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

CI594

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Location

حي التنك, Mosul, Tanak, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.336937, 43.073451 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of seven civilians in an event on the western outskirts of Mosul. The action was later revealed to be a US strike.

Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike against an ISIS formation, it was assessed that seven civilians were unintentionally killed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a one-metre box. The location given placed the event in a house in the Al Tanak neighbourhood. The house is located near the Yarmouk Secondary School for Boys.

None of the six strikes reported by Airwars that day in Mosul were located in the Al Tanak neighbourhood or in its vicinity.

The Australian Defence Force published information about the event on September 30, 2017: “On 30 March 2017, Coalition forces conducted airstrikes in support of Iraqi ground forces against suspected Daesh military forces in Mosul. No Australian aircraft were involved in the incident. ADF personnel were involved in the Coalition approval process. Based on the information available, an airstrike was authorised and tragically seven civilians were unintentially killed or injured. ADF personnel self -reported the incident in accordance with ADF policy. The personnel involved, using the information available to them, acted in compliance with the laws of armed conflict and Australian rules of engagement.”

In its May 2019 report to Congress of US-only civilian harm events for 2017, the Pentagon included this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • 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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Location of the Coalition airstrike that unintentionally killed seven civilians on March 30, 2017 in the Al Tanak neighbourhood of Mosul.

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
    7
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF2709623043
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017

  • March 30, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike against an ISIS formation, it was assessed that seven civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 29th-30th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and an ISIS staging area; destroyed two command and control nodes, two mortar systems, a fighting position, and a UAV facility; damaged 19 supply routes; and suppressed 10 ISIS mortar teams and seven ISIS tactical units.”

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • 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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS407a

Incident date

December 7, 2016

Location

near Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.15538, 39.19677 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of seven civilians near Raqqa.

Their February 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “Dec. 7, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, via social media report: During a strike on a compound occupied by ISIL fighters, it is assessed that seven civilians in the buildings were unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Inside target building
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    7
  • Stated location
    near Ar Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEA177012
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2017

  • Dec. 7, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, via social media report: During a strike on a compound occupied by ISIL fighters, it is assessed that seven civilians in the buildings were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For December 6th-7th 2016, the Coalition publicly reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two storage sheds, a vehicle, and a decoy tank.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS074

Incident date

June 7, 2015

Location

دالي حسن, Dali Hasan, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.56301, 38.369558 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Syrian Network for Human Rights posted a video which it said showed “the destruction caused by an international Coalition air strike on a house in Dali Hasan killing seven civilians from one family, including 5 children and a woman.”

In February 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “Coalition aircraft engaged ISIS fighters firing on friendly forces from a moving vehicle. Coalition aircraft executed a strike on the vehicle in self-defense of the friendly forces. Regrettably, it is more likely than not that seven civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity to the blast.”

The Syrian Observatory also attributed the event to the Coalition, with the event occuring at 4am. Villagers were afraid to approach the house for four hours for fear of more strikes, it was later reoprted by eyewitnesses.

Those killed were a man and his wife along with their six children, named by Halab News as Tahani (aged 12), Fatima (11), Aboud (9), Mohammad (aged 5), Ziad aged two and an unnamed infant.

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

The incident occured at approximately 4:00 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Eisa al-Hasan al-Shareef
Adult male killed
Lamia Abo Dahham
Adult female Eisa's wife killed
Tahani
12 years old female killed
Fatima
11 years old female killed
Aboud
9 years old male killed
Mohammad
5 years old male killed
Ziad
2 years old male killed
Infant
Age unknown child of Eisa and Lamia killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (6 children1 woman1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Footage showing the aftermath of the alleged coalition strike on Dali Hasan in Aleppo, June 7th 2015. [Via: SN4HR]
  • The image of the house targeted in Dali Hasan village. [Via: IS-affiliated Al'A'amaq news agency]

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the village of Dali Hasan (دالي حسن) near Sareen (صرين), Aleppo Governorate. Airwars was unable to locate Dali Hasan (دالي حسن), but geolocated images of the incident to the exact location of the destroyed building: 36.56301, 38.369558, in the village of Ra’s al Ayn al Qibli (رأس العين القبلي)

  • Village of Ra's al Ayn al Qibli (رأس العين القبلي) with the building marked in red

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

  • Composite of stills taken from video, allegedly of the incident

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Syrian Network for Human Rights

  • Satellite imagery showing structural damage (left: 4 February, 2014; right: 17 May 2016)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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
    7
  • Stated location
    near Dali Hasan, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA436466
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • June 7, 2015, near Dali Hasan, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft engaged ISIS fighters firing on friendly forces from a moving vehicle. Coalition aircraft executed a strike on the vehicle in self-defense of the friendly forces. Regrettably, it is more likely than not that seven civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity to the blast.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The coalition reported a single strike in the vicinity of Aleppo for June 6th-7th 2015: “Near Aleppo, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL ant-aircraft artillery piece and an ISIL fighting position.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (6 children1 woman1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI114

Incident date

September 27, 2015

Location

داقوق, Duquq, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.1352647, 44.2513895 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A strike by what at the time was an unknown aircraft killed eight civilians in Yurgon (or Alarkon) village near Duquq, according to local reports. The US led Coalition admitted responsibility for seven deaths in March 2020.

Waradana at the time cited one anonymous source: “The bombing led to the destruction of a number houses… The village is still under the control of Daesh terrorists, who take civilians as human shields, and prevent them from dispersing to areas controlled by the Iraqi government.”

Citing an anonymuos security source, NINA said that the village was located on a Daesh supply route: “International coalition aircraft bombed a residential house at the entrance to Alarkon village south of Kirkuk, which led to the martyrdom of an entire family of seven including men, women and children.”

In March 2020, the US-led Coalition conceded the event, noting that “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh fighters. Regrettably, seven civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of the strike.”

The Coalition provided assessment coordinates accurate to within 100m

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 8
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the town level at 35.140191, 44.446261.

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
    7
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Duquq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SMD318883
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020

  • Sept. 27, 2015 near Duquq, Iraq, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh fighters. Regrettably, seven civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of the strike. 2835/CI114 38SMD318883

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

One strike was reported neat Kirkuk for September 26th-27th 2015: “Near Kirkuk, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 8
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI418

Incident date

January 13, 2017

Location

الفيصلية, Mosul, Al-Faisiliyah, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.348018, 43.154196 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said Coalition airstrikes bombed a school inhabited by displaced people in Faisaliyah neighborhood in East Mosul, leaving up to 12 civilians dead or wounded. The Coalition subsequently confirmed responsibility.

News of Iraq reported that the raids on Friday evening had killed and wounded “12 people, mostly women and children.” All sources said the Coalition was responsible for the air strikes.

On March 4th the Coalition admitted responsibility for the event: “Jan. 13, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS fighters in a house it was assessed that eight civilians were unintentionally killed. During post-strike video analysis civilians were identified near the house who were not evident prior to the strike.” It also noted that it was assessing at least one other Mosul event for that day: “Jan. 13, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via social media report.”

A Coalition official subsequently confirmed to Airwars that this refered to the al Faisaliyah event, providing the grid reference 38SLF3436724131.

On March 18th Airwars spoke with a reported survivor of the incident, who provided photographs and biographical details for five victims – including two of his own children. According to the source the US strike hit the Al Marafa private school at 9am where IDPs were staying.

The incident occured at approximately 9:00 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Abdulrahman Qusay Saad Abdul Razaq
Child male killed
Aesha Qusay Saad Abdul Razaq
Child female killed
Sara Haitham Hussein Mahmood
Age unknown male killed
Musab Haitham Hussein Mahmood
Age unknown male killed
Affan Haitham Hussein Mahmood
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Photos provided by Qusay Saad Abdul Razaq to Airwars researchers, showing the bodies of two of his children.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Another photo provided by Qusay Saad Abdul Razaq.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    More images provided by Qusay Saad Abdul Razaq.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    More images provided by Qusay Saad Abdul Razaq.
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
    Unseen at time of engagement
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    8
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3436724131
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 4, 2017

  • Jan. 13, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS fighters in a house it was assessed that eight civilians were unintentionally killed. During post-strike video analysis civilians were identified near the house who were not evident prior to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For January 12th-13th the Coalition publicly noted: “Near Mosul, nine strikes engaged five ISIL tactical units; destroyed five vehicles, three mortar systems, two UAV launch sites, three fighting positions, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a VBIED manufacturing and armoring facility, a heavy machine gun, a supply cache, and an anti-air artillery system; damaged 18 supply routes; and two bridges.”

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1094

Incident date

June 26, 2017

Location

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.01979, 40.45123 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 42 and 100 civilians who were being detained in an ISIL prison were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on an ISIL base in Al Mayadeen, local sources reported. The Coalition later conceded having killed eight civilians.

According to a number of reports, the strikes also allegedly killed between 15 to 20 ISIL members, 11 non-civilian prisoners (such as militia fighters), four prison guards, five women that the terror group took as sex slaves in addition to one civilian male who was killed as a result of being in the vicinity of the strikes.

Euphrates Post reported that one of the buildings hit was the former house of Ahmed al Hamash, which had been turned into a so called ISIL ‘agricultural centre’, while another was the house of Abdul Hamid Idris al Mazal.

Mazal was said to be a leader within Al Nusra Front until ISIL executed him in 2014, commandeered his three-story property and converted it into the ISIL prison where the prisoners were said to be killed.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) also reported that a commercial bank was hit and was “completely destroyed,” but was the only source to mention a bank.

Images from various buildings showed extensive damage, however they could not be distinguished.

According to an NPR interview with Rami Abdulrahman, the director of the SOHR, a senior ISIL leader was killed in the strike, but he was not identified.

A later SOHR report stated that the strikes targeted a senior ISIL leader from a Gulf country, but said he was evacuated with his wife before the strike.

Euphrates Post identified the nearby victim of the strike who is said to have been killed near his shop, which is near to the ISIL base.

DeirEzzor24 identified one of the casualties as Madin al Mutlaq and reported that he was a member of ISIL’s police force and carried out dozens of arrests in the area.

Nine of the 11 sources who reported the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

In October 2017, the Coalition stated it had unintentionally killed eight civilians in a strike on an ISIS detention facility Al Mayadin: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS detention facility, it was assessed that eight civilians were unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Fares Ahmed Mahmoud al Hamran
Adult male also known as Abu Ahmed killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 70
  • (5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • 'Fares Ahmed Mahmoud Alhamran "Abu Ahmed" killed by the bombing of the city of Mayadeen yesterday near his shop near the former State Security headquarters', Deir Ezzor, 26th June 2017. ( via, Euphrates Post)
  • The extent of damage to civilian homes in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, 26th June 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The extent of damage to civilian homes in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, 26th June 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The extent of damage to civilian homes in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, 26th June 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The extent of damage to civilian homes in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, 26th June 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The extent of damage to civilian homes in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, 26th June 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The extent of damage to civilian homes in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, 26th June 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The extent of damage to civilian homes in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, 26th June 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The extent of damage to civilian homes in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, 26th June 2017. (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.016667, 40.444167

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
    8
  • Stated location
    near Al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU324762
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017

  • June 26, 2017, near Al Mayadin, Syria, via media report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS detention facility, it was assessed that eight civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 26th-27th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dawr Az Zawr, seven strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed three vehicles, a tactical vehicle, two bunkers, two pump jacks, a front-end loader, an IED factory, an ISIS financial facility, and an ISIS headquarters.” It additionally reported that “On June 26, near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed an ISIS factory.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 70
  • (5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS965

Incident date

June 6, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah: near Omar Bin Al Khattab mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.959065, 38.999199 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A man was killed, and his son was injured in Coalition airstrikes which struck the street near his home. The Coalition later conceded a total of eight deaths and 24 injuries clustered across this event and CS965a and CS965b. To avoid triple counting, the official OIR tally is only counted here.

This civilian was initially listed in an airstrike which killed eight civilians from three families – including Hamsho – with dozens also left wounded. It has since been uncovered by Amnesty field research that this victim died of his injures, eight days after shrapnel entered his home on the 7th floor of a building where he was reading by a window.

In addition to this, his son was inured – off Fardous Street opposite Shokan estate agent. His wife confirmed it was early morning of Tue 12 Ramadhan (6 June) however the victim died eight days later.

In a testimony given to Amnesty International by Kawthar – wife of the victim – she stated that “My husband was reading by the window and was hit by shrapnel from the airstrike outside; He remained in a coma for eight days and then died. My son was in the next room and was also injured. ”

A number of sources alleged that the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were responsible for the strikes with the Syrian Network blaming SDF mortars. However, the Coalition also reported that it conducted artillery fire in the Raqqa.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ghassan Ibrahim Hamsho
43 years old male a taylor by trade, died after 8 days in a coma killed
His son
Child male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (36) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Ghassan Ibrahim Hamsho, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 6th June 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of Ghassan Ibrahim Hamsho. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of Ghassan Ibrahim Hamsho. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of Ghassan Ibrahim Hamsho. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of Ghassan Ibrahim Hamsho. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of Ghassan Ibrahim Hamsho. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

On Google Earth 2017/05/31-2017/06/11, only minor damage is visible. By 2017/08/19-2017/08/25 major damage is visible.

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

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
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Fair
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    8
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    24
  • Stated location
    near Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV017790
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

  • June 12, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition artillery targeted ISIS fighters. Regrettably, eight civilians were unintentionally killed and 24 civilians were unintentionally injured due to their proximity to the impacts.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 11th-12th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 16 fighting positions, two vehicles, and two ISIS boats; damaged five ISIS supply routes; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally reported that “On June 11, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions and suppressed a sniper team.” And that “On June 11, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed two fighting positions.”

It also reported for the same days that "Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 21 fighting positions and four vehicles."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

On the 15/6-17, the French MoD reported: "In the past week, France reports his 31 sorties, 28 of which were Armed Reconnaissance or Ground Support (CAS) and 3 were intelligence gathering. Two strikes were conducted by French planes in Iraq and Syria, one in the west of Raqqah city, and the other in the Al Qaim region, both against ISIL fighters. Task Force Wagram carried out 80 artillery strikes in Mosul."

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 28 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 2 frappes ont été conduites par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, l’une à l’Ouest de la ville de Raqqah, et l’autre dans la région d’Al Qaim, toutes deux contre des combattants de Daech.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (36) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI342

Incident date

November 17–18, 2016

Location

حي عدن, Mosul, Aden, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.35316, 43.21461 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local reports and an eyewitness inside east Mosul said up to 24 civilians from four families who had been gathered in one room within a three-story house, were killed in Aden Quarter by an alleged Coalition airstrike at 2.30pm during the main offensive by Iraqi security forces.

Iraqi reporter Majid Sharif noted on the day “Heavy fighting in the district of Aden by my brothers, heroes of the fight against terrorism.” And fellow reporter Issa Abdul Razzaq noted that “Counter-terrorism forces have stormed the district of Aden.”

On April 30th 2017, the Coalition confirmed that it had killed eight civilians in the attack: “Nov. 17, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via NGO report: During a strike on ISIS fighters firing on partnered forces from a building Nov. 18, it was assessed that eight civilians were unintentionally killed and 12 civilians unintentionally injured in the building.”

A field report by the Los Angeles Times also confirmed the event: “Sunday’s report confirmed that eight civilians were mistakenly killed and a dozen injured on Nov. 17 in east Mosul’s Aden neighbourhood by a strike meant to hit Islamic State fighters. Victims identified, including an adult man, 6 children and an unborn niece. His mother suffered burns to her scalp and back. His 40-year-old sister’s legs were broken and she still cannot walk. ‘The way they are targeting ISIS is wrong: They will target one ISIS militant, and as a result, many civilians will die,’ Jasim, 30, said Sunday. An unemployed taxi driver, he is trying to get his injured relatives treated, but said no one would lend him the money.”

Between April 2016 and June 2017, reporters Azmat Khan and Anand Gopal visited the sites of nearly 150 airstrikes across northern Iraq for the New York Times Magazine.

Regarding this specific incident, they noted that, “On 11/17-18/2016, the family of Jassim Mohammad Ali was at home when an airstrike hit their home, killing eight of his grandchildren, including one who was born only two days earlier, and injuring three family members.

“Naha Mohammad Hussain, who was among the injured, had just given birth two days earlier, woke up under the rubble, looking up to see sky, thinking about the pain in her right hand and right leg, and where her children were. Her husband pulled her out of the rubble, and she was treated at Salam Hospital. Her right arm has already had three operations, but her hand hangs completely limp. Doctors say she will take two years to recover. Also injured were Zohra Hassan, who has a very deep gash in her head, where you can see her skull, and back, and Fatiiya Jasim, who has a chunk of her left leg missing. The family has rebuilt parts of the house, but still are seeking costly medical treatment for injuries.”

Jassim Mohammad Ali, originally badly injured in the event, passed away in December 2017.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (12)

Imad Jasim
5 years old male killed
Ali Faith Jasim
23 years old male killed
Sherhan Younis
12 years old male killed
Zeinoun Younes Jasim
8 years old male killed
Mustafa Husna
5 years old male killed
Wissam Mustafa
4 years old male killed
Jasim Imad Jasim
1 years old male killed
Rahma Omar
1 years old female 2 days old killed
Jassim Mohammad Ali
Adult male Died December 2017 killed
Naha Mohammad Hussain
Adult female Mother of Rahma Omar injured
Zohra Hassan
Age unknown female injured
Fatiiya Jasim
Age unknown female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 24
  • (6–7 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A photo shows the house which was destroyed by the alleged Coalition airstrike in Aden Quarter in the Baysan neighbourhood of Mosul where reportedly up to 24 civilians were killed (via LA times)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 36.3535686, 43.2141209

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
    Inside target building
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    8
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    12
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF398246
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017

  • Nov. 17, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via NGO report: During a strike on ISIS fighters firing on partnered forces from a building Nov. 18, it was assessed that eight civilians were unintentionally killed and 12 civilians unintentionally injured in the building.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 16th-17th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, three strikes [1 British] engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed six mortar systems, four watercraft, three storage containers, two fighting positions, two vehicles, a bunker, a trench, and an ISIL-held building; degraded two tunnels; and suppressed two tactical units and a rocket-propelled grenade system.“

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 24
  • (6–7 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]