, 2017

Location

العبارة, Al 'Abbara, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.1553406, 39.0213776 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man died and dozens of other civilians were reportedly wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Al ‘Abbara, according to local sources.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently were among sources reporting that a Coalition raid struck the village school, killing one man and wounding other civilians.

According to Qasioun, “one civilian died and dozens were injured this evening by the bombing of the international coalition fighter village “Abbara” in the northern countryside district, with several air raids.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Khalaf Karibal
52 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al ‘Abbara (العبارة), Raqqa governorate, for which the coordinates are: 36.1553406, 39.0213776.

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 Abbara, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 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. (1341)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 16th – 17th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and a mortar system. Near Tabqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and suppressed three ISIS tactical units.”

For April 17th-18th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a front-end loader. Near Tabqah, seven strikes [1 British] engaged five ISIS tactical units, destroyed three fighting positions and damaged six fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Monday 17 April – Typhoons struck a further target in Syria, south of Tabqah, and Tornados destroyed a heavy machine-gun in Rawah, western Iraq…On Monday 17 April, the Tornados operated over western Iraq, where a heavy machine-gun had been spotted, concealed within a grove of trees at Rawah. A single Paveway IV destroyed the weapon. Typhoons continued their support to the SDF west of Raqqah, and conducted a successful Paveway attack on a group of terrorists positioned in a treeline to the south of Tabqah.’

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI662

Incident date

April 23, 2017

Location

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Two sources reported that dozens of civilians from three families died when ‘joint forces aircraft’ (either the Coalition or the Coalition with ISF aircraft) hit Zanjili neighbourhood in West Mosul.

Al Jazeera said that “local sources reported that dozens of members of three families were killed in the bombing of the Zanjili district of Mosul.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Zinjili, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF308246
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2018
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 22nd-23rd 2017, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed six mortar systems, four fighting positions, four rocket-propelled grenade systems, three ISIS vehicles, two front-end loaders, two ISIS watercraft, one weapons cache, and a tunnel; damaged 11 ISIS supply routes and a fighting position; and suppressed two ISIS tactical units.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]