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

CS726

Incident date

April 24, 2017

Location

مزرعة ميسلون, Maysaloun Farms, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.0550925, 38.9460395

Airwars assessment

Three civilians including one child died and two others were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Maysalon, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    farm near Raqqah, 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. (1372)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 23rd - 24th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, a heavy machine gun, a tactical vehicle, and an ISIS well head"

For April 24th - 25th the Colaition reported: "Near Tabqah, seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed three ISIS command and control nodes, a fighting position, and a heavy machine gun; and suppressed two ISIS tactical units"

The Coaliton later reported: "On April 24, near Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three ISIS vehicles. On April 24, near Tabqah, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed two fighting positions and a rocket-propelled grenade team."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Incident Code

CI674

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Location

الصحة, Mosul, Saha, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.349444, 43.100833 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local press sources and an Iraqi activist said that fifteen civilians died and five were injured after airstrikes hit a house in Saha (Health) neighborhood in West Mosul.

Mohammed Fadel al-Hayali, a civilian activist, told TRT Arabic TV: “An airstrike targeted a house in Saha neighbourhood at the western district of Mosul yesterday evening, killing 15 people and wounding five.” He furthermore reported: “All the victims are relatives and come from three families, who were hiding in this fatal house.”

Al-Hayali could not say whether the Iraqi airforce of Coalition aircraft carried out the raid. “It is difficult to determine who bombed, especially because the roar of aircraft engines above the city is barely ever ceasing,” he said.

Hassan Ehsan Al Sabaha reported on Facebook that his cousin Ali Bilal al-Sabha al-Sharifi died in front of his house after airstrikes on the neighbourhood (see photo below). This was also reported by Ehab Alshuraife, who said that Ali Bilal was his only uncle.

A UN report on the protection of civilians in context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: “In the evening of 27 April, an airstrike apparently targeting an ISIL vehicle hit three civilian houses in the ISIL-controlled al-Siha neighbourhood, western Mosul, killing 17 civilians, including six women and two children, and wounding four others, including a woman.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Bilal al-Sabha al-Sharifi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 17
  • (2 children6 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–5
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Relatives reported that Ali Bilal al-Sabha al-Sharifi died in an airstrike on Saha neighbourhood in West Mosul (via Hassan Ehsan Al Sabaha, Facebook)
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 Saha, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF296243
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 27th-28th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight front-end loaders, two recoilless rifles, a vehicle, a mortar system, an excavator, and an anti-air artillery system; damaged a VBIED facility and suppressed two mortar teams.”

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 17
  • (2 children6 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–5
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI689

Incident date

May 4, 2017

Location

الموصل: غرب, Mosul, Meshrfa, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.346741, 43.118997 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A field investigation by Amnesty International found that a number of civilians were injured or possibly killed in an air or ground attack on the 60th Street area of Msherfa in West Mosul.

The following Amnesty field report citing an eyewitness was shared with Airwars: “My family and I were staying at my aunt’s house in Msharrafa. We were there, in the house, waiting for liberation. The house had only one main room. It was on 60th street, near the main gas station. The ISF finally came to our neighbourhood on 3 May. When they came, I put my phone around my neck in a small pouch. I did this on purpose – I thought they might hit our house, so I wanted to be ready to call for help.

The house was hit on Thursday, 4 May, at 6pm. [Didn’t know what type of weapon was used or whether it was ground or air.] I was taking a nap when it hit on bed in the corner of the room, so I did not hear any sound, but it felt like something grabbed me, lifted me up, and then released me.

I did not faint, but I was shocked. I realized that I was on my back, and the roof had fallen in on the house. A window frame was resting on my chest, pinning me to the floor, and my leg was buried in the rubble. Thankfully the phone was also on my chest, very close to my neck, and I could pull it out from the pouch and call for help. I had the number for someone from the ISF and he told the others where I was.

On the second day, I was waiting for them to come, and my leg was still stuck in the rubble. The pressure was too strong, so I pulled it out myself.

I thought I would never make it out, but I didn’t give up on God. I was always asking for God’s help when I was there. I stayed calm, and I was singing verses from the Qaran to stay focused. I was just thinking about my family and hoping that they had survived. They all escaped from the house after the attack, and they assumed I had died.

The army pulled me out of the rubble on Saturday, around 3pm. They put me in a military vehicle, and took me to Baadush. There, an American medical team stabilized my leg. Then they transferred me to xxxx Hospital.

Now, I don’t know whether my two brothers are alive or dead. Some people tell me they are on the eastern side in the hospital, others say they are in the rubble. My mother is in the burn ward in this hospital, and my father is in the neurological section. My aunt, her husband, and her daughter survived the attack, and hopefully my two brothers are ok. My kneecap is broken, and I have many fractures in my leg.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al-Meshraf neighborhood, Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF272279
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 27, 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 May 3rd-4th the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and a sniper team; destroyed four rocket-propelled grenade systems, four medium machine guns, two ISIS staging areas, an artillery system, a supply cache, a VBIED, a mortar system and a fighting position.”

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
    0 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI701

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

عنة والقائم, Al Qaim and Anah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.36857, 41.98194 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 27 civilians were reportedly killed and dozens wounded by airstrikes in Anbar province, according to local sources.

Iraqi Spring Media Center said that 27 civilians were killed and 50 wounded in strikes on the towns of Anah and Al Qaim, in western Anbar. Yaqein put the death toll at 38 – “mostly civilians” – and said that 50 were wounded in strikes. Iraq News Center also reported 38 deaths, but said that 11 were members of ISIL – leaving a total of 27 civilians among those who perished.

None of these reports stipulated who was responsible. Al Jazeera however cited government sources which claimed a series of strikes in western Anbar. It suggested that up to 100 ISIL fighters and 25 civilians died.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    27 – 37
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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 (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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Qa’im, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU8312607751
    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 May 8th-9th: “Near Rutbah, two strikes destroyed a bunker and a VBIED facility.”

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
    27 – 37
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS815

Incident date

May 13, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, North of city, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9621682, 39.0062714

Airwars assessment

A civilian male named as Ahmed Al-Hamad died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to local sources.

Reports said that he died as he attempted to flee the city.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Al-Hamad
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Picture of Ahmed Al-Hamad
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 Raqqah, Syria
    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 12th-13th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions, a front-end loader, an ISIS crane, and a house-born improvised explosive device.”

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS838

Incident date

May 18, 2017

Location

حمار, Hamar, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.57296, 39.96198 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two or more civilians were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the Himar area in the desert of Abu Kamal, local sources said.

According to Baladi, “Coalition fighters raided the Hamar area of ​​Badia, Abu Kamal on Thursday, destroying a number of oil tankers and a number of incinerators, as well as injuring a number of civilians working in the liquidation of oil materials.”

All other sources also blamed the Coalition.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Picture reported to show Coalition airplanes during raids (by Euphrates Post, May 18th, 2018).
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 Hamar, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV871370
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes destroyed seven ISIS well heads, four fighting positions, a front-end loader and a mortar system.”
For May 18th-19th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed four fighting positions, two tunnels, two VBIED facilities, a mortar system, a vehicle, a supply cache, an ISIS headquarters, a weapons cache, and a tactical vehicle; and damaged three fighting positions." It added for May 18th "Near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed an ISIS headquarters, an ISIS-held building and an ISIS recruiting station."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

"This week, Operation Chammal aircraft carried out 38 sorties, 30 of which were armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS), 2 refueling, and 6 intelligence gathering. Eight strikes were conducted in Iraq and Syria. They were all in support of ground operations, mainly in Mosul, but also near Tabqah and Palmyra in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 80 artillery strikes."

‘CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie, après la prise de la ville de Tabqah et de son barrage, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) mènent des opérations de sécurisation de la zone, afin de la nettoyer des nombreux pièges et engins explosifs improvisés (IED) laissés par Daech, alors que la population revient dans la ville. Plus près de Raqqah, les FDS ont poursuivi leur progression vers la ville en s’emparant de plusieurs positions défensives occupées par Daech. En Irak, Daech poursuit ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement dans le pays. Celles-ci continuent de se concentrer contre les forces irakiennes dans l’Anbar. Dans la région de Mossoul, l’offensive des Forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) a été marquée par des gains territoriaux quotidiens. Au nord, la 9e division poursuit son avancée le long du Tigre. Les autres unités resserrent l’étau autour de la médina en continuant d’avancer depuis l’ouest. Les trois quarts de la ville sont désormais libérés, mais la progression des FSI est freinée par un réseau d’habitations toujours plus dense à mesure qu’elles se rapprochent de la Médina où Daech est toujours solidement retranché. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie désormais la 15e division irakienne, qui a repris en charge la sécurisation du secteur de Badush à la suite de la 9e division, profondément engagée dans les zones urbaines de Mossoul. Elle a réalisé 80 missions de tir en appui des unités irakiennes, essentiellement d’éclairement pour contrer ou interdire les actions de harcèlement et d’infiltration de Daech. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 38 sorties aériennes dont 30 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 2 de ravitaillement, et 6 de recueil de renseignements. 8 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. Elles ont toutes été conduites en appui des opérations au sol, principalement à Mossoul, mais également près de Tabqah et Palmyre en Syrie.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS860

Incident date

May 24, 2017

Location

المراقة, Al Mraka, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported the death of “Mohammed Al-Thiab and his entire family and the old woman Sabha Al-Hajji” in an alleged Coalition airstrike on their home in Al Mraka village.

According to Alaraby, “A man and a woman were also killed and others injured after a raid by the International Coalition in Al Mraka village east of the city of Raqqa.”

Al Raqqa Truth named the victims.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Al-Thiab Al-Hamdan
Adult male killed
Sobha al-Haji [Umm Khalif]
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 23rd-24th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed three fighting positions and a mortar system.” It also later noted that “Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes destroyed eight command and control nodes and destroyed a VBIED facility” and that “Near Raqqah, Syria, May 23, two strikes destroyed three command and control nodes.”
For May 24th-25th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 15 strikes [1 British] engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; and destroyed five fighting positions, four ISIS dump trucks, four vehicles, two artillery systems, a front-end loader, and a weapons cache." For May 24th it added that "Near Raqqah, Syria, May 24, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed six fighting positions, a mortar system, and a vehicle."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

"Wednesday 24 May – a Reaper attacked near Raqqa, whilst Tornados prosecuted four Daesh targets in Mosul…A Reaper, conducting surveillance south-west of Raqqa on Wednesday 24 May, kept watch on a small group of terrorists and was able to conduct a successful attack with a Hellfire missile. In Mosul, when advancing Iraqi security forces found themselves facing two buildings defended by a Daesh heavy machine-gun, a sniper team and at least one individual in a suicide-bomb vest, they called for assistance from a flight of Tornados. Our aircraft delivered a very precise simultaneous attack with two Paveway IVs which destroyed both terrorist strongpoints. The Tornados then hit a third terrorist position, again with a Paveway, whilst a second flight bombed a fourth position."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS886

Incident date

May 29, 2017

Location

زملة, Zemla, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.479722, 38.889444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two people were killed by Coalition strikes, according to local reports.

Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered said that two people were killed in a Coalition attack in the town of Zemla, south of Mansoura in Raqqa governorate. It listed the victims as Faisal al-Assaf and an unidentified woman.

Other sources, including Tabaqa Media Centre, also reported Assaf as killed by Coalition raids. Raqqa Media Office said that nine airstrikes took place in Zemla, and that “many people” were wounded.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Faisal al-Assaf
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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 (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 Zemla, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV895262
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 28th-29th: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed two fighting positions, two vehicles, two VBIED factories, two VBIED facilities, and an ISIS mechanical facility..” It additionally reported for May 28th that “Near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes destroyed a weapons cache, an ISIS staging area, and three fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]