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

CS411

Incident date

December 11, 2016

Location

خشام, Khusham, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.35077, 40.36689 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to eleven civilians died in a Coalition airstrike which at the time was also blamed on Russia and the Assad regime. However the Coalition has confirmed striking oil installations and tankers in the vicinity on this date, and killing five drivers.

According to Ara News, “Unidentified warplanes shelling oil refineries in Badeyet Kisham killed 10 workers and wounded 15. The number of death is likely to rise due to the seriousness of some injuries.” Baladi News placed the initial death toll at 6, again citing unidentified warplanes.

The FSA and Daral Akhbar blamed Russia, while the Syrian Network said the regime was responsible, as did Syrian Newsdesk which reported: “Seven civilians were killed, including three children, and 15 others wounded yesterday evening, due to regime warplanes targeting with four raids the town of Khisham which is under the control of the organization of the Islamic state east of Deir al-Zour city.”

Shaam News initially blamed Russia, but later said the Coalition was responsible for 11 civilians killed. Syrian PC also reported that “Coalition warplanes carried out raids in Badeyet Al kisham oil fields and killed 11 civilians – most are drivers and civilians who work in the industry – and wounded dozens. The death toll is likely to rise due to serious injuries.”

Deir Ezzor 24 named three victims.

The Coalition noted in February 2017 that the incident was still being assessed. On March 4th it confirmed responsibility: “Dec. 11, 2016, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS oil tanker trucks it is assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired truck drivers vacated their vehicles and moved a safe distance away. Aircraft engaged targets and following munition release five of the drivers returned to their vehicles and were killed by munition’s impact.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Nour Al-Deen Sabah Al-Amash
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Ali Albadran
Age unknown male killed
Bassam Ramadan Al Saleh
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 11
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 35.3020098, 40.2914143

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
    5
  • Stated location
    near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV242128
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 4, 2017

  • Dec. 11, 2016, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS oil tanker trucks it is assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired truck drivers vacated their vehicles and moved a safe distance away. Aircraft engaged targets and following munition release five of the drivers returned to their vehicles and were killed by munition’s impact.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For December 10th-11th 2016, the Coalition publicly reported that “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed five oil well heads, an oil storage tank, and an oil tanker truck.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 11
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI506

Incident date

March 3, 2017

Location

المنصور, Mosul, Al Mansour, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.31736, 43.10975 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Surviving family members told Buzzfeed investigators that five members of a family died in a suspected Coalition strike. The alliance later accepted responsibility.

Buzzfeed casenotes for the incident were later shared with Airwars:

“GPS Coordinates: 36°19’02.5″N, 43°06’35.1″E

Date and approximate time: March 3, at around 11am

Casualties: The nephew and four nieces of Zayd Younes Mohamed, all deceased. Four surviving children and brother, some with injuries.

Comments: This strike was not concurrent with the ISF assault into the neighborhood. ISIS had that day moved an anti-aircraft gun on the other side of a thin wall beside the home. The strike target the gun. It destroyed the home in the process; witnesses were not sure if the gun was also hit. Zayd and his brother buried the dead children. When they approached the Iraqi government for compensation, they were told that since the bodies were no longer at the site of the blast, the government could not prove that the dead were victims of the blast, and their case was rejected.”

In its August monthly casualty report the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting that “March 3, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via media report: During a strike on an ISIS machine gun position engaging ISF, it was assessed that five civilians, not previously observed during the engagement, were unintentionally killed.”

Officials confirmed to Airwars that this was the al Mansour neighbourhood, and provided matching co-ordinates.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (5 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ 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
    Unseen at time of engagement
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3031220807
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

  • March 3, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via media report: During a strike on an ISIS machine gun position engaging ISF, it was assessed that five civilians, not previously observed during the engagement, were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 2nd-March 3rd the Coalition stated: “Near Mosul, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed six fighting positions, four heavy machine guns, three medium machine guns, two tunnels, a rocket-propelled grenade system, a VBIED, and a VBIED facility; damaged seven supply routes; and suppressed 22 mortar teams.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (5 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI834

Incident date

August 23, 2017

Location

الكرابلة, Mahdi school area of Karabla, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.376786, 41.060586 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians, including three women, were reported killed following airstrikes on Karabla. In particular, the Mahdi School was said to have been hit. Sources described heavy shelling by warplanes.

While the Yagein news agency referred to government aircraft as the perpetrators, it was not clear from other reports who was responsible for the strike, however.

In July 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for the deaths of all five civilians in this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh weapons cache. Regrettably, five civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.” The Coalition also provided Airwars with the location for this incident accurate to within a 100 metre box.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon conceded this as a US military incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 women)
  • 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
  • Suspected attacker
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A satellite image shows the destroyed building following strike on Mahdi school area of Karabla on Aug 23rd, 2017
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the area surrounding Al Mahdi (المهدي) Elementary School in the neighbourhood of Karabla (الكرابلة). The exact coordinates for the school are: 34.376786, 41.060586. The MGRS released by the Coalition – accurate to within a 100 metre box – placed this incident around 34.37715, 41.06102.

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
    5
  • Stated location
    Karabla, Al Qaim, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU895059
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 29, 2019

  • Aug. 23, 2017, in Karabla, Al Qaim, Iraq, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh weapons cache. Regrettably, five civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 22nd -23rd the Coalition reported “Near Al Qaim, three strikes destroyed two ISIS headquarters and two weapons caches.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 women)
  • 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
  • Suspected attacker
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS149 RS175

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.32887, 40.12997 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Violations Documentation Center listed five non-combatants, including two women and one child, as killed in an alleged Russian or Coalition airstrike near Al Bukamal. At least two of those killed were said to work for the local electricity company, who died when an oil tank was targeted.

VDC named two male victims and additionally they listed three unidentified victims – 2 women and a male child.

The Syrian Observatory also reported a man and child killed.

The United States later said it was responsible, noting a year later that “near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, against an ISIL tactical unit, it is assessed that five civilians were killed and three individuals were injured after the civilians entered the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Marwan Ali al-Hamed
Adult male VDC lists him as having died following a 'heart attack caused by the Russian air forces shelling' killed
Kheder Dahham al-Hamdan
Adult male VDC lists him as having been killed in Sukarieh: Al Bukamal due to 'Russian air forces shelling' killed
The wife of Abdul Qader Ibrahim Alkadawi
Adult female pregnant listed as having been killed along with her twin fetuses killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (1 child2 women2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • @DeirEzzor24 tweets a photo of the alleged Russian raids on al Mayadeen on 20/11/2015
  • tweet reporting death of two employees of the electricity company following an air raid that targeted a fuel tank near the company. [Via: ahraralmayadein]
  • Tweet reporting dead and wounded among employees in the electricity company in the town of al Boukamal following alleged coalition raids. [Via: @JisrTV]
  • Tweet reporting Russian raids on al Sukariya neighbourhood in al Boukamal and on the town of Hatla Tahtani. [Via: @Syria_Rebels]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 34.466049, 40.907593

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
    5
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV027101
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 9, 2016

  • November 20, 2015, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, against an ISIL tactical unit, it is assessed that five civilians were killed and three individuals were injured after the civilians entered the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition has confirmed in its November 20th-21st reports to attacking the city that day: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike struck an ISIL crude oil collection point.”

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia reported that “On November 20, the ships of the Caspian flotilla performed launches of 18 cruise missiles against 7 targets in the Raqqah, Idlib and Aleppo provinces. All the aims were hit.” It added that “29 aircraft of long-range and bomber aviation made strikes from the zone of the Caspian Sea,” though gave no details of the areas targeted.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (1 child2 women2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS548

Incident date

March 3, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.833712, 38.546042 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 12 civilians were reported killed and four injured in an air raid which most sources blamed on the Coalition.

According to MicroSyria “Warplanes carried out two raids in Tabaqa which is under the control of ISIL and killed 5 civilians, and wounded others including women and children who were taken to hospitals.” Smart News also placed the death toll at five, with four injured. Al Quds placed the toll higher at 12 killed, while the Syrian Observatory reported 10 deaths: “Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented the death of at least 10 persons, including 5 citizen women and children under the age of 18.

Sources confirmed to the Observatory that they were recovered from under the rubble of buildings that were destroyed by warplanes believed to belong to the International Coalition in al-Tabaqa city which is located in the western countryside of al-Raqqah and controlled by the “Islamic State” organisation.

Other body parts were also found, but it is unknown whether they belong to other bodies or they are body pieces from the other corpses.”

In November 2017 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this allegation of civilian harm.

Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed a Daesh weapon storage facility, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

In April 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location for 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
    5 – 12
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (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:

  • 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
    5
  • Stated location
    near Al Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV590656
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • March 3, 2017, near Al Tabqah, Syria via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed a Daesh weapon storage facility, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 2nd-March 3rd the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike destroyed a weapons storage facility.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

[France reports that in the last week it carried out 29 sorties and 9 strikes destroying 12 ISIL targets. In Iraq, all 8 strikes were carried out in support of operations in Mosul. They targeted mortar positions and defensive positions in the city as well as in the outskirts of Badush. In Syria, in the Raqqah region, a Rafale patrol was engaged on a ground support mission to neutralize ISIL fighters leading an attack against the SDF.

Opération Chammal En Syrie le recul de Daech se poursuit. Après avoir dû se retirer d’Al Bab la semaine passée, l’organisation terroriste a perdu cette semaine le contrôle de la ville de Palmyre, tandis que la manœuvre d’isolement de Raqqah au Nord de l’Euphrate est sur le point de s’achever. En Irak, Daech tente d’entretenir l’insécurité en poursuivant sa campagne d’actions asymétriques, en particulier dans l’Anbar, dans une logique de dispersion des forces engagées contre elle. En périphérie de Mossoul Ouest, la manœuvre d’encerclement menée par les forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) progresse dans sa partie occidentale. Les combats qui ont lieu depuis le début de la semaine autour de la localité de Badush au Nord-Ouest de la ville en sont la conséquence. Dans la partie sud de Mossoul Ouest, les FSI poursuivent également leur progression dans le centre urbain et se trouvent désormais aux portes du centre historique. Avançant toujours le long du Tigre depuis l’aéroport, les combattants de la police fédérale et de l’ICTS sécurisent méthodiquement chaque quartier, faisant face à une défense féroce des combattants terroristes. Dans le même temps, Daech maintient ses actions de harcèlement contre la partie orientale de Mossoul, en réalisant des tirs de mortiers sporadiques et aveugles. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 29 sorties aériennes dont 26 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), et 3 de recueil de renseignement. 9 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, elles ont permis la destruction de 12 objectifs. En Irak, les 8 frappes ont toutes été réalisées en appui des opérations sur Mossoul. Elles s’inscrivent dans le cadre de l’appui des troupes irakiennes engagées dans l’offensive visant à reprendre la partie ouest de Mossoul. Elles ont ciblé des positions de mortier et des positions défensives dans la ville de Mossoul elle-même, ainsi que dans la périphérie de Badush. En Syrie, dans la région de Raqqah, une patrouille de Rafale a été engagée en mission d’appui des troupes au sol pour neutraliser des combattants de Daech menant une attaque contre des forces démocratiques syriennes. Appui feu – Task Force Wagram Cette semaine, l’effort du détachement de la Task Force (TF) Wagram, désormais regroupée sur une même emprise au nord de Mossoul, s’est intensifié. Les appuis ont marqué l’effort au profit des troupes engagées au sol dans la région de Badush. 53 missions ont été réalisées cette semaine. Elles comprennent 22 actions de neutralisation, destruction ou harcèlement visant soit à détruire des positions défensives adverses, soit à empêcher tout mouvement des groupes de combattants de Daech. 31 missions d’éclairement ont également été effectuées afin d’entraver les tentatives d’infiltration de la part de groupes de combattants terroristes cherchant à mener des actions de harcèlement nocturne contre les FSI.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 12
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS308

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95809, 39.00111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five to six civilians died when a Coalition drone strike targeted a car allegedly belonging to members of Deash in the al Jameli neighborhood of Raqqa, according to local sources. CENTCOM later conceded that “near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that five civilians were killed.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported: “A car in the center of Al-Raqqah city the main stronghold of the Islamic State in Syria[was] targeted by a drone“. Step News said two members of Daesh were killed inside the car.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, an explosion was heard as “a result of a raid by a drone targeting a car near al Jameli building in the city centre.”

Raqqa Post also reported that five named civilians died, and added: “The international Coalition against Daesh led by Washington launches every now and then drone attacks against Daesh members and HQs in the city and usually these cause casualties among civilians who are living under the fundamentalist regime’s ‘mercy’ – and who are unable to leave the city due to IS forbidding the residents from leaving their lands.”

Shahba Press put the death toll at four, while Raqqa News Network said five died.

Syrian Press Center reported six civilian deaths, including one woman, while Radio al Kul said two were killed.

According to Step News, four civilians who were near the exploding car were killed by shrapnel.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Louay Attoura
Adult male killed
Yusuf Najjar
Adult male killed
Walid al Sheikh
Adult male killed
Abd al Karim al Nayef al Jumaa
Adult male killed
Majed Hussein al Faraj
Age unknown male killed
Ghada abd al Fattah
Adult female Wife of Farid Ba’aj, from Deir Ez-Zour killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (1 woman4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Abd al Karim al Nayef al Jumaa, killed in an alleged Coalition drone strike on Raqqa, Sept 10th (via Raqqa post)
  • Walid al Sheikh (via RBSS)
  • Abd al Karim al Nayef al Jumaa (via RBSS)
  • Majed Hussein al Faraj (via RBSS)
  • Translation: Activists: 4 civilians killed and others wounded in air raids on al Jameli neighbourhood in al Raqqa before mid night.
  • Translation: 5 martyrs killed yesterday in an air raid carried out by a drone targeting a car belonging to daesh in al Jameli neighbourhood.

Geolocation notes

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV001793
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 9, 2016

  • during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that five civilians were killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 10th-11th 2016 the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two supply routes and a vehicle“.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (1 woman4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI831

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Location

تلعفر, Tal Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.37997, 42.45602 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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

Their October 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS headquarters structure, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

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

Airwars had monitored a mass casualty event in Tal Afar on this day (see CI830), however the Coalition have assessed it to be non-credible due to insufficient information. It is possible that this confirmed incident relates to part of that event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • An image reveals the destruction that followed a Coalition airstrike in Tal Afar (via Abu Zeinab Al Shehabi)
  • An image reveals the destruction that followed a Coalition airstrike in Tal Afar (via Abu Zeinab Al Shehabi)
  • An image reveals the destruction that followed a Coalition airstrike in Tal Afar (via Abu Zeinab Al Shehabi)

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
    5
  • Stated location
    near Tal Afar, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKF718291
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017

  • Aug. 19, 2017, near Tal Afar, Iraq, via self-report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS headquarters structure, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 19th-20th the Coalition reported Near Tal Afar, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed seven rocket systems, two command and control nodes, two mortar systems, a VBIED factory, a supply cache, and a front-end loader.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI196

Incident date

February 26, 2016

Location

شارع بغداد, Mosul, Baghdad Street, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.32438, 43.10165 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that up to 5 civilians died, including children, when more than 30 Daesh fighters were killed and injured in alleged Coalitions strike on the Mayer garage near Baghdad Street in eastern Mosul.

According to NRN News, the night time attack targeted 40 trucks being used by Daesh to transport goods between Syria and Iraq. But five non-combatants also died. Among those injured in a second strike were members of the local civil defence force attending the scene.

A propaganda video later released by Al A’amaq showed significant destruction at the site, along with a number of dead and injured civilians.

Responding to a request for clarification about possible RAF involvement given declared strikes at Mosul that day, the UK MoD told Airwars: “There is no credible indication of potential UK involvement” in the alleged event of February 26th.

On July 7th, the Coalition admitted responsibility for the incident, reporting: “Feb. 26, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report: During strikes on an ISIS VBIED and weapons storage facility, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of secondary explosions.”

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
    5
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9–11
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • An image shows burning supply trucks following a Feb 26 strike which also killed five civilians (via NRN News)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest street at 36.324818, 43.101468

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Killed by secondary explosion(s)
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF296216
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • Feb. 26, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report: During strikes on an ISIS VBIED and weapons storage facility, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of secondary explosions.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 26th-27th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, seven strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL assembly areas, five ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL VBIED facility, and an ISIL weapons storage facility and suppressed an ISIL mortar position and two ISIL rocket fire positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9–11
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]