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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Incident Code

CS1265

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Location

سوق المواشي والحبوب, Al Mayadin, Sheep market, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.015254, 40.413338 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four members of IS died when the car they were in was allegedly struck by the Coalition, local media reported. One source, Fresh Syria, also said that an unspecified number of nearby civilians were wounded in the event.

According to Fresh Syria “aircraft of the International Coalition targeted a car, believed to belong to ISIS, in the sheep market area city of Mayadeen, leading to the death of those inside and wounding of a number of other civilians.”

On July 24th, Alghadalsoury reported that “Coalition aircraft launched two raids earlier on the road to the sheep market in the city of Mayadeen. The first targeted a Daesh car and led to the deaths of four of its members, while the second targeted the same place and resulted in no injuries.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 July 24th-25th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed 14 ISIS oil stills and five well-heads.” It later also added that “On July 24, near Abu Kamal, Syria, one strike destroyed three ISIS oil stills and a vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1295

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

According to Euphrates Post, two civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah.

Hasaka Marsad also named these two victims and blamed the Coalition for their deaths.

This event might or might not be related to the two events that the Coalition has admitted responsibility for — see S1138b and S1138c below.

In their August 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 the allegation provided insufficient information on the timing and location of the strike to make a determination.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Hossam Rachid Jadaan Al Haj
Age unknown male killed
Souzan Rashid Jadaan Al-Haj
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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 (2) [ 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020

  • July 29, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3137/CS1295 37SEV008784

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 28th-29th: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, an artillery system, and a vehicle; and suppressed a fighting position.” It additionally reported that “On July 28, near Raqqah, Syria, 16 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units, destroyed an anti-air artillery system, and damaged seven fighting positions.”

For July 30th – 31st, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, three supply caches, two ISIS-held buildings, a vehicle, a tunnel, and a command and control node; and suppressed a fighting position.“

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1322 RS2381

Incident date

August 2, 2017

Location

قرية التبني, Al Tabani, Shihah junction and other locations, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.605833, 39.818611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 20 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on the village of Al Tabani, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Coalition were to blame.

Rami asssaf, @Ahmad_Zahlan and @HAMZH7711 blamed the Coalition, with @Ahmad_Zahlan reporting that white phosphorus had been used.

However, the majority of sources attributed the event to Russian forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was unclear whether the planes belonged to Russia or the Coalition. According to Ahmad al Shibli, there were ten raids, while Al Hassaka Rasd put the death toll at 20 non-combatants.

Multiple sources reported that Abdul Razzaq al-Atrash and 11 members of his family died. Other victims were listed as three brothers, the sons of Hamoud Al Farhan al Darwish.

Euphrates Post reported that the following locations in the village were hit:

Al-Akeisat neighbourhood School

The Electricity Company

House of Ahmed Al Khalil

House of Ahmed Al Hassan

The house of Abdul Rahman al-A’ddad – adding: “it is worth mentioning that dozens of families spent the night in agricultural land for fear of air raids.”

Step News Agency reported that more than ten homes were raised to the ground.

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Aisha Mohammed Ba’aj
Age unknown female named by Euphrates Post, who said Russia was likely to blame killed
Sabria Mohammed Ba’aj
Age unknown female named by Euphrates Post, who said Russia was likely to blame killed
Rana Abdul Razzaq Ba’aj
Age unknown female named by Euphrates Post, who said Russia was likely to blame killed
Abdul Razzaq Ba’aj
Age unknown male named by Euphrates Post, who said Russia was likely to blame killed
Tariq Abdul Razzaq Ba’aj
Age unknown male named by Euphrates Post, who said Russia was likely to blame killed
Raed Abdel Razzaq Ba’aj
Age unknown named by Euphrates Post, who said Russia was likely to blame killed
Mohammed Abdul Rahman Ba’aj
Age unknown male named by Euphrates Post, who said Russia was likely to blame killed

The victims were named as:

Abdul Razzaq al-Atrash
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 20
  • (3 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Tabani (قرية التبني), Western Deir Ezzor governorate. Sources mention airstrikes in the vicinity of two containers or two old structures at the Shihah junction (مفرق شيحا), or the entrance road to the village of Al Tabani, coming from al Buweitiyah (البويطية). Airwars was unable to locate Shihah junction, but the coordinates for the entrance road to Al Tabani are: 35.599386, 39.827688. Other landmarks that were mentioned, but that Airwars was unable to locate these due to limited satellite imagery, are the Al-Akeisat neighbourhood School (مدرسة حارة العكيصات) and The Electricity Company (مؤسسة الكهرباء)    

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 Tabani, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV749398
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 August 3rd-4th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed a ISIS financial headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 20
  • (3 children3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1350

Incident date

August 7, 2017

Location

ﺍﻟﺪﺷﻴﺸﺔ, Al Dasheisha, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.0436, 41.16444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources said that two people were killed in al Dasheisha village. The names of the dead were given as Khalil al-Khalaf al Hamoud and his wife. The name of the wife was not stated.

It was alleged that the strike was carried out by the US-led coalition.

The alliance itself publicly reported no strikes in the governorate on this date. A later assessment asserted that “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.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Khalil al-Khalaf al Hamoud
Age unknown male killed
Khalil al-Khalaf al Hamoud's wife
Age unknown female killed

Summary

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

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Dashishah (ﺍﻟﺪﺷﻴﺸﺔ), for which the coordinates are: 36.0436, 41.16444. There is however another village with the same name, for which the coordinates are: 35.7858464, 40.8256812.

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 Dasheisha, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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

The Coalition has not publicly reported any strikes in Hasaka governorate for August 7th-8th.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1380

Incident date

August 17, 2017

Location

Mu'awiya school/Mal'ab Al-Aswad area, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.960023, 39.003649 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Thirty civilians including up to 13 children and three women from three families died and dozens more were injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes and artillery shelling on Raqqa, according to local sources. Reports said that the entire Al-Sayer Al-Enezi family died in the strike – along with multiple members of other families.

There was, however, some confusion about the location of the event. According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently – which put the death toll at 30 – the Al-Sayer family died in the Mu’awiua school area. However, Ahmad Shbli reported that the family were killed in a strike on the Mal’ab Al-Aswad area, along with Idan al-Abo al-Issa and his wife.

Sharqiya Voice, also blaming the Coalition, said that the Al-Sayer family died in the Mu’awiya school district. And according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the family died in the al Tawase’eya neighbourhood.

Sky News, Masrawi and Qasioun said that Coalition raids on the Mu’awiya school area killed 23 civilians including thirteen children from the Al-Enezi family.

Sound and Picture provided the most detail on the event, reporting that “30 civilians were killed and dozens were injured in an air strike by the International Air Force aircraft targeting a residential building near the school of Muawiya bin Abi Sufian in the Al Wahda neighbourhood (Unity neighbourhood), in the city of Raqqa.

Three civilian families were killed in a coalition air strike targeting the building in which they live, totalling least 30 people, most of them women and children. The correspondent denied the existence of any IS headquarters in the building.”

The joint Amnesty and Airwars’s report from 2019 “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” reported in details about how the strikes killed members of the al-Sayer family.  Hafia, the wife of Mahmoud Lafi al-Sayer, told Amnesty that “at 2 am, an airstrike of the home of Haifa al-Sheikh killed 12 members of her family – five children, three women and four men. The carnage occurred only hours after she had lost her brother and nine other relatives in an air strike on her brother’s home.”

Haifa told Amnesty’s researcher that “I picked up the dead, the children; they were in pieces. This was a beautiful home, a happy home. Now nothing remains. I spend every moment of every day thinking about them. May God give me strength.”

In total, Hafnia lost her husband Mahmud Lafi al-Sayer, her sons Azzam and Husam, nieces Rawda Lafi al-Sayer and Amira lafi al-Sayer, nephew Muthanna Barakat al-Sayer, 34 and his wife Hanadi Khalaf al-Saba, pregnant, and their six children; Taima’, Hamza, Basma, Rahma and Azzam and their unborn fetus.

 

The incident occured at 02:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (13)

Mahmoud Lafi Al - Sayer
61 years old male killed
Rawda Lafi Al - Sayer
48 years old female killed
Amira Lafi Al - Sayer
45 years old female killed
Marwan Barakat Lafi Al - Sayer
Age unknown male killed
Hanadi Khalaf al-Sabaa
Age unknown female pregnant Marwan Barakat Lafi Al - Sayer's wife killed
Muthanna Marwan Barakat Al - Sayer
34 years old male killed
Tayma Marwan Barakat Al - Sayer
10 years old female killed
Hamza Marwan Barakat Al - Sayer
9 years old male killed
Basma Marwan Barakat Al - Sayer
5 years old female killed
Rahma Marwan Barakat Al-Sayer
4 years old male killed
Azzam Marwan Barakat Al - Sayer
23 years old male killed
Husam al-Sayer
19 years old male killed
unborn fetus of Hanadi
killed

Family members (2)

Idan al-Abo al-Issa
Adult male killed
Idan al-Abo al-Issa's wife
Age unknown female killed

Family members (3)

Ibrahim Hassan Al Awad
Age unknown male killed
Yahya Hassan Al Awad
Age unknown male killed
Sumaya Yahya Hassan Al Awad
Age unknown female killed

The victims were named as:

Hajj Hussein Abdo al - Kurdi
Adult male killed
Saeed Mohammed Al Mahmoud
Age unknown male killed
Yasser Al - Humaidi
Age unknown male killed
Hanadi Khalaf al-Shamailani al-Anzi
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    30
  • (4–13 children2–3 women3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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 (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • Four children from the Al-Sayer family, who died in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, Aug 17th (via Sharqiya)
  • Idan al-Abo al-Issa (via RBSS)
  • Muthanna Barakat Lafi Al - Sayer (via RBSS)
  • Haj Fawaz Jassan al-Sayyid (via RBSS)
  • Basma al-Sayer, who died in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, Aug 17th (via Amnesty/Airwars)
  • Hamza al-Sayer, who died in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, Aug 17th (via Amnesty/Airwars)
  • Muthanna Barakat al-Sayer, who died in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, Aug 17th (via Amnesty/Airwars)
  • Rahma al-Sayer, who died in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, Aug 17th (via Amnesty/Airwars)
  • Taima Al sayer, who died in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, Aug 17th (via Amnesty/Airwars)
  • Via Amnesty International
  • Via Amnesty International
  • Via Amnesty International

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

  • The Muawiya school (مدرسة معاوية بن ابي سفيان), the stadium and Al Ansar mosque (مسجد الأنصار) in the Al Wahdah area (marked in red)

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

  • Before the attack.

  • After the attack.

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 August 16th-17th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 fighting positions, a logistics node, an IED, a command and control node, an ISIS UAS and a vehicle.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 16, near Raqqah, Syria, 23 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 18 fighting positions, eight command and control nodes, two tunnels, two heavy machine guns, an ISIS UAS, an anti-aircraft artillery system and an ISIS line of communication.” And that “On Aug. 16, near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two command and control nodes and a mortar system.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Thursday 17 August – Tornados and Typhoons attacked a mortar near Tall Afar, and two machine-gun teams and a sniper in Raqqa...With the Iraqi forces advancing on Tal Afar, a mixed Tornado and Typhoon pair provided close air support on Thursday 17 August. A coalition surveillance aircraft spotted a terrorist mortar, and was able to guide our aircraft into a successful attack with a Paveway IV. A second mixed pair maintained operations over Raqqa, and used Paveways to destroy one sniper and two machine-gun teams.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the past week, (11th-18th) France conducted 27 sorties, including 22 armed reconnaissance and ground support (CAS), 1 refueling outlet and 4 intelligence gathering sorties by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrols. Two strikes were carried out in the Raqqah region of Syria. They helped support the Syrian democratic forces in their offensive to retake the city.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille, amorcée il y a 15 jours, s’est achevée en fin de semaine dernière. Elle a permis de réaliser la jonction des fronts est et ouest. Depuis, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont relancé une offensive vers le centre de la ville mais elles font face à une défense acharnée des combattants de Daech. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations dans l’objectif de libérer, à terme, le nord de l’Irak. Actuellement, elles focalisent leur effort sur l’encerclement de la ville de Tall Afar. Les combattants de l’organisation terroriste réalisent un travail de valorisation de leurs positions défensives pour se préparer aux combats à venir alors que les populations tentent de fuir la ville. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Les soldats de l’opération Chammal poursuive leur mission d’appui au profit des unités irakiennes engagées contre Daech. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 27 sorties aériennes dont 22 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), 1 sortie de ravitaillement ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Raqqah en Syrie. Elles ont permis d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes dans leur offensive pour reprendre la ville. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 13 missions de tir en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar. En particulier, les artilleurs ont fourni des feux de harcèlement et d’éclairement pour interdire aux combattants de Daech de mener des actions au sol ou de réaliser des tirs indirects contre les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1330 frappes, 2102 objectifs détruits et 6946 sorties. ‘

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Aug 16-22, France report 5 strikes in Iraq and 2 in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 60 artillery missions.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    30
  • (4–13 children2–3 women3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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 (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1405

Incident date

August 22, 2017

Location

الملاهي, near Malahi (amusement park), Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.958095, 39.006309 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A major civilian casualty event in which 40 to 50 or more people reportedly died, and between 60 and 100 people injured, followed US-led Coalition airstrikes in conjunction with artillery shelling, alleged local sources.

The offensive targeted the Malahi (Amusement Park) district of Raqqa City and obliterated a four-storey residential building, where more than 40 civilians were said to be inside. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, amongst others, said that seven entire families were victims of the attack. Sources described a “crusade of coalition aircraft and artillery #SDF”. Airwars understands that only the Coalition have access to artillery in Raqqa.

Subsequent reports labelled the incident a “horrific massacre” in which “mostly women and children” were killed. Both Smart and Micro News did not mention the US-led Coalition explicitly, but referred to “warplanes” and “artillery” that targeted residential buildings in a collaborative operation. All other sources cited the US-led Coalition directly.

In their first assessment of this event in October 2017, the Coalition deemed this event non-credible, reporting that “The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.” In their second assessment in March 2022, the Coalition kept this even classified as non-credible, with the reasoning 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 local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    40 – 50
  • Civilians reported injured
    60–100
  • 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

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa's Malahi neighbourhood, August 22nd 2017. (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a four-storey residential building next to the Amusement Park (حديقة الملاهي) in the city of Raqqah. Airwars geolocated the image shared by RBSS of this building to these exact coordinates: 35.958095, 39.006309. Damage to this building can be seen on satellite imagery between August 21 and 25, 2017.  Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 35.95808, 39.00630

  • Damage seen on satellite imagery to the building in the image shared by RBSS (left: August 19, 2017; right: August 25, 2017)

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

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, Other
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV0056879299
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Oct 27, 2017

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

  • Aug. 22, 2017, near Raqqah, 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. 2771/CS1405 37SEV0056879299

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 22nd – 23rd the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 26 fighting positions, an ISIS headquarters, a command and control node, and ISIS engineering equipment.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 22, near Raqqah, Syria, 27 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 27 fighting positions, three IEDs, two command and control nodes, a logistics node, and ISIS engineering equipment.” And that “On Aug. 22, near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and an ISIS headquarters.” It also later noted that “On Aug. 22, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For Aug 16-22, France report 5 strikes in Iraq and 2 in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 60 artillery missions. (@EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    40 – 50
  • Civilians reported injured
    60–100
  • 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

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1434

Incident date

September 1, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported killed after suspected US-led Coalition strikes on Raqqa City. Two of those killed were named by Euphrates Post and Hasaka Rasd.

The sources said the two killed were originally from Deir Al-Zour. All sources attributed the deaths to “bombing by the International Coalition”, though no specific location for the deaths was given.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mari’ Hassan al-Haj Hamadou (Abu Mohammed)
Adult male a Lawyer killed
Masleh Shams Al-Din Al-Hamoud (Abu Shams)
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Musleh Shamseddine Al-Hamoud (Abu Shams) killed in suspected Coalition strikes on Raqqah, Spetember 1st (via Abou Aboud)
  • Mari Hassan Al-Haj Hamadou killed in suspected Coalition attacks on Raqqah, September 1st (via Ghafar Al Hasan)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident solely mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 31st – September 1st the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 10 fighting positions, three logistics nodes, two vehicles and a command and control node.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 31, near Raqqah, Syria, 13 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions, three command and control nodes and a tunnel.”

For September 1st - 2nd the Coalition reported "Near Raqqah, 17 strikes [1 British] engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed 16 fighting positions, three logistics nodes, two command and control nodes, and a VBIED" It later reported "On Sept. 1, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed four command and control nodes, four logistics nodes, three fighting positions, three VBIEDs, and two heavy machine guns", and "Additionally, 10 strikes consisting of 10 engagements were conducted in Syria on Sept. 1-2 that closed within the last 24 hours. On Sept. 1, near Raqqah, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 1 September – Typhoons destroyed a terrorist position in Raqqa, whilst a mixed Tornado and Typhoon pair struck three targets at a large Daesh complex in western Iraq…Typhoons continued operations over Raqqa on Friday 1 September, when they used a Paveway IV to destroy a Daesh-held building from which fire was being directed at the Syrian Democratic Forces. A mixed Tornado and Typhoon pair conducted reconnaissance before joining a coalition strike on a large, dispersed terrorist site near Al Qaim in western Iraq. The RAF targets at the complex were accommodation and storage blocks, and an anti-aircraft position. All three were struck by Paveway IVs.’

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1461

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Location

Sabha and al Jadid crossing, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.258358, 40.330682 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, LCCSY, reported that “two people were injured in the air raids of the International Alliance on the slopes of Al-Sabha and Al Jadid in the eastern countryside”.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Sabha and Jadid river crossings (معبر صبحة والجدید). Two possible locations for these river crossings are: 35.258358, 40.330682 (Jadid) and 35.284181, 40.234852 (Sabha)

  • Two possible locations for the reported river crossings

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 Sabha and al Jadid crossing, Deir Ez Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV210025
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 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 September 8th – 9th the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in the vicnity of Dayr Az Zawr.

For September 9th – 10th the Coalition reported “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions and a vehicle.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Saturday 9 September – a Reaper destroyed a motorcycle and trailer carrying three terrorists north-east of Dayr az Zawr… The following day [Sept 9th], another Reaper flew a further patrol in the same area of Syria, and tracked a group of three terrorists on a motorcycle and trailer. The Reaper’s crew waited patiently until the targets were in open countryside before firing a Hellfire which scored a direct hit.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]