US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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
text search
2864 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

CI508

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Location

حي المطاحن, Mosul, Al-Matahin / Mills, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3380482, 43.0899453 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that up to 40 civilians were killed and more than 76 injured, mostly children and women, in Coalition airstrikes on the Station, Mills and Fatah neighborhoods at the right side of Mosul.

While Iraqi Spring Media Center blamed the US for carrying out the raids (and posted several graphic images of children allegedly killed) Yaqein said Iraqi government forces were responsible.

In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    36 – 40
  • (7 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    76–84
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victims of the alleged attack (via Iraqi Spring)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Another victim of the alleged attack (via Iraqi Spring)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A man allegedly injured in the attack (via Iraqi Spring)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Another victim of the alleged attack (via Iraqi Spring)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Another victim of the alleged attack (via Iraqi Spring)
  • Aftermath of the alleged attack (via Iraqi Spring)
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
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF285231/38SLF282264
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020
  • Aug 22, 2020

  • March 4, 2017, in Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3085/CI508 38SLF285231

  • March 4, 2017, in Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3087/CI508 38SLF282264

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 3rd-March 4th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and an ISIS staging area; destroyed 21 mortar systems, 13 fighting positions, five heavy machine guns, four medium machine guns, and an ISIS headquarters; and damaged five supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    36 – 40
  • (7 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    76–84
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI528

Incident date

March 9, 2017

Location

حي الفاروق, Mosul, Farouk, Nineveh, Iraq

Airwars assessment

A local source told Airwars’ Iraq-based field researcher that three of his family members died in the Farouk neighbourhood of Mosul, after Coalition airstrikes allegedly targeted their house at 3pm in the afternoon while they were praying.

The family member provided Airwars with the names of the casualties, his father and his two brothers.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mezahim Abdullah Suleman
Adult male Father killed
Maher Mezahim Abdullah
Adult male Son killed
Mohamed Mezahim Abdullah
Adult male Son killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al-Farouk neighborhood, Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF318236
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018

  • After a review of available information and the strike video, it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Mosul, fives strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed six vehicles, five tanker trucks, four mortar systems, 4 VBIEDs, two supply caches, a fighting position, an artillery system, an ISIS-held building, a tactical vehicle, an ISIS headquarters, and a weapons storage facility; damaged 32 supply routes; and suppressed nine mortar teams, a sniper team, a medium machine gun team, and an ISIS tactical unit.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Incident Code

CS578

Incident date

March 16, 2017

Location

الجينة, Al Jina, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.117309, 36.802243 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A unilateral US drone strike on a mosque complex near al Jina town killed between 37 and 62 civilians according to multiple reports and eyewitness statements. While the US has admitted it carried out the attack, officials have claimed that al Jina’s Omar Ibn al Khattab mosque where the casualties occurred was not targeted in the raid. The Pentagon instead insisted that “an al Qaeda in Syria meeting location” had been struck – though announced an investigation into reported civilian deaths.

The evening attack at al Jina – which was initially blamed by many on Russia – was in fact according to the Washington Post conducted by two US Reaper drones , which fired six Hellfire missiles at the location at around 7pm before dropping a 500lb bomb. The results were devastating.

At least 300 people were reportedly present for an evangelical religious class at Jina’s new mosque when it was struck – among them some children. According to Step News, “US aircraft targeted a Dawah centre of al Dawah Wa al Tabligh. The group holds a weekly meeting in one of their centres every Thursday which is attended by dozens of students of religious studies, sheikhs, shariaa experts and fighters in the Islamic factions and civilians from the region.” In Islamic theology according to Wikipedia, “the purpose of da’wah is to invite people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to understand the worship of Allah as expressed in the Qur’an and the sunnah of the prophet Muhammad and to inform them about Muhammad.”

Suspicions of US involvement were first raised by online monitors including Bellingcat, after missile fragments were found at the scene. After initially claiming a unilateral strike that day was in Idlib, CENTCOM confirmed to Airwars late on the night of March 16th that the attack at Al Jina had in fact been by the US.Spokesman Major Josh Jacques told reporter Samuel Oakford that the target was “assessed to be a meeting place for al Qaeda, and we took the strike… It happened to be across the street from where there is a mosque.” He said the mosque was not the target, and that it wasn’t hit directly. Both CENTCOM and the Pentagon told Airwars that they were further investigating the attack.

In an effort to discredit claims that it had targeted worshippers, the Pentagon also issued a photograph which it said showed the mosque at al Jina intact. However this appeared to backfire, with most commentators noting that both buildings including that targeted were in fact mosques.

The White Helmets – more usually seen aiding casualties from Assad regime or Russian strikes, led the rescue effort. It eventually estimated that at least 50 people had died. As Shaam News reported, “The bombing was following by residents and rescue teams putting out a call to all defense teams in the region calls for help for all defense centers and ambulance crews in the area to go to the site shelling and help lift the martyrs out of the basement.”

One angry eyewitness told Smart News: “This is a praying center. For those aged from 8 to 60 years old. Unarmed civilians. Where is the terrorism? They are unarmed, not terrorists. Peaceful civilians praying. I am one of them, there are no terrorists here. There are almost 250 people including children and the elderly. Many are under the rubble and we don’t have the equpiment to lift them. Assad, Europe and Russia took everything from us, how can we lift them? By our hands? All you do is send us a food basket, we don’t need it anymore. Keep it for yourselves.” A number of cities and towns in the area reportedly cancelled Friday Prayers for fear of further attacks.

Syria News Desk claimed that 15 children were among the dead. While this number cold not be verified, the White Helmets have named five victims under the age of 17, and a child was filmed being rescued from the rubble at al Jina.

The militant Islamic rebel group Ahrar al Sham – the apparent target of the US attack – later issued a statement attacking “the shameful spectacle where the an international community has turned from a passive silent party in towards the Syrian case to a contributor to the killing of the Syrian people.”

Turkey’s deputy Prime Minister condemned the US attack as a ‘war crime.’ However Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that “In principle, we have no doubts that the US military targeted terrorists.”

The White Helmets have named 29 civilian casualties and  26 of 100 or more people reportedly injured in the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Khaled Orabi
Child killed
Hasan Omar Orabi
Child
Ahmad Nouri Issa
Adult killed
Mustapha Nashat Said al Sheikh
Adult killed
Ahmad Kiyali
Age unknown killed
Ali Mustapha
Child killed
Abd al Rahman Hasim
Child killed
Ahmad al Zein
Age unknown killed
Ismail Hamada al Sheikh
Age unknown killed
Nadim Abu Bashir Kababi
Adult male killed
Nassim Hussein Abbas
Adult killed
Adel Mohammad Qitaz
Child killed
Ibrahim Abboud
Adult killed
Kinjo Haj Yusuf
Adult killed
Abu Hussein Taliha
Age unknown killed
Abd al Al Qader Janat
Adult killed
Abd al Latif Mu’del
Age unknown killed
Nader Fatloun
Age unknown killed
Safwat al Zein
Adult killed
Bashir al Ghabra
Age unknown killed
Abd al Ghafour Abd al Ghafour
Age unknown killed
Adel Mohammad Rashid
Age unknown killed
Mohammad Abd al Salam
Age unknown killed
Saleh Fatloun
Age unknown killed
Mustapha Nasser Yasin
Age unknown killed
Mufid A’kal
Age unknown killed
Ibrahim Qatiba
Age unknown killed
Ibrahim Bassamiya
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    37 – 62
  • (5–15 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    100
  • 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 (97) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (27) [ collapse]

  • Post by Aleppo White Helmets on March 17th, 2017, depicted the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Jina.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by Step News Agency on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by HNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by SNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by SNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by SNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Video of the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on Al Jina, posted by HNN on March 16th, 2017.
  • Post by Airwars revealing that the US admitted to have carried out the strike on the mosque in Al Jina.
  • Tweet by @sonawa1
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was struck in an alleged Coalition airstrike, according to an SNN Facebook post on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to Halab Today TV on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to Halab Today TV on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to Smart News Agency on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Al Touba mosque in al Jina village after it was targeted in an alleged airstrike, according to SNN on March 16th, 2017
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Pictures of the destructing in Al Jina after an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted this mosque, posted by Aleppo Media Center on March 17th, 2018.
  • Cleaning up the rubble after an alleged airstrike targeted Al Jina, posted by the Aleppo White Helmets Facebook page on March 17th, 2018.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video showing the remains of one of the victims being pulled out of the rubble, posed by SNN on March 17th, 2018.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al-Jina town, west Aleppo, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCV022991
    Military Grid Reference System

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

A CENTCOM press release issued in the early hours of March 17th 2017 stated: “U.S. forces conducted an airstrike on an Al Qaeda in Syria meeting location March 16 in Idlib [later corrected to Aleppo], Syria, killing several terrorists.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    37 – 62
  • (5–15 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    100
  • 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 (97) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS595

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Multiple locations, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8295049, 38.5360909 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the third reported event at Tabaqa on March 20th, five civilians died and nine were injured in an airstrike in Tabaqa, though it was unclear from reports who was responsible.

According to the Smart news agency, “five civilians were killed and nine others were injured on Monday evening following raids targeting the market car park and al Manghiya neighbourhood and al Ayed farm and al Village area in al Tabaqa“. The source didn’t identify the warplanes.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently also reported: “attacks on al Tabaqa, targeting the market car park”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Likely coordinates for the market car park (كراج السوق) are: 35.8495568, 38.5537612. The coordinates for Al Ayed farm area (مزرعة العاید) are: 35.8503786, 38.4772968. We are unable to geolocate Al Villat area ( منطقة الفیلات ) and Al Manghiya neighbourhood. Airwars assessment summary uses generic coordinates for the Tabaqa area.

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 Tabqah Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 20th-21st the Coalition stated: “Near Ar Raqqah, 19 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed four petroleum oil lubricant equipment pieces, three barges, three fighting positions, three ISIS headquarters, two VBIED facilities, two VBIEDs, a VBIED factory, a tunnel, a vehicle, a weapons storage facility, and a command and control node; and damaged two supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS613

Incident date

March 24, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8295049, 38.5360909 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians died and ten more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a mosque in Tabaqa, according to local media.

Alfayha reported that “a Coalition warplane shelled near Fatima mosque in the Maghniya neighbourhood after Friday Prayers and killed five civilians and wounded 10 more. The death toll is likely to increase.” Smart News also pointed to the Coalition.

According to the Shaam News Network, “Tabaqa and Al-bo Asi were under aerial bombardment and heavy artillery shelling” – though the source didn’t say who was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khaled Ahmad Al-Salal
Age unknown male named by Sharqiya, from Buleil killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al-Thawrah, Tabaqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 24th-25th: “Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two fighting positions, two vehicles, and a weapons storage facility; and damaged a supply route.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS636

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.838906, 38.742915 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eight civilians from one family – displaced from Maskanah – died when an alleged Coalition airstrike hit their car in Mansoura, according to local sources.

According to Jisr TV, six civilians from the same family died. Syria News Desk also reported: “The opposition media activist Mohammed Othman from al-Raqqa countryside told the Syria News Agency that Coalition aircraft carried out four raids on residential sites on the outskirts of Mansoura North and two raids on the village of Huneida east, stressing that the residents and ambulance teams continue to remove the rubble and search operations are ongoing. The injured have been moved to the village of Madan, which is also controlled by the organization [IS] in the eastern countryside, according to the source.

“Osman added that the raids caused the destruction of five houses on the outskirts of Mansoura and two houses in the village of Hunaidah”.

In its monthly report for April the Syrian Network noted: “fixed wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a number of missiles at a civilian car on the outskirts of mansoura town in the western suburbs of al raqqa governorate which resulted in the killing of eight civilians who were IDPs from Maskana city in the eastern suburbs of aleppo at once. The town is under the control of ISIS.”

Victims of “warplane shelling” were named by the Violations Documentation Center.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mahmoud al-Hamsho
Adult male killed
Mouhammad al-Hasan
Adult male killed
Aziz al-Hasan
Adult male killed
Ibrahim al-Ali
Adult male killed
Mouhammad al-Hamid
Adult male killed
Hasan al-Okleh
Adult male killed
Mahmoud al-Muhammad
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (22) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Mansura, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV7678266111
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 28th-29th: “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike destroyed an ISIS pump jack.”
For March 29th-30th: "Near Ar Raqqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; and destroyed five oil tanker trucks, three vehicles, two tractors, an oil trailer, and a tactical vehicle."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

"In the past week, France reports carrying out 10 strikes of which 2 planned. They have destroyed 13 targets. In Iraq, all six strikes were carried out in the Mosul area at the request of Iraqi troops engaged in the ground combat. In Syria, two strikes were carried out in the western region of Raqqa, in support of the offensive near the Tabqah dam. Two other strikes were carried out against planned targets, one of which was led by the Atlantic 2, in order to put the Daesh oil infrastructure out of use. Task force Wagram carried out 27 missions in Mosul."

"Chammal Appréciation de la situation Point de situation des opérations au 30 mars 2017 En Syrie, la semaine a été marquée par les opérations menées par les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) dans la région de Tabqah. Alors que l’aéroport a été repris, les combats se poursuivent pour reprendre le barrage de Tabqah. Le contrôle de ce verrou revêt un caractère stratégique dans la manœuvre d’isolement progressif des approches de Raqqah destinée à préparer l’offensive visant à reprendre la ville. Dans le reste du pays, la situation n’a pas connu d’évolution significative en dépit d’affrontements violents, notamment dans les régions de Palmyre et Deir Ez Zor. En Irak, Daech poursuit sa campagne d’action asymétrique dans les régions de l’Anbar et dans la poche de résistance d’Hawijah sans pour autant avoir conduit d’action d’ampleur cette semaine. Dans la région de Mossoul, l’isolement de la ville a été consolidé par la 9e division depuis Badush au Nord-Ouest en avançant le long du Tigre en direction de l’Est. Dans la ville même, l’offensive n’a pas connu d’avancée significative cette semaine. Si Daech ne semble plus disposer de moyens suffisants pour mener des actions offensives coordonnées, les positions des combattants sont durcies et protégées dans le quartier de la vieille ville, et le piégeage du terrain comme l’utilisation de véhicules suicides chargés d’explosif (VBIED-Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices) ainsi que la présence de population civile rendent difficile les progressions. Dans ce contexte, les forces de sécurité irakiennes des FEDPOL (police fédérale irakienne) et des ERD (Emergency Response Division – division d’intervention Rapide) ont consolidé et sécurisé leurs positions au sud de la Médina tandis que l’ICTS a amorcé une série d’opérations périphériques qui ont permis de progresser à l’Ouest de la Médina et de consolider l’isolement de ce quartier. Activité de la force Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 27 sorties aériennes dont 20 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 7 de recueil de renseignements. 10 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, dont 2 planifiées. Elles ont permis la destruction de 13 objectifs. En Irak, les 6 frappes réalisées ont toutes été menées dans la zone de Mossoul sur demande des troupes irakiennes engagées dans les combats au sol. En Syrie deux frappes ont été réalisées dans la région ouest de Raqqah, en appui de l’offensive des FDS à proximité du barrage de Tabqah visant à parfaire l’isolement de la ville. Deux autres frappes ont été réalisées contre des objectifs planifiés, dont une guidée par l’Atlantique 2, afin de mettre hors d’usage des infrastructures pétrolières utilisées par Daech. Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions de tir en appui de la 9e division. Les 27 missions réalisées l’ont été en appui des combats visant à resserrer l’encerclement autour de la ville de Mossoul, dont 22 missions de neutralisation, et 5 missions d’appui éclairant ou fumigène. L’effort a été marqué sur les points de franchissement du Tigre et dans les collines surplombant la région de Badush, zone refuge de combattants de Daech, faisant passer aux artilleurs de la TF Wagram le cap symbolique des 600 missions d’artillerie."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS658

Incident date

April 2, 2017

Location

رطلة, Ratlah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.882222, 39.048611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Smart News Agency, Khelafa and Syriapc, five civilians including three children died and three others were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Ratla village and Al Akeirshi village. The injured were reportedly treated at a nearby field hospital.

No additional details are presently known.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties. (1276)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 1st – April 2nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight barges and five fighting positions; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”
For April 2nd - April 3rd, the Coalition reported: "Near Ar Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position."

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS672

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Location

الكالطة, Qaltah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.1795231, 39.0142536 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that one civilian was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Al Kalta. Revolutionary Forces of Syria said he died when his home was struck.

There are no other details available at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Musleh
Age unknown male killed

Summary

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

Sources (9) [ 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 Qaltah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties. (1297)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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

Summary

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

Sources (9) [ collapse]