US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

CS1682

Incident date

November 22, 2017

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One named civilian died in a casualty event in Al Baghouz, according to local media – though it was unclear who was responsible. There were allegations against Russia, the regime and Iraqi forces. No sources explicitly blamed the Coalition, though some didn’t identify the warplanes responsible.

The official page for the al Soussa area reported: unbelievable bombings yesterday evening on Albagouz. It said that the following locations were struck: the mosque, the house of Tayseer al-Hilal, the three houses of Al Matar, the house of Khaled al-Fayadh, the house of Nouri al-Fayyad, the house of Talib al-Faisal, two houses of the son of al-Hilal”. It added that Amir the son of Jamil al-‘Aziz with his wife and children were wounded; that “the son of Hamdan Aziz and two of his brothers” were wounded critically; that Abd, the son of Hamed al Mheissan was killed and that the son of Hamdan al Aziz is in a hospital in Hajeen in the operation room. However, the source didn’t say who was responsible.

Smart blamed the regime, while Al Jisr attributed the event to Iraqi sectarian militia, reporting that the mosque was destroyed. The Step News Agency didn’t identify the warplanes that carried out the attack, while Masar Press reported that Russian aircraft launched several raids killing three civilians, as did Baladi and Syrian Free Army.

SHRC named one male victim reported that he died in artillery shelling.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, one person was killed and two of his brothers were injured by the bombing of warplanes in areas in the town of Al-Bagouz in the eastern suburb of Deir Al-Zour.

the Coalition report stated:  November 22, 2017, near al-Baghouz village, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of available information, it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Hamid Al-Muhaisen
Age unknown male via Alsuosah Village FB page killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Baghouz (الباغوز), for which the coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778

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
    Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 22nd-23rd the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in Syria.: “There were no reported strikes conducted in Syria on Nov. 22, 2017.“

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1714

Incident date

January 13, 2018

Location

السوسة, al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian died and several more were wounded in an airstrike on al Soussa, according to local media.

One victim was named locallly as Saleh Ibrahim Mohsen Al-Faris. Deir Ezzor 24 blamed the Coalition for his death, though other sources didn’t identify the culprit.

According to Al Sharq al Souri, shells landed on the victim’s home: “A number of shells landed on the town of Al-Sousse, where they focused on the house of Ibrahim al-Mohsen al-Faris, killing a civilian.”It also said that women were among the injured.

Sound and Picture and Saout al Sharqiya reported that the Coalition carried out strikes on al Soussa, but made no mention of civilian casualties.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Saleh Ibrahim Mohsen Al-Faris
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • "A number of shells landed on the town of Al-Sousse, where they focused on the house of Ibrahim al-Mohsen al-Faris, killing a civilian."

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 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
Official source

For January 13th 2018 the Coalition reported that “On Jan. 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 13 strikes consisting of 24 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal, 13 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed two ISIS supply routes, two ISIS motorcycles, two weapons caches, four fighting positions, a VBIED factory and an ISIS logistics center.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1744

Incident date

April 14, 2018

Location

العاليات, Al A’liat village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.539811, 40.957417 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to two sources, three civilians were killed in an airstrike on the village of Al-A’liat in the Soussa district of Deir Ezzor governorate on April 14th.

Smart News and Fresh Online reported that an ISIS HQ in the village of Al A’liat near al Soussa was targeted by the Coalition. A local source told Smart News that the three civilians had been present at the facility, as they had been detained by ISIS on charges of drug abuse, statements against sharia law and pornography that was found on their phones.

According to both Smart News and Fresh Online, three ISIS members were allegedly also killed in the bombardment.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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 (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al A’liat (العاليات), for which the coordinates of its midpoint are: 34.539811, 40.957417. The alleged Coalition strike targeted an ISIS prison, the exact location of which is unknown

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 Tal-Aliat village, al-Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018

  • April 14, 2018, near Tal-Aliat village, al-Soussa, Syria, via Airwars. 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
Official source

For April 14th, the Coalition reported that “On April 14 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted one strike consisting of three engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed three Daesh IED’s."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1775

Incident date

June 25, 2018

Location

سوح الجزر, Suh al Jozr in the northern Deir Ezzor Desert , Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

36.026517, 39.91074 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian adult male was reported killed in a Coalition strike in a desert area of Deir Ezzor governorate, according to a single source.

A tweet by Deir Ezzor 24 reported on the “Death of Fawaz Abtisheh Farhan from the village of # Mu’ijel after an air raid of the international coalition targeted his car in the northern desert # Deir Ezzor yesterday”.

In correspondence with Airwars, Deir Ezzor 24 stated that Fawaz Abtish al Farhan, also known as Abu Muhannad, was from the town of Ma’ijal in the northern countryside of Deir Ezzor. “He is an adult civilian, killed in a raid by a fixed wing aircraft belonging to the international coalition. The missile targeted his car in the desert of al Sour town in northern Deir Ezzor on 25/6/2018,” the local news ervice said.

In what may be the same event, Step News Agency and Baladi News reported that “Two members of the Islamic State were killed” after their car was targeted by Coalition aircraft near Suh al Jozr in the desert of northern Deir Ezzor.

At present, Airwars researchers cannot assess whether the identified man was one of the two claimed ISIS fighters killed in the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Fawaz Abtisheh Farhan
Adult male From Mu'ijan killed

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'Death of "Fawaz Abtisheh Farhan" from the village of # Mu’ijel after an air raid of the international coalition targeted his car in the northern desert # Deir Ezzor yesterday'

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a car near the area of Suh al Jozr (سوح الجزر), in the northern desert of Deir Ezzor. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to locate the area of Suh al Jozr (سوح الجزر). The coordinates for the approximate location of the northern desert of Deir Ezzor are: 36.026517, 39.91074

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
    in desert in northern Deir Ezzor, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • June 25, 2018, in desert in northern Deir Ezzor, Syria, via Airwars. The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition did not publicly report any airstrikes in Iraq or Syria on June 25th 2018.

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1478 CS343a

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Location

Al Basira town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.15618, 40.42716 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that between one and two civilians died and up to five more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Basira bridge in Al Basira town. The majority of sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the strike, though there was also an allegation against Russia and Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime without mentioning casualties. A number of other reports didn’t identify the culprit.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “three missiles targeted al-Basira bridge, which is considered a main bridge to carry the oil towards the eastern countryside”.

@soundandpic, @RevolutoinSyria Furat.alwehda and Qasioun blamed the Coalition for the bombing. They made no mention of civilian harm, though Qasioun said that the bridge was now “completely out of service”.

However, 7al, also pointing to the Coalition, reported an unspecified number of civilian casualties. It said that “the International Coalition aircraft targeted Al-Basira Bridge yesterday evening [Oct 18th], which resulted in it being put out of service. Additionally, houses close by were damaged and there were civilian casualties.”

But Al Jazeera attributed the strike to Russia, reporting that “10 people were killed and dozens injured today [Oct 18th] following Russian raids on the town of Al-Basira and the villages of Al-Sabha and Abreha in Deir Al-Zour countryside in eastern Syria. The Russian raids also targeted a vital bridge in the city of Tire and another in Basra, resulting in their destruction and departure from service.”

@RadioAlkul said that two civilians had died in the attack with five more wounded – though it didn’t apportion blame.

In their June 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.

The victims were named as:

Hussam Jassem al Kandah
Age unknown named by Euphrates Post killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Crater in the road in Al Basira town following a missile strike, Oct 18th (via SN4HR)
  • The Journalist Mayssar al Hadidi reports alleged Russian strikes on al Basira. 18th October 2016
  • Syrian Revolution reports more than ten alleged Russian strikes causing a massacre in al Basira. Coalition planes also reportedly targeted the bridge at al Basira. 18th October 2016
  • Sound and Picture reports coalition strikes destroying the bridge linking al Basira to al Mayadeen. 18th October 2018
  • SN4HR reports 'government warplanes' targeting and destroying the bridge at al Basira. 18th October 2018
  • Radio Al Kul puts the toll at 2 dead and 5 injured following air raids on the area of Bariha near al Basira. 18th October 2018
  • al Jisr TV reports casualties in warplane raids on the villages of Jadid A'keidat and al Basira. 18th October 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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between October 1st – 19th 2016.

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
    37SFU299912
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 24, 2020

  • Oct. 18, 2016, in Al Basira, Syria, 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. 3070/CS343a 37SFU299912

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: "Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed six oil well heads, two oil tanker trucks, and an oil pump jack."

For October 18th-19th: "Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed two oil tanker trucks and an oil pump jack." And: " Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed eight oil tanker trailers and an oil well head."

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1837

Incident date

November 16, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local media, an alleged Coalition airstrike killed ISIS member Yousuf Mahmoud al-Mohsen and his wife Furat Imad Awwad al-Hamad.

According to Euphrates Post and others, al-Mohsen was an early member and conspirator of the terrorist organisation ISIS in al Soussa: “Following the killing of Yousef Mahmoud al-Mohsen in addition to his wife Furat Imad Awwad al-Hamad from the city of Mohsen after an airstrike of the international Coalition targeted the town of Al Soussa yesterday, it is noteworthy that Yousef  is one of the first members of Daesh.”

In its October 2020 monthly civilian casualty review, the US-led Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, asserting that “This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Furat Imad Awwad al-Hamad
Adult female From the family of Mohsin-Bahouri-Al Bou Azzam Al Khader. She was from al Bahhouri neighborhood in Mouhasan city. killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • According to Euphrates Post, ISIS member Yousef Mahmoud al-Mohsen was reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on November 16th, 2018.
  • Body of ISIS member Yousef Mahmoud al-Mohsen who was reported killed along with his wife by an alleged Coalition airstrike on November 16th 2018, according to Euphrates Post.
  • ISIS member Yousef Mahmoud al-Mohsen (via Akeel al Hamoud)

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
    in al Soussa, Iraq [sic]
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU805225
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020

  • 11.Nov. 16, 2018, in al Soussa, Iraq [sic], via Airwars report. This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3204/CS1837 37SFU805225

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 16th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 16 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 22 strikes consisting of 41 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 22 strikes engaged 14 tactical units and destroyed 11 vehicles, eight supply routes, five buildings, three staging areas, one tunnel, one vehicle borne IED and one media cell.  

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Friday 16 November – Typhoons destroyed an armed truck and a concealed truck bomb in eastern Syria… The following day [Nov 16th], a Daesh armed truck was reported to be firing to the north of Hajin; Typhoons responded, and destroyed it with a direct hit from a Paveway IV. The Typhoons were then directed to a ruined building, next to a road, within which the terrorists had been spotted hiding a truck-bomb. A second Paveway was used against this target, producing a large explosion which confirmed that the truck-bomb had been successfully detonated before any civilians or SDF had been placed in danger.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France report that from Nov 14th – 20th, Task Force Wagram conducted 64 firing missions – 47 ‘lighting’, 17 ‘destruction’. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties but there were no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Appuyées par la coalition, les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent. Evitant le contact, Daech tente d’alimenter un sentiment d’insécurité par des actions clandestines ciblant indistinctement les FSI ou la population irakienne. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 64 missions de tir (47 éclairement, 17 destruction – bilan du 14 au 20 novembre inclus).’ Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2165 missions de tirs.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For November 14th-20th 2018, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16’s supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 10 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting IS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 14 t/m 20 November laat MinDef weten F-16’s te hebben ingezet tijdens 10 missies ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Bij 3 werden wapens ingezet, boven Deir al Zour in Syrie. Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities van IS zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1867

Incident date

December 5–6, 2018

Location

البوبدران, Al Soussa: Al Boubadran, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.542338, 40.959091 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged Coalition airstrike killed one named adult civilian male, according to sources on the ground.

One source by the name of Sami Aleweti, who appears to have been a family member, reported that the man, Jassim al Attawi, was killed in a “barbaric bombardment” by a Coalition aircraft on the village of Al-Boubadran in al Soussa.

According to Deir Ezzor 24, the bombing occurred on December 5th while Shabab Al Soussa placed the date of the incident on December 6th.

In its January 2021 monthly civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition determined this event to be ‘non credible’, noting: “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.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Jassim al-Attawi
Adult male Nickname Abou Abd Al A’ziz killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Jassim Mohammed Aletiwi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al-Boubadran between December 5th-6th 2018 (via Sami Aletiwi)
  • Jassim Mohammed Aletiwi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al-Boubadran between December 5th-6th 2018 (via Sami Aletiwi)
  • Jassim Mohammed Aletiwi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al-Boubadran between December 5th-6th 2018 (via Sami Aletiwi)
  • Jassim Mohammed Aletiwi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al-Boubadran between December 5th-6th 2018 (via Sami Aletiwi)
  • Jassim Mohammed Aletiwi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al-Boubadran between December 5th-6th 2018 (via Sami Aletiwi)
  • Jassim Mohammed Aletiwi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al-Boubadran between December 5th-6th 2018 (via Deir Ezzor 24)

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
    in al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU797240
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 6, 2021

  • Dec. 5, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, 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. 3251/CS1867 37SFU797240

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

On Dec. 5 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 41 strikes consisting of 82 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 41 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 19 fighting positions, three command and control nodes, three vehicles, two staging areas, two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, two supply routes, two logistics facilities, one piece of heavy equipment, one media cell and one building.

On Dec. 6 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 32 strikes consisting of 63 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 32 strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 13 fighting positions, five staging areas, six supply routes, two pieces of engineering equipment, one logistics facility, one petroleum oil and lubricant tanker, one piece of heavy equipment, one heavy machine gun, one tactical vehicle and one financial facility.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Dutch F-16's supported ground troops during 9 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed during 6 missions. The aircrafts were operational above Syrian provide Deir Al Zour near Abu Kamal and targeted vehicles, logistical places and IS-fighters.

In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 6 werden wapens ingezet. De toestellen kwamen in actie boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour bij Abu Kamal. Hierbij zijn voertuigen, logistieke opslagplaatsen en strijders aangevallen.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Wednesday 5 December – Typhoons bombed two terrorist positions north-west of Hajin...On Wednesday 5 December, Typhoons supported an SDF advance north-west of Hajin. The SDF came into contact with two Daesh positions, but heavy cloud gave the terrorists no protection and both targets were successfully struck with Paveway IVs.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For December 5th to 11th, France reports that it carried out 20 sorties and 7 strikes. Task Force Wagram carried out 38 firing missions (20 lighting, 18 destruction). Since November 21, 161 fire missions have been carried out and nearly 1,000 shells have been fired. Airwars reached out to French MoD to ask where the airstrikes were conducted and was told that all seven strikes were near Hajin

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Ø Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Dans la région d’Hajine, dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, profitant de conditions météo défavorables, Daech a mené plusieurs attaques. Celles-ci se sont à nouveau heurtées à des frappes aériennes et des tirs d’artillerie de la coalition. Au bilan, grâce à l’appui de la coalition, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) ont repris leur progression méthodique dans la zone. Ø Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, la situation est inchangée. L’activité de Daech est contrainte par les opérations des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI). A la frontière, l’effort visant à contrer toute tentative d’infiltration de Daech depuis la Syrie est maintenu. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La frégate légère furtive Aconit patrouille en Méditerranée orientale dans le cadre de la fonction stratégique connaissance et anticipation. Ø La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes qui luttent contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé cette semaine, depuis le territoire irakien, 38 missions de tir (20 éclairement, 18 destruction – bilan du 28 novembre au 4 décembre inclus). En trois semaines, Wagram a fourni un effort important pour stopper les contre-attaques de Daech puis appuyer les opérations des FDS qui reprennent l’initiative dans les derniers réduits tenus par l’organisation terroriste. Ainsi, depuis le 21 novembre, 161 missions de tir ont été réalisées et près de 1000 obus ont été tirés. Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2326 missions de tirs. Ø Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 5 au 11 décembre inclus). Les Rafale français ont été significativement engagés dans l’appui aux FDS puisque les équipages ont conduit 7 frappes cette semaine permettant de neutraliser 9 objectifs ennemis. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8708 sorties / 1489 frappes / 2292 objectifs neutralisés. Ø Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille également les brigades subordonnées, dont la 106ème brigade d’artillerie irakienne. La TF Narvik, poursuit sa mission de formation et de conseil de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Le stage de formation au recueil de renseignement s’est achevé après six semaines d’instruction. Narvik forme actuellement les Irakiens dans les domaines suivants : mise en œuvre d’armes lourdes, combat motorisé, lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés, sauvetage au combat et tir de précision.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1898

Incident date

February 11, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the final stages of the fight against ISIS in its last territorial stronghold, four civilians were alleged killed as a result of shelling by the International Coalition on houses in the outskirts of the town of Al-Baghouz in the eastern suburb of Deir Ezzor on the morning of February 11th.

According to Euphrates Post and Deir Ezzor 24, the victims were two women and two children. Elrabi Elyoum instead said that four men had died. Deir Ezzor 24 also blamed the deaths on ‘heavy SDF shelling’, though this was most likely Coalition fire. Euphrates Post also mentioned an unknown number of injured civilians.

The incident occured during the day.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Video by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitors shelling by the International Coalition and the SDF on what is left of ISIS enclave in Al-Baghuz area in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Baghouz (الباغوز), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve launched a precision strike in support of Syrian Democratic Forces against an ISIS command and control facility, formerly used as a mosque in Baghouz Fawqani, Syria, on Feb. 11, 2019.

ISIS used the former mosque to direct attacks and employ vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices against CJTF-OIR and partner forces. Otherwise protected under the Geneva Convention, ISIS caused the mosque to lose its protected status afforded by the Law of Armed Conflict.

“This mosque lost its protected status when ISIS deliberately chose to use it as a command and control center,” said U.K. Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, CJTF-OIR deputy commander-strategy and information. “This strike on ISIS will further hasten their defeat in the MERV.”

Coalition Forces, comprising 74 partner nations and five international organizations, are deployed in support of CJTF-OIR, working by, with and through partner forces to bring about the enduring defeat of ISIS.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From Feb 6th-12th, French MoD report 7 firing missions by Task Force Wagram on the Hajin area of Syria, from Iraqi territory. Additionally, French Rafales carried out 21 sorties and 6 airstrikes.

CHAMMALSITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATREOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les Forces démocratiques syriennes ont repris les opérations de reconquête de la poche de Hajin dans la nuit du 09 et 10 février. Elles sont appuyées par les tirs des forces aériennes de la Coalition, dont celles de l’opération Chammal, ainsi que par les tirs d’artillerie de la Task Force Wagram.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak. Les Forces de sécurité irakiennes, appuyées par la Coalition, maintiennent un rythme opérationnel élevé face à Daesh.ACTIVITE DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateDepuis le territoire irakien, la Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes engagées contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine.La TF Wagram a réalisé 7 missions de tir (1 mission d’éclairement, et 6 missions d’aveuglement – bilan du 06 au 12 février inclus).Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérationsLes aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes (bilan du 06 au 12 février inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 6 frappes au cours de cette période.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Monday 11 February – Typhoons supported the Syrian Democratic Forces east of Abu Kamal in Syria, striking two Daesh strong-points, including a heavy machine-gun position...As the Syrian Democratic Forces have continued their operations to clear the last small remaining pocket of Daesh-held territory that has been identified in eastern Syria, Royal Air Force aircraft have maintained daily armed reconnaissance support, delivering air attacks if needed by the SDF on the ground. On Monday 11 February, the SDF encountered two Daesh strong-points on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, across the river from Abu Kamal. These strong-points were directing fire, including from a heavy machine-gun, at close range against the SDF, so assistance was requested from two RAFTyphoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker. The Typhoons conducted an accurate simultaneous attack on both strong-points, hitting each with a Paveway IV guided bomb, and successfully eliminated the threat to the SDF.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]