US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CI281

Incident date

August 23, 2016

Location

حي الحدباء, Mosul, Hadba and Zuhoor, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3951712, 43.1503487 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources claimed that the Coalition struck allegedly Hadbah and Zuhoor neighbourhoods in Mosul resulting in up to 10 deaths and additional injuries among other civilians. However US-led alliance has informed Airwars that We can confirm that no Coalition strikes were conducted in Mosul between August 22nd and August 24th.

According to Yaqein, the international airline alliance launched several raids on the Hadbah and Zuhoor neighbourhoods in the city of Mosul, killing nine people and wounding seven others… The shelling also resulted in considerable material damage to civilian homes in neighbourhoods which had been affected raids.

Yaqein later raised its estimate of those killed to ten, with 15 injured.

In a special report, NRN said that the morning strike had targeted Daesh, killing one and injuring 11 fighters. But the local newsgroup also said the [Coalition] bombing was extremely violent and led to physical damage of neighbouring buildings leaving 13 civilian casualties killed or wounded. Our correspondent added that the international alliance resumed air raids on the same day, bombing a headquarters of Daesh in north Mosul, which resulted in the deaths of seven members of ISIL, and the wounding of three civilians.

The accompanying video shows widespread destruction, and civilian casualties being treated for injuries. One eyewitness noted: I have a worker at my shop and after the bombing. I don’t know his fate yet, and there was a family of five or six members, I saw four of them burning completely and died. The other eyewitness said: There was a family of six members, all of them were burned except one woman, we pulled her from under bricks still breathing.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A video shows the destructions following an alleged coalition airstrike on Hadbah and Zuhoor neighbourhoods in Mosul which resulting in the killing of up to 10 civilians and at least 15 injured (via NRN)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 22nd-24th, the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in Mosul. A spokesperson also later told Airwars that “We can confirm that no Coalition strikes were conducted in Mosul between August 22nd and August 24th.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS325 TS004

Incident date

October 2, 2016

Location

دابق‎, Dabiq, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.539778, 37.269556 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 5 and 8 civilians were reported killed in a Coalition or unilateral Turkish airstrike at Dabiq.

According to LCCSY, “eight civilians from one family, mostly women and children, were martyred due to International Coalition warplanes shelling  #Dabiq village in the northern countryside.” Shaam News also said eight died – which it claimed included 5 children and 3 women. ISIL’s media arm placed the civilian toll at 5 dead, who it said were all from one family.

Syria News Desk reported that civilian housing was targeted and that the bombing destroyed some homes entirely.

Almost all sources blamed the US-led Coalition. However, according to Jisr TV, “Turkish and Coalition planes intensified their raids on the villages of Dabiq and Turkman yesterday in order to prepare for the rebels to attack the villages. There were a number of martyrs and wounded following the raids in the village of Dabiq in the northern Aleppo countryside. The military operations continue.”

In their May 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:

Family members (3)

Adult female killed
Age unknown female killed
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 8
  • (5 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • News bulletin reporting on the alleged Turkish and Coalition airstrikes on Dabiq, Aleppo, 2nd November 2016. (via Jisir TV) Reporter speaks to correspondent Qahtan al Mustapha: "At 1’00” Turkish and coalition planes intensified their raids on on the villages of Dabeq and Turkman yesterday in order to prepare for the rebels to attack the villages. There were a number of martyrs and wounded following the raids in the village of Dabeq in the northern Aleppo countryside. The military operations continue. The coalition is also raiding areas in the village of Bouz Dubba north of Akhtareen in the northern Aleppo countryside. The battles are still raging around the town of Turkman between IS and the rebels."
  • Report by SN4HR titled, "649 individuals killed at the Hands of the International Coalition Forces including 244 children and 132 women the only way to defeat ISIS is to Ally with the whole Syrian people" (via SN4HR)

  • Arabic version of the report by SN4HR titled, "649 individuals killed at the Hands of the International Coalition Forces including 244 children and 132 women the only way to defeat ISIS is to Ally with the whole Syrian people" (via SN4HR)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Dabiq (دابق‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.539778, 37.269556. 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
    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
    37SCA451452
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020
  • Oct. 2, 2016, in Dabiq, 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. 3059/CS325 37SCA451452

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 1st-2nd 2016 the Coalition reported no strikes at Dabiq itself, though did note for Aleppo governorate that “Near Manbij, five strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions and a vehicle.”

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 8
  • (5 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI304

Incident date

October 22, 2016

Location

بخديدا (Bakhdida), Qaraqosh, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.27093, 43.37758 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Coalition announced in December 2016 it was conducting an assessment of a possible civilian casualty event: Currently, three reports received in October are still being assessed… Oct. 22, 2016, near Qaraqosh and Hasana, Iraq.

On January 2nd 2017 a new Coalition report noted: No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties. A senior Coalition official later told Airwars that the allegation had been “Based on Russian social media and Russian MinDef accusations.

However local reporting at the time said that Coalition airstrikes were conducted at Qaraqosh in support of ISF ground operations.

Given reported British actions in the area that day, Airwars flagged the incident to the UK’s MoD which said we can confirm that there was no UK involvement in the event. However given that RAF strikes were reported in Qaraqosh, Airwars has requested further clarification.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • 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, US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2017
  • No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 22nd 2016, the Coalition reported at the time that “Near Kisik, one strike damaged an ISIL tunnel. Near Mosul, four strikes engaged five ISIL tactical units, 12 staging areas, six mortar systems, a rocket position and a heavy machine gun; destroyed 21 fighting positions, 10 mortar systems, eight vehicles, eight command and control nodes, seven ISIL-held buildings, five bunkers, four anti-aircraft guns, four artillery systems, three tunnels, three VBIEDs, two supply caches, two heavy machine guns, a VBIED facility and a front end loader; and damaged three VBIEDs, two tunnels, a fighting position, a repeater tower and a vehicle.”

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • 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, US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI323

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Location

حمام العليل, Mosul, Hamam al Alil subdistrict, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.16429, 43.25923 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The UN report on the protection of civilians in the context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: On 5 November, airstrikes hit two houses in Hamam al-Alil City resulting in the houses collapsing. Twenty-three civilians, including children, were reportedly trapped inside. In the evening of the same day, two children, one seriously wounded, and an elderly woman was reportedly rescued and taken to the hospital. In the morning of 6 November, two female children and three bodies were reportedly taken out from the rubble. On 7 November, eight bodies (husband, wife, three children, mother of the husband and husband’s two sisters) and seven wounded civilians–three children, two men and two women–were reportedly taken out from the rubble. ISIL was reportedly shelling ISF positions from behind the houses. Attempts to rescue victims and to take out dead bodies were reportedly also being hindered by ISIL sniper fire.

Airwars researchers have so far identified no known public allegations of civilians killed or injured in Hamam al Alil on this date.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23
  • (3 children4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF434035
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020
  • Nov. 5, 2016, in Hamam al Alil, 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. 3061/CI323 38SLF434035

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 4th-5th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, nine strikes [3 British] engaged five ISIL tactical units and four staging areas; destroyed five vehicles, three weapons caches, three mortar systems, a storage facility, a VBIED, and an ISIL-held building; and damaged an ISIL supply route, a bridge, and a tunnel.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23
  • (3 children4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI341

Incident date

November 16, 2016

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, East neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.368483, 43.184281 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Shelling killed and wounded civilians in eastern Mosul, according to local sources.

Iraq News Center reported shelling from both ISIL and government forces affected civilians in eastern Mosul. Zyaad Al Senjary posted that the mutual bombardment had resulted in a massive number of casualties among civilians.

Rudaw TV meanwhile reported that ten civilians were killed, including a mother and her four kids in the exchange of shelling.

@othmanmhmmadr named one of the dead in Mosul who was identified as a professor of electrical engineering at the University of Mosul. The report blamed Coalition raids for his death.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Dr Safwan Imad
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (4 children1 woman1 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A picture of Dr Safwan Emad who was killed following the alleged coalition airstrike (via @othmanmhmmadr)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • The report contained insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 15th-16th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, eight strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed three VBIEDs, three mortar systems, two vehicles, two ISIL-held buildings, a weapons cache, an anti-aircraft artillery system, a front-end loader, a VBIED facility, and a command and control node; damaged a supply route and two tunnels; and suppressed a tank.”

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
    10
  • (4 children1 woman1 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS413 TS020

Incident date

December 12, 2016

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.51631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Twelve civilians were killed and up to 30 injured at al Bab in what local sources claimed was a ‘Coalition’ strike, but which may have been a result of Turkish-ISIS fighting.

Al A’maq, ISIS’s media wing, reported “12 dead and 30 injured, most of them women and children, following violent Turkish shelling with more than 150 missiles and rockets that fell on al Bab since this morning.” A video (since blocked) also showed a number of children being treated for serious injuries.

Ara News said that “Turkish forces shelled the city of al Bab and Tadef northeast of Aleppo, northern Syria, on Monday, and the shelling targeted civilian neighbourhoods.” The Syrian Observatory also blamed Turkish and Euphrates Shield forces.

However both Halab News and VDC blamed the US-led Coalition – which they may still have viewed Turkey as being an active member of.

Al Bab al Hadath said both Turkish and Coalition planes attacked the city, killing 12 including two families and injuring 20 civilians. In total it named twelve victims:

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, Coalition officials requested additional information concerning the alleged event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mamdouh Noma
Adult male was killed with two of his girls killed
Daughter of Mamdouh Noma
Age unknown female killed
Second daughter of Mamdouh Noma
Age unknown female killed

Family members (1)

Al Boushi family
Age unknown 5 members were killed killed

The victims were named as:

Tarek Ahmad Zakkour al Alabi
15 years years old male killed
Omar Mohammad al Eido
16 years years old male killed
Mustapha Naqishbandi
Age unknown male killed
Alaa Hajjar
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (6 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–30
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • Al Bab following reported Turkish or Coalition strikes on December 12th 2016. (via Bab al Hadath)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    One of the victims following reported Turkish or Coalition strikes on Al Bab, December 12th 2016. (via Al Bab al Hadath)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    One of the victims following reported Turkish or Coalition strikes on Al Bab, December 12th 2016. (via Al Bab al Hadath)
  • Al Bab following reported Turkish or Coalition strikes on December 12th 2016. (via Bab al Hadath)
  • Al Bab following reported Turkish or Coalition strikes on December 12th 2016. (via Bab al Hadath)
  • Al Bab following reported Turkish or Coalition strikes on December 12th 2016. (via Bab al Hadath)
  • Al Bab following reported Turkish or Coalition strikes on December 12th 2016. (via Bab al Hadath)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Photo of child being treated in hospital following alleged Turkish and Coalition raids on al Bab, 12th December 2016. (via Khaled Shaban)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Photo of a child victim in hospital following an alleged Turkish and Coalition raid on al Bab, 16th December 2016. )via Khaled Shaban)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Photo of a child victims in hospital following an alleged Turkish and Coalition raid on al Bab, 16th December 2016. (via Khaled Shaban)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Photo of a male civilian casualty killed following an alleged Turkish and Coalition raid on al Bab, 16th December 2016. (via Khaled Shaban)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured children being treated in hospital following alleged Turkish and Coalition raids on al Bab, 12th December 2016. (via Khaled Shaban)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Photo of child being treated in hospital following alleged Turkish and Coalition raids on al Bab, 12th December 2016. (via Khaled Shaban)
  • Photo of child being transported to hospital following alleged Turkish and Coalition raids on al Bab, 12th December 2016. (via Khaled Shaban)
  • Injured children being treated in hospital following alleged Turkish and Coalition raids on al Bab, 12th December 2016. (via Khaled Shaban)
  • Damaged building in the aftermath of the alleged raid on Al Bab, 12th November 2016. (via Halab today)
  • Damaged building in the aftermath of the alleged raid on Al Bab, 12th November 2016. (via Al Bab al Hadath facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al-Bab (الباب), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.371972, 37.51631. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 11th-13th 2016 the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in the vicinity of al Bab.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (6 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–30
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI391

Incident date

January 5, 2017

Location

حي الميثاق, Mosul, Al-Mithaq, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3260517, 43.2006454 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five members of the same family were killed when a Coalition airstrike hit a house in Al Mithaq, according to local sources.

Sualif Maslawiah Aneefa posted that five members of Khalid Mustafa Abu Wadah’s family were killed when bombs struck his home as ISIL fighters hid inside, preventing the family from leaving. The post identified the dead as Khalid Mustafa Abu Wadah himself, Wadah’s son Wadah Khaled Abu Samin, his son Mustafa, his wife as well as her mother.

Iraq News meanwhile reported that Coalition airstrikes had left “dead and wounded, including women and children.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Khalid Mustafa Abu Wadah
Adult male killed
Wadah Khaled Abu Samin
Age unknown male Son of Khalid Mustafa Abu Wadah killed
Mustafa
Age unknown male Son of Khalid Mustafa Abu Wadah

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (2 women1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (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
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 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

For January 4th-5th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed five ISIL-held buildings, four fighting positions, four mortar systems, two weapons caches, a supply cache, a communications tower, a vehicle, a command and control node, and a rocket and unmanned aerial vehicle factory; damaged 27 supply routes; and suppressed two mortar teams.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (2 women1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI412

Incident date

January 11, 2017

Location

حي الحدباء, Mosul, Al-Hadba, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3951712, 43.1503487 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A local sources claimed Coalition airstrikes and artillery shelling targeted the Hadbah neighbourhood northeast of Mosul had killed “dozens of civilians.” This took place after ISIL reportedly targeted Iraqi forces with three bombed cars during the afternoon.

Ajel Al Mosul spoke of “heavy” and “indiscriminate” airstrikes. It also reported that an “air strike targeted a civilian home in Hadbah neighborhood near the Hassan markets causing the destruction of the house.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3419029369
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 10th-11th the Coalition publicly noted: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed four fighting positions, two vehicles, an ISIL-held building, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher; and damaged 39 supply

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • Civilians reported injured
    12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]