US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1721

Incident date

February 3–4, 2018

Location

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.735379, 40.773976 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported up to 40 civilians killed, including up to 20 named children and at least 13 women, and “dozens” wounded in a major casualty event in Al Bahra on February 4th.

All sources identify the Coalition as the culprit or – as with the Enabbaladi local report – specifically mentioned “indiscriminate US shelling”.

ISIS released a video via A’amaq on February 4th, showing damage and the bodies of children laying on the ground. Multiple photographs appeared to document high infant fatalities in the town.

A report from Jisr TV mentioned that this incident was a continuation of the campaign on the village as mentioned before in event S1525, noting that “the international coalition fighters intensified their air strikes on the areas under the organization east of Deir Ezzor recently, especially in the village of Al-Bahra”.

On February 8th, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the fatality toll had risen to “at least 40, including 20 children and 13 women”. According to the report, the airstrike targeted a school with Internally Displaced Persons. Euphrates Post and the Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies both later provided a list of the casualties that had been so far documented: Euphrates Poist said most of the deceased were IDPs from the town of Safira in eastern Aleppo.

Despite the event being apparently well documented, the Coalition later denied responsibility.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (21)

Malik Mohammed Al-Hussein Al Arabesh
Adult male killed
Wife of Malik Mohammed al Hussein
Adult female killed
Mahmoud bin Ali al-Hussein Al Arbash
Age unknown male killed
Haitham bin Ali Al Hussein Al Arbish
Age unknown male killed
Wife of Haitham
Adult female , daughter of Ahmed Al Ahmad al Juma’a killed
Wife of Malik Al-Ali
Adult female Al-Hussain the daughter of Mahmoud Al Dandal killed
Abdul Rahman
4 years old male Son of Mohammed Al-Hussein killed
Mohammed
3 years old male Son of Mohammed Al-Hussein killed
Emad
3 years old male Son of Haitham Al Hussein killed
Sondos
2 years old female Daughter of Haitham al-Hussein killed
Jihad Mahmoud Ali Al-Hussein
3 years old male killed
Mariya
2 years old female Daughter of Mahmoud al-Hussein killed
Shahd
5 years old female Daughter of Mahmoud Al Ali Al Hussein killed
Wife of Mahmoud bin Ali al-Hussein
Adult female Daughter of Mohammed al-Haj Ali killed
Wife of Ahmed bin Ali Al Hussein Al Hussein
Adult female killed
Hisham
7 years old male Son of Malik bin Ali Al Hussein killed
Hudhayfah
5 years old male Son of Malik Ali al Hussein killed
Bayan
3 years old female Daughter of Malik Ali Hussein killed
Nasreen al-Husain
Adult female Daughter of Hussein, wife of Ahmed al-Hussein bin Ali killed
Aya
3 months years old female Daughter of Ahmed Al Hussein Bin Ali killed
Nour
14 years old female Daughter of Ali al-Hussein killed

Family members (9)

Saleh Al Abboud Al Ahmad Al Alawi Abu Fadi
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim
6 years old male Son of Saleh al-‘Abdu al-Ahmad al-‘Alu killed
Izzo
9 years old male Son of Saleh al-‘Abdu al-Ahmad al-‘Alu killed
Wife of Fadi Ibn Saleh Al-Abboud Al-Ahmad Al-Alu
Adult female Daughter of Professor Mohamed Fouad Ismail killed
Magda
28 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-Hamdu al-Alou killed
Samih
40 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-Hamdu al-Alawi killed
Fatima
9 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-‘Abdu al-‘Alu, nicknamed Abu Basha killed
Maha
7 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-‘Abdu al-‘Ali killed
Iman
36 years old female Daughter of Hammad Al-Ahmad Al-Alou killed

Family members (7)

Abdullah Abu Hussein Haj Ibrahim
Age unknown male killed
Malika
Age unknown female Daughter of Abdullah Abu Hussein killed
Bashar
17 years old male Son of Abdullah Abu Hussein Haj Ibrahim killed
Mohammed
13 years old male Son of Abdullah Abu Hussein killed
Anwar Mohammed Al-Anwar
9 years old male killed
Nourah
3 years old female Daughter of Mohammed Al-Anwar killed
Qutaibah
2 years old male Son of Ibrahim Abdullah Abu Hussein killed

The victims were named as:

Wafa Al Ahmed Al Haj Ali
Age unknown male killed
Abdo Al-Ahmad Al-Alo Abu Nayef
Age unknown male killed
Wife of Abu Fadi
Adult female Daughter of Hammad Al-Ahmad Al-Alawi killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    38 – 40
  • (7–21 children13–20 women3–7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A little girl, one of the victims of the continued air campaign on Al Bahra (via Jısırtv)
  • A stills grab from an al Amaq propaganda video detailing reported destruction at al Bahra on Februiary 4th
  • A stills grab from an al Amaq propaganda video detailing reported destruction at al Bahra on Februiary 4th
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)

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 Bahra village, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU619458
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 3rd, the Coalition reported that "On Feb. 3 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of eight engagements against ISIS targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes [2 or more British] engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS supply route, four ISIS-held buildings and a weapons cache."

For February 4th the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 4 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six engagements against ISIS targets.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Saturday 3 February – Typhoons and a Reaper hit three Daesh buildings…they [Typhoons] demolished a further two such buildings on 3 February, , whilst a Reaper destroyed another.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Sunday 4 February – a Reaper struck a large group of terrorists in a building…On 4 February, a Reaper hit another building held by a large group of terrorists.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

The Wagram Task Force continues its support security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, two firefighting missions were carried out for the benefit of the Iraqi security forces. This week, the air activity provided intelligence and support missions for the Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian Democratic Forces. It resulted in 28 sorties (assessment from 31 January to 6 February) during which a strike was conducted in the Abu Kamal area in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the last pockets of Daesh in the valley of the Euphrates.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les dernières poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur combat contre les dernières poches daechies présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate. La Coalition y apporte un appui continu, permettant aux forces locales au sol de progresser régulièrement malgré une résistance importante de Daech. Poursuite des opérations de sécurisation en Irak… En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs efforts pour sécuriser le territoire. La priorité porte actuellement sur les régions de Baji et de Kirkouk où des caches d’armes sont régulièrement découvertes et détruites. … favorisant le retour des réfugiés A la faveur de la sécurisation croissante du territoire irakien, les conditions du retour des réfugiés se sont sensiblement améliorées, notamment dans la partie ouest de l’Anbar. Les réfugiés rejoignent progressivement les villes d’Al Qaim et d’Anah où les opérations de dépollution des engins explosifs improvisés laissés par Daech se poursuivent. Environ 80 camps ont été fermés en Irak et une vingtaine devrait l’être dans les semaines à venir. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram forme des artilleurs irakiens… Du 30 janvier au 1er février, un détachement de la Task Force Wagram a réalisé une action de formation inédite au tir canon au profit de plus d’une centaine d’artilleurs irakiens. Cet échange d’expérience est le résultat des liens établis entre les Task force Monsabert et Wagram avec l’Ecole d’artillerie irakienne. Ce type de stage est appelé à être renouvelé. … tout en poursuivant son appui aux opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, deux missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (1 mission d’éclairement et 1 mission d’interdiction – bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1617 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a permis d’assurer des missions de renseignement et d’appui au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 28 sorties aériennes (bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février) au cours desquelles une frappe a été réalisée dans le secteur d’Abu Kamal en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes combattant les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7736 sorties / 1435 frappes / 2223 objectifs neutralisés.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For January 31st-February 6th, the Dutch MoD reported its F-16s released four munitions in the vicinity of Abu Kamal: on ISIS fighters, a storage facility and artillery positions. Jets provided support to ground troops in 12 missions, including in the Iraqi provinces Nineva, Salah ad-Din and As-Sulaymaniyah.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 07-02-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-doelen aan: strijders, logistieke opslaglocaties en artillerieopstellingen. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 31 januari tot en met 6 februari 2018. F-16 taxiet naar startbaanToon opties Een Nederlandse F-16 op weg naar de startbaan. De jachtvliegtuigen hielpen de grondtroepen tijdens 11 missies, ook boven de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Sala ad-Din en As-Sulaymaniyah. Bij 4 werden wapens ingezet. Nederland doet boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband mee aan de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Irak Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainen Nederlandse militairen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. Het team van Capacity Building Mission Iraq (CBMI) IX droeg vorige week het stokje over aan CBMI X. Zij voeren deze missie uit tot en met mei 2018. 2 trainingsteams verzorgen een basis-infanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en daarnaast een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Dat gebeurde in 2 opleidingscentra van Peshmerga. Zij kregen les in basisvaardigheden, kaartlezen en het verrichten van medische handelingen. Degenen die de training afrondden, ontvingen een certificaat. In het westen van Irak werkt een chirurgisch team in het Amerikaanse Role 2-hospitaal. De Nederlandse medici werken daar nauw samen met een Brits team.’

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    38 – 40
  • (7–21 children13–20 women3–7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI239

Incident date

May 19, 2016

Location

معسكر الغزلاني, Mosul, Ghazlani, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.302955, 43.128271 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, Yaqen, claimed that 40 civilians were killed and injured in Coalition airstrikes on Mosul.

According to the local news group, “A source said that ‘the bombing targeted areas of the Ghazlai camp project as well as the University of Mosul, and the shelling was followed by another bombing which targeted the same areas after the gathering of civilians and ambulances at the first bombing site.’ The source added that ‘serious damage was caused to civilian houses and shops near the shelling areas.‘”

No additional information is presently known.

Responding to a request for clarification about possible involvement given declared UK strikes near Mosul that day, the MoD told Airwars that “after extensive research, we can confirm that there was no UK involvement” in the alleged event.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 40
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

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
    Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 18th-19th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL assembly areas and an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 40
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI660

Incident date

April 23, 2017

Location

17 تموز, Mosul, Talmuz / July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3667014, 43.0854607 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that airstrikes on Tammuz (17 July) neighbourhood in West Mosul killed and injured forty civilians, in a dawn attack.

Iraqyoon said that two neighbourhoods were hit, noting that “an aerial bombardment targeted the neighborhoods of July 17 ( Tammuz ) and al-Rifa’i, West Mosul.”

Mosul News Agency blamed the Coalition. Other sources did not say who was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 40
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–40
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

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 : “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.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 40
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–40
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI373

Incident date

December 15, 2016

Location

أحياء النور والفلاح والقدس شر, Mosul, Northeast, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3446163, 43.2249784 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

More than a dozen civilians – and possibly more than 40 – were reported killed in eastern Mosul.

Yaqein reported that 15 civilians were killed by a missile on the east side of Mosul, all from the same family – though a source it cited put the death toll lower, at 12. It did not say who was responsible but noted that the deaths came amid fighting in the area.

A separate account posted on Naynawaalghad.tv indicated that a higher number – over 40 civilians, including women and children – were killed as a result of air and artillery bombardments. That account and others referenced victims still being trapped under rubble and isolated from rescuers due to continued fighting.

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, Coalition officials requested additional information concerning the alleged event.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 40
  • 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 (5) [ 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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • The report contained insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 14th-15th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position; suppressed 11 ISIL tactical units and 13 mortar teams.”

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 – 40
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI612

Incident date

April 5, 2017

Location

معيوف, Mayouf, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.43268, 42.861649 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that more than forty people were killed in unspecified airstrikes on the village of Mayouf, north west of Mosul.

According to a report published by Al Arabi, “A local source said that an aerial bombardment targeted last night and blew up a number of houses in the village of Mayouf in the town of Badush west of Mosul, stressing to the New Arab that the bombing caused the deaths of more than 40 civilians who were gathered in those houses in order to escape from the area that was controlled by Daesh.”

Iraqi aircraft were reportedly active west of Mosul on the same day, with an assault reported on nearby Badush.

A UN report on the protection of civilians in context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: “In the morning of 4 April, ISIL forcibly gathered 34 civilian men in a house in the ISIL-controlled Ma’youf al-Jubouri neighbourhood of Badoush subdistrict, Mosul district. Later that day, an airstrike hit the house, reportedly killing all 34 civilians inside and an unknown number of ISIL fighters. Sources reported no military activity from the house before the incident. UNAMI/OHCHR could not confirm this specific information.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    34 – 40
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ 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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF1741933119
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 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 April 4th-5th the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Al Qaim, one strike destroyed an ISIS media facility.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    34 – 40
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI245

Incident date

June 1, 2016

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34585235, 43.09857692 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

10 to 40 civilians were reported killed, and 13 to 36 injured following alleged Coalition airstrikes in west Mosul.

Mosul Eye offered a detailed description of affected neighbourhoods, claiming that airstrikes had hit: “– A home in the Muhammadiyah area near the kindergarten which also damaged neighbours’ houses around it and led to the fall of martyrs and wounded

– A house in the Municipalities district

– A house in the Engineers neighbourhood which was sheltering foreigners

– Inside a [further] house in the Engineers neighbourhood

– A residence in the Agricultural district

NRN News reported that Coalition planes bombed a house used by Daesh, killing four members of the organisation, 12 civilians and wounding five others.

They said the aircraft “also bombed the headquarters of the organisation behind the spring Daash hospital“, killing 20 members of Daesh, 15 civilians and wounding eight others.

NRN’s correspondent went on to say that Colation aircraft also targeted another house used by Daesh “behind a restaurant in the neighbourhood of engineers“, killing “seven members of the organisation, including foreigners, in addition to injuring six others“.

The report concluded by saying that there was “serious damage to neighbouring houses, leading to the fall of more than 13 civilians, including women and children.

In the second of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that 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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 40
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13–36
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A picture shows massive destruction in several buildings following alleged coalition airstrikes in neighbourhoods at the left side of Mosul - the strike led to the death of at least ten civilians and 13 to 36 injured on June 1st, 2016 (via NRN)
  • An image shows aid team rushing to the incident location to help the casualties following alleged coalition airstrikes in neighbourhoods at the left side of Mosul (via NRN)

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
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF332263
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • June 1, 2016, in Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 662/CI245 38SLF332263

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition reports for June 1st-2nd 2016 that “Near Mosul, four strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle, and an ISIL assembly area and suppressed an ISIL heavy machine gun position.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 40
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13–36
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1531

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.961778, 39.006083 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 21 and 40 civilians, the majority women and children, were reported killed in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city.

Initially the citizen journalist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), reported 40 civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition. According to RBSS, the strikes hit an apartment building and all of “the bodies are still under the rubble”. RBSS described the aircraft responsible as a “B52 plane”. The media wing of ISIS also claimed that the same number of civilians died.

A subsequent report from the Syrian Network for Human Rights alleged “at least 21” died following US-led Coalition raids on Al Badou neighbourhood. Smart then reported 40 dead and “dozens” injured, after Coalition planes reportedly conducted airstrikes on an apartment building in the area.

Qasioun said the death toll was 30, whilst RFS reported 40 – mostly women and children. All sources said the US-led Coalition was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 40
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the airstrikes or artillery targeted an apartment building in the neighbourhood of Badou (البدو) in the city of Raqqa. The coordinates for the neighbourhood of Badou (البدو) are: 35.961778, 39.006083.

  • The neighbourhood of Al Badou (البد) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

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 al Badou, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 25th-26th: “Near Raqqah, 26 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 fighting positions, two ISIS headquarters and two vehicles.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 40
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI692

Incident date

May 5, 2017

Location

Mosul, Al Hermat, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.323338, 43.112861 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Heavy shelling of Hermat in West Mosul led to the deaths of five families, according to locals living in the street who were interviewd by Amnesty International.

The following unpublished field report was shared with Airwars: “The bombing was random. There were airstrikes, helicopter strikes, artillery and rockets. There were 100s of strikes each day. (During the four or five days of shelling) we didn’t sleep at all.

I know of a house with five families inside that collapsed when hit by a bomb. It was just a one storey building. That happened on Friday (5 May). I don’t know what time of day it was as we were all hiding from the bombs ourselves at the time. We heard about it from our neighbour. Those five families had been hiding, just as we were doing.

They (the five families) were my neighbours. I knew them all. There were five brothers with their wives and children; their entire families. There were maybe 15 children in the house. The brother that I knew best was called Amr. The mother of the five brothers and grandmother of all the children was there as well. He name was Najood. They all died.

I wasn’t there at the time but I know the layout of the neighbour as my house is in the same neighbourhood and these people were my neighbours. There were four ISIS “barracks” near the house that was bombed. The barracks were just homes that ISIS had taken over from local people. The closest ISIS barracks was around 200 metres southwest of the house. There was another around 300 metres to the east.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Amr
Child male killed
Najood
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 40
  • (15 children1 woman)
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (1) [ 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
    farm near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 4th-5th, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and a sniper team; destroyed nine mortar systems, nine fighting positions, two heavy machine guns, two tactical vehicles, two ISIS-held buildings, an anti-air artillery system, an artillery system, a command and control node, a VBIED, an ISIS bridge, a front-end loader, a weapons cache, a rocket system a VBIED factory; damaged 23 ISIS supply routes, three fighting positions; and suppressed six mortar teams.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 40
  • (15 children1 woman)
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]