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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US-led Coalition
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Belligerent Assessment
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Incident Code

CS1653

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Location

الهري, Al Harri village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4372222, 40.97 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Euphrates Post reported that “artillery shelling from the Iraqi side on the village of Al-Harri killed an old woman and a young woman from the Hilou saleh al Mashouh family and Mohammad Al-Hizam Al Ammash“.

Al Araby, blaming shelling by Iraqi forces, put the death toll at three including two women.

Eldorar added: “local media sources said that the Iraqi army targeted the town of Harri in front of the Iraqi border with a number of artillery shells, killing three people, including two women, one elderly.”

Deir Ezzor 24, also blaming “artillery shells from the Iraqi side” put the death toll at three with ‘dozens’ more wounded.

The incident was first reported on November 1, 2017 at 9:30 pm by .

The victims were named as:

a young woman from the Hilou saleh al Mashouh family
Adult female killed
Elderly woman
Adult female killed
Mohammad Al-Hizam Al Ammash
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention artillery shelling from the Iraqi side of the border in the village of Al Harri (الهري), for which the coordinates are: 34.4372222, 40.97

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 November 1st-2nd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS vehicle. Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, destroying a fighting position and damaging a line of communication.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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

CS1684 RS2765

Incident date

November 26, 2017

Location

درنج, Daranj, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.918333, 40.581389 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians died in an airstrike on Daranj, according to local media, though it was unclear who was responsible, with sources blaming the Coalition, the Syrian regime and one pointing towards Russia. A number of other sources didn’t apportion blame.

Euphrates Post and Deir Ezzor named five victims as killed by unidentified “warplanes”:

Rami Assaf, reportedly a lawyer, alleged that the Coalition carried out the strike, killing the above victims.

Al Jazeera, Al Araby, the Smart News Agency and Zamanalwasl also blamed the Coalition, putting the death toll at four, as did the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who said that dozens more were injured.

However, the RFS Media Office pointed toward Russia.

While the Coalition has publicly reported no strikes on Syria that day, the SDF took control of the town shortly afterwards. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, however, attributed the event to the regime.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The incident was first reported on November 26, 2017 at 1:00 am by .

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ahmed Fahim Al-Hamoud Al-Najres
Age unknown male via Deir Ezzor 24 killed
Abdul Rahman Ali Al-Najres
Age unknown male via Deir Ezzor 24 killed

The victims were named as:

Ali Al Mohammed Al-Ahmad “nicknamed Mullah Rabah"
Age unknown male via Deir Ezzor 24 killed
Uday Khalid Al Ibrahim
Age unknown male via Deir Ezzor 24 killed
Fadi Ghannam Al-Hamoud Al-Najres.
Age unknown male via Euphrates post killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Daranj (درنج), for which the coordinates are: 34.918333, 40.581389.  Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 34.91833, 40.58139

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Daranj, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU4445465128
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • Nov. 26, 2017, near Daranj, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2548/S1484 37SFU4445465128

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 25th-26th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, five strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed four ISIS vehicles and a headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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, Syrian Regime

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1716

Incident date

January 23, 2018

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.595858, 40.938138 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 15 civilian including as many as seven women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike at a hospital in al Sha’afa, according to local media.

Free Deir Ezzor put the death toll at 14 including seven women. It published photographs of ruins of “the hospital targeted by the Coalition”.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, four women died in the attack.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at “15 casualties including 7 citizen women”.

It named victims as Nadia Al Abada Al Ali Mustafa (Umm Mahmoud) from the town of Muhsin and the wife of Ahmed Al Mahmoud Al Salem Al Mousa (Al Kadran)“.

Baladi reported that “on Tuesday, warplanes targeted the Al-Pomsir complex in the town of Al-Sha’afa in Al-Boukamal, east of Deir Al-Zour, which caused its complete destruction.”

Euphrates Post later reported “the martyrdom” of nurse Basma Mohammed and her daughter Sajida. While the post did not mention the day in which the victims were killed, it did specify that the victims were killed “as a result of airstrikes that targeted Sha’afa Hospital”.

According to Bellingcat, the date of the attack is not clear. Some local sources reported it happened on January 23rd, others 24th and also January 27th.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Basma Mohammed
Adult female Nurse killed
Sajida
Child female Daughter of Basma killed

The victims were named as:

Nadia Al Abada Al Ali Mustafa
Adult female Also known as Umm Mahmoud, from the town of Muhsin killed
Wife of Ahmed Al Mahmoud Al Salem Al Mousa (Al Kadran)
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 15
  • (3–7 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • The ruins of a hospital in al Sha’afa, following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Jan 23rd (via Free Deir Ezzor)
  • Rescuers search in the rubble for survivors (via Free Deir Ezzor Radio)
  • Rescuers remove a casualty from a suspected Coalition airstrike (via Free Deir Ezzor Radio)
  • Images from Deir Ezzor Free Radio (published by Bellingcat) of an alleged Coalition attack on Al-Shafa'a in Deir Ezzor on January 23rd, 2018.
  • Imagery shows a destroyed building, presumed to be Al Boomsir complex, in the center of the image along the vertically running main road left of the triangular junction. (Via Bellingcat)
  • Imagery shows a building, presumed to be Al Boomsir complex, in the center of the image along the vertically running main road left of the triangular junction, taken on January 8thm 2018. (via Bellingcat)

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

For January 22nd-23rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two ISIS supply routes, a command and control center and an ISIS-held building.”

It also noted that "On Jan. 23 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 10 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Abu Kamal, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three pieces of ISIS construction equipment, three fighting positions and two ISIS supply routes."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 15
  • (3–7 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1746

Incident date

April 19, 2018

Location

سوسة, 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

Local sources reported that two civilians were killed as a result of ‘SDF shelling’ on the town of Al Soussa at night.

A number of sources identified the two casualties as Mohammed Khashan Al-Najem Dagger and Alia Mohammed Hilal who, according to a tweet by Deir Ezzor 24, were hit by “missile shelling” from SDF forces stationed at “the Omar oil field”. A tweet by Deir Ezzor Now specified that the woman was the wife of Mohammed Khashan Al Naiem’s brother.

All sources identify the SDF as the culprit. However, some sources make mention of SDF “artillery” and “shelling”. The SDF had no access to artillery, indicating a possible Coalition action.

Other reports from the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Baladi specified that the SDF fired projectiles via a missile launcher on Al Soussa. Deir Ezzor Now instead reported that the damage was the result of “rocket-propelled grenades”.

The incident occured around midnight.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Khashan Al-Najem Dagger
Adult male killed
Alia Mohammed Hilal
Adult female Wife of Mohammed Khashan Al Naiem’s brother killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'The killing of both: _ Mohammed Khashan Al Najem Al Dagger _ Alya Mohammed Alhilal, wife of Hassan Khashan Al Najem After the rocket attack that targeted the town of # Sousse last night, the source of which was the oil field controlled by the coalition forces and SDF forces.'

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Soussa (سوسة), of which the coordinates of its midpoint are: 34.528889, 40.9675

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

For April 19th, the Coalition reported that “On April 19 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted one strike consisting of one engagement against Daesh targets.
Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed five Daesh-held buildings.”

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For April 18th-24th the Netherlands reports that its F-16s flew 9 missions to support ground troops, including in the Iraqi province of Al Hasakeh. Weapons were deployed during one mission when F-16s attacked ISIS fighters in support of ground troops in the area of Abu Kamal in Deir Ezzor, Syria.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 25-04-2018 | 12:00 De Explosieven Opruimingsdienst Defensie (EOD) maakte meer dan 60 explosieven onschadelijk. Veel meldingen waren afkomstig van boeren die hun akkers omploegden en daarbij op oude explosieven stuitten. Ook maakte de EOD handgranaten in Nieuwegein onschadelijk. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 18 tot en met 24 april 2018. EOD-militairen bereiden het springen van gevonden munitie voor (april 2014). Met hulp van de explosievenopruimingsdienst maakte duikvaartuig Hydra een zeemijn (MK17) en een bom onschadelijk voor de Zeeuwse kust. De maritieme tak van de EOD rukte 9 keer uit in Noord-Nederland. Midden-Oosten Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-strijders aan. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. De jachtvliegtuigen ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies, waaronder in de provincie Al Hasakeh in Irak. In 1 geval werden wapens ingezet. Nederlandse instructeurs gaven cursussen aan militairen in Irak. Zij leren onder meer grote gebieden te beveiligen en krijgen bataljonsstaf- en infanterietrainingen. De trainingen zijn bijna afgerond. Aansluitend ontvangen de cursisten hun certificaat. De instructeurs verzorgen de opleidingen met collega’s van partnerlanden. Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2-hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Britse medici.’

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1777

Incident date

July 1, 2018

Location

السراجية, Al Sarajiya, Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

35.879401, 41.263677 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, a civilian identified as Sayed Khader Mohammed was killed in an artillery bombardment on the village of al Sarajiya.

Three sources, apparent carbon copies of each other, reported that a civilian was killed “as a result of artillery bombardment”, but did not identify a culprit. Samidon Press stated that the individual perished and others injured as a result of artillery shelling by “SDF militants”.

Other sources reported both artillery and air strikes on the village southeast of Hasakah. According to Al Hassakah Youth, Coalition aircraft targeted the village, with several airstrikes destroying “a number of houses in the village.”

This was supported by a number of sources, including a tweet from Suhaib al Hasskawi, who clarified the location of the village in a reaction to a posed question: “South-east of al-Hasakah on the Syrian-Iraqi border, the area of the Tu’aiman which is still under the control of the islamic state organization”.

Marsad al Hassaka also reported “mass destruction of civilian property” as a result of Coalition airstrikes. In a separate report, the source stated that “shells by Kurdish units” had also struck the village. Both Coalition airstrikes and SDF artillery shelling on al Sarajiya were reported by Shaam News.

It is important to note that the SDF was not known to have had access to artillery at Deir Ezzor.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Sayed Khader Mohammed
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'One civilian is killed and others injured by the artillery shelling of SDF militants, which targeted the village Sarrajiya southeast of Hasaka'

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Sarajiya (السراجية), for which the coordinates are: 35.879401, 41.263677. The village is near the Iraqi border

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-Sarajiya, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • July 1, 2018, near al-Sarajiya, 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 strike in Syria for July 1st 2018.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From June 27th to July 3rd, Task Force Wagram conducted six artillery shooting missions against the last pockets of ISIS in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st, it’s conducted 168 shooting missions. Over the last week, French aircraft carried out 21 sorties – but once again no airstrikes were conducted.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les deux dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit sans que Daech n’oppose de véritable résistance. Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, elle a déjà permis de reprendre près de 600 km2 de territoire à Daech depuis son lancement le 1er mai. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation sur l’ensemble du territoire. Les zones d’effort prioritaires restent Bagdad, la région de Ninive et le désert de l’Anbar. Les saisies d’armes et de munitions y sont régulières. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Narvik poursuit ses stages au profit de l’Iraki Counter Terrorisme Service (ICTS). Près de 200 stagiaires sont actuellement formés aux techniques de lutte contre les engins explosifs, de maniement et d’entretien d’armements lourds, de déplacement tactique en convoi, de secourisme au combat et de tir de précision. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 168 missions de tirs, dont 6 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 27 juin au 03 juillet inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1827 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 27 juin au 03 juillet inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8195 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI102

Incident date

September 5, 2015

Location

عنه, Anah al Jadidah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.372699, 41.986442 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Iraqi Revolution site reported that “NATO planes” [sic] carried out two overnight raids on the town of Ana, which allegedly injured women and children. According to the claims, one of the two strikes targeted a residential neighbourhood.

NINA also reported civilian fatalities from a strike in the area, describing the fatalities as occurring when the coalition accidentally bombed a school sheltering internally displaced peoples, “killing two children and wounding 15 civilians, including 5 women and 7 children.”

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

In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in a second strike as “non-credible”, stating that after a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

It was unclear which report referred to which specific strike in this event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area, Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SGU746075/37SGU755079
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020
  • Feb 2, 2020

  • Sept. 5, 2015, in Anah al Jadidah, 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. 2887/CI102 37SGU746075

  • Sept. 5, 2015, in Anah al Jadidah, Iraq via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 2818/CI102 37SGU755079

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

There were two possible matches for September 4th-5th 2015: “Near Rawah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL homemade explosives facility… Near Haditha, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.”
No incidents for September 5th-6th appeared to match this claim.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1834

Incident date

November 13, 2018

Location

الكشمة و الشعفة, Al Kashma and Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.595168, 40.937231 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Alleged Coalition airstrikes targeted Al Kashma and Al Sha’afa in what was described as “a new massacre of dozens of civilians” according to local media. Between 20 and 50 civilians were reported to have died as a result of “25 raids” on both locations on November 13th. According to Orient News, both Al Kashma and Al Sha’afa were under IS control at the time but included a large number of displaced families.

There were varying reports on the number of civilians; the official Al Sha’afa Facebook page claimed all casualties resulting these strikes were civilian, whereas The Euphrates Exiles Facebook claimed all casualties were ISIS members and their families.

The majority of sources reported on 35 civilian fatalities, of whom most were reported to be women and children.

The death toll was estimated to be higher by @Kalmuqdad Qasioun, placing it at 50 civilian deaths.

According to Jisr TV, “British General Christopher Ghika, deputy commander of the Joint Task Force of the US-led International Alliance Against State Regime, said they were investigating allegations of civilian deaths in raids by the Syrian alliance in Deir al-Zour.” 

The statement was made in video conference at the Pentagon, which reviewed operations against state organization in Syria and Iraq on Tuesday. According to the official transcript, when asked about 20 civilian deaths General Ghika commented: “I think that we have to be particularly aware of people who put stories like this into the information space, knowing that they’re not true. And then we all run off on them. So these are unsubstantiated at this stage. We will investigate them, as we investigate every allegation of civilian casualties.”

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.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 50
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • According to the Euphrates Exiles Facebook page this banner reads: while waiting for big ground operations to begin, SDF, coalition and the regime are together carrying out strikes on the last pocket of IS in the countryside of Deir Ezzor.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes on the village of Al Kashma (الكشمة) and Al Sha’afa (الشعفة). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for a point between these two locations are: 34.595168, 40.937231.

  • Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes on the village of Al Kashma (الكشمة) and Al Sha’afa (الشعفة).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

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, Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    al Kashma and Al Shaafa, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020

  • 7. Nov. 10, 2018, al Kashma and Al Shaafa, Syria, via Airwars report. This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3228/CS1834 No grid location specified

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 13th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 24 strikes consisting of 45 engagements against an ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 24 strikes engaged two tactical units and destroyed three buildings, five supply routes, six weapons caches, one tunnel, one fighting position, two command and control centers, three staging areas, and two observation points. 

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘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. 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, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. 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. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 50
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1869

Incident date

December 3–6, 2018

Location

البوبدران, All Soussa: Al-Boubdaran (al Salam neighbourhood), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.558279, 40.937054 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that a named civilian man from Al-Salam neighborhood in Al-Boubdaran district, was killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike.

Euphrates Post for example reported that “Ahmed Ramadan Al-Baghouz, a civilian from the town of Al-Soussa / Al-Salam neighborhood  / Al-Boubdaran district, was killed by a Coaltion air strike.”

Sources reported on the incident between December 6th-8th, but did not mention the exact date, which Airwars has placed between December 3rd and 6th. .

In its December 2020 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that it had conducted no strikes in the geographical area which corresponded with civilian harm claims.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Ramadan Al Baghouz
Adult male 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Ramadan Al-Baghouz, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike (via Euphrates Post).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU777257
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 15, 2020

  • Dec. 3, 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. 3253/CS1869 37SFU777257

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

On Dec. 3 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 38 strikes consisting of 93 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 38 strikes engaged 12 tactical units, and destroyed 10 supply routes, five staging areas, two weapon caches, four improvised explosive device facilities, two buildings, two fighting positions, one anti-aircraft system, one rocket storage site, one tunnel, two heavy equipment, and one vehicle storage.

On Dec. 4 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 31 strikes consisting of 66 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 31 strikes engaged seven tactical units, and destroyed 15 fighting positions, eight staging areas, four supply routes, two pieces of engineering equipment, three command and control nodes, one piece of heavy equipment, and one weapons facility.

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.

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.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the fight against ISIS, Dutch F-16's supported ground troops during 9 missions. 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

Thursday 6 December – Typhoons attacked a Daesh position north-west of Hajin... Typhoons conducted a further strike in the same area the following day, accounting for a further terrorist position.

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 (4) [ collapse]