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

CS1947

Incident date

May 22, 2020

Location

الشبكة, الشحيل, Al Shabaka, Al Shuhail, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.096944, 40.456111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported killed in alleged joint SDF and US led coalition operation in Al Shuhail in Deir Ezzor on May 22nd, 2020 according to local sources.

Euphrates Post reported that “Muhammad Al-Ouda Al-Khaled Al-Addad from the city of Al-Shuhail, was killed during a security operation carried out by SDF supported by the international coalition forces and helicopters in the Al-Shabaka neighborhood, in the city of Al-Shuhail.”

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the victim was shot by SDF. “Muhammad Al-Ouda Khaled al Addad from al Shabaka neighborhood in al Shuhail city in the eastern suburbs of Deir Ez-Zour governorate was shot dead by Syrian Democratic Forces personnel during a raid in the neighborhood on May 22nd.”

Suriye.u.a.d blamed the coalition reporting “the death of the civilian Muhammad Al-Oudah Al-Khaled during the airdrop of an international coalition in the city of Al-Shuhail, east of Deir Ezzor.”

Deirezzor24 blamed both forces saying that “International coalition forces, accompanied by SDF forces, just carried out an airdrop operation on a house in the Shabakah neighborhood in the town of Al-Shuhail, east of Deir Ezzor, according to the reporter of Deir Ezzor Network 24. Our correspondent said that the operation targeted the house of Ahmad Al-Oudah Al-Khaled, and its results are not known yet, as displaced persons from Al-Baghouz and Al-Bukamal countryside live in the mentioned area.

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

Muhammad Al Oudah Al Khaled Al-Addad محمد العودة الخالد العداد
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Shabaka (الشحيل), allegedly in the centre of the village of Al Shuhail (الشبكة), for which, due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Shuhail are: 35.096944, 40.456111.

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
    37SFU327847
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 14, 2020

  • May 22, 2020, in Al Shabaka, 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. 3203/CS1947 37SFU327847

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI031

Incident date

January 22, 2015

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

An internal CENTCOM report cited a Tweet by an Iraqi “self proclaimed freelance journalist” (identified as Mr Zyad al-Senjary) who had posted a photograph of “a partially-destroyed house and claimed 2 children were killed and several Iraqis injured in a UAV [drone] strike.”

An initial CENTCOM inquiry identified 32 total Coalition engagements in Nineveh for January 21st-22nd: “Initial assessment is that only 2 strikes possible for this allegation (one was engaged by UAV; both had UAV coverage.” These were listed as airstrike numbers 1980 and 1990.

Despite this apparent link to Mr al-Senjary’s allegations, the Coalition swiftly deemed his report “Not credible. No further inquiry required.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    a:1:{i:0;s:5:"other";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Ninawa ProviNe, Iraq.
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2015

  • Not credible. No matching strikes.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

COALITION-ASSESSED CASUALTY INCIDENT

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1987

Incident date

November 14, 2022

Location

جديد بكارة, Jedid Bakara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.242426, 40.364853 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One young man was killed when he was run over by a vehicle allegedly belonging to the Coalition in the village of Jedid Bakara on November 14, 2022.

Euphrates Post reported that a young man named Salam Hussein Al-Arif was killed when he was run over by a vehicle belonging to the Coalition. Multiple other local sources provided similar information, adding that he died instantly and that it was a “mistake” or “accident”.

According to El Dorar News, the young man that was killed was riding his motorcycle on the village’s main road when he was run over by a vehicle belonging to the Coalition, which was driving at high speed. Baladi News added that the military vehicle was crossing the town after coming from one of the American bases.

The incident occured in the morning.

The victims were named as:

Salam Hussein Al-Arif سلام حسين العارف
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Salam Hussein Al-Aref, killed when a Coalition vehicle ran him over on November 14, 2022. (Image posted by Orient News via Twitter)
  • Damage caused by a Coalition vehicle that killed a young man on November 14, 2022. (Image posted by @thevoicesyria1)
  • Young man killed by a Coalition vehicle on November 14, 2022. (Image posted by El Dorar News)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Jedid Bakara (جديد بكارة), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.242426, 40.364853. 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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI049

Incident date

March 6, 2015

Location

الفلوجة‎, Fallujah, al Karma General Hospital, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.404182, 43.9119244 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged coalition air strike on Garma hospital in east Fallujah reportedly killed one doctor and injured five other medical staff. According to Al Sumaria TV, one source stated that “the bombing of the hospital was due to the presence of armed men belonging to Daesh inside.”

However the Iraqi Spring site attributed the attack to Iraqi government forces, noting that “Garma Hospital east of Fallujah has been shelled by government’s army accompanied by Iranian forces and swarms militia, resulting in the killing of one medical staff member and the wounding of five.”

 

The incident was first reported on March 6, 2015 at 9:10 pm by Al Sumaria.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the alleged strike
  • Another image of the aftermath
  • Another image of the aftermath
  • Another image of the aftermath

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident place the location of the alleged Coalition airstrike at the Garma General Hospital (مستشفى الكرمة العام), a suburb of the city Fallujah, in the Anbar province. Due to limited satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to locate the hospital or medical centre. However, reports mention the hospital is in the centre of Garma (الكرمة), for which the coordinates are: 33.404182, 43.9119244

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-Garmah, Fallujah, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

According to the coalition, on March 5th-6th 2015 “Near Al Qaim, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL bulldozer.”

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
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS093

Incident date

July 8, 2015

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, claimed that two civilians were killed and others wounded, “some of them injured badly.”

In a possible linked event, Al Hurra reported that the coalition targeted and killed Daesh leader Abu Abdallah Al Ozbeki [‘the Uzbek’], outside a hotel in the centre of Raqaa. Citing SOHR’s director Rami Abdel Rahman, it was reported that a number of civilians may also have died in the attack.

However Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently, while reporting coalition strikes on the city, made no mention of civilian casualties in its own coverage of the day.

The Coalition later declared this to be a duplicate of another reported event in Raqqa on this date (CS094) where it had determined civilian harm.

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on December 5th of the same year – the US-led Coalition noted: “July 8, 2015, in Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation are duplicates of those in allegation 57 (Credible with one civilian unintentionally wounded, published 22 January 2016). 2801/CS093 37SEV008785”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008785
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 5, 2019

  • July 8, 2015, in Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation are duplicates of those in allegation 57 (Credible with one civilian unintentionally wounded, published 22 January 2016). 2801/CS093 37SEV008785

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The coalition noted intense new activity above the city for July 8th-9th 2015, reporting that “Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck 20 ISIL staging areas.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS115

Incident date

August 15, 2015

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A young adult male civilian was reported killed in an afternoon airstrike by the Coalition in Raqqah. He was named on a Facebook memorial page as Mut’ib Khamees Al Jarbou’.

No further details were given of how he had died.

In its monthly civilian casualty assessment for October 2019 – published on December 5th of that year – the US-led Coalition assessed this event to be ‘non credible’, noting: “August 15, 2015, in Raqqah, 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. 2822/CS115 37SEV008785”.

The Coalition also provided coordinates showing the area it had assessed, accurate to within 100 metres.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

The victims were named as:

Mut’ib Khamees Al Jarbou’
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mut’ib Khamees Al Jarbou’ (via Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently)

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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008785
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 5, 2019

  • August 15, 2015, in Raqqah, 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. 2822/CS115 37SEV008785

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

No Coalition strikes were publicly reported at Ar Raqaa between August 14th-16th 2015

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI132

Incident date

November 2, 2015

Location

سنجار, Sinjar, Um Al Theban, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3206914, 41.8641115 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eleven civilians were reportedly killed at Um Al Theban while crossing between Syria and Iraq, in what was claimed to be a Coalition airstrike. The incident is presently poorly reported.

In its July 2017 report, the Coalition classed the event as non credible on grounds of having conducted no strikes in the vicinity: “Nov. 2, 2015, near Sinjar, Iraq, via Airwars report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties. “

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ 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
    a:1:{i:0;s:20:"no_coalition_strikes";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Sinjar, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition has confirmed heavy airstrikes in the Sinjar area at ths time. For November 1st-2nd 2015 it was reported that “Near Sinjar, five strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL mortar system, an ISIL weapons cache, and two ISIL fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS156

Incident date

December 12, 2015

Location

كبش, Kabsh, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.1308734, 38.8404465 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least six civilians were killed and four injured in what was reported as a Coalition drone strike at Kabsh in northern Al Raqqah.

The attack targeted what was described as “a small convoy of vehicles transporting passengers”. A minibus carrying the civilians was said to have been destroyed.

The Syrian Press Centre was the only source not to attribute blame to the Coalition, citing “an unknown party”.

In July 2017, the Coalition classed the event as non credible on grounds of available evidence of civilian harm: “Dec. 12, 2015, near Kabsh, Syria, via Airwars report: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.”

Given that the Coalition has confirmed targeting vehicles at Raqqah that day, Airwars has requested additional information – and continues to assess this event as likely.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Kabsh, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition did not publicly report any strikes in Al Raqqah for December 11th-12th 2015.

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]