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

CS1280

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.45341, 40.91813 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian near Abu Kamal, Syria.

Their October 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS-held building, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

Since the target of the strike was a building, Airwars assesses this Coalition-reported strike does not relate to the event listed above (S1123). In that incident, which also took place in Abu Kamal, an ISIS vehicle was targeted.

In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 34.466049, 40.907593

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Abu Kamal, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU762141
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017
  • July 26, 2017, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via self-report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS-held building, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 26th-27th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed three ISIS well-heads.” And “Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed an ISIS financial exchange facility and a VBIED factory.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Wednesday 26 July – a Reaper destroyed a terrorist truck in eastern Syria..A Royal Air Force Reaper flew an armed reconnaissance mission over eastern Syria on Wednesday 26 July. A group of armed terrorists were observed boarding a truck, and the Reaper’s crew tracked the vehicle as it headed west along a desert road, some 20 miles south-south-east of Hasakah, before engaging with a Hellfire missile once it was in an isolated location. The missile scored a direct hit which destroyed the truck.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1363

Incident date

August 11, 2017

Location

Al Na'im area, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95268, 39.00998 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported that there had been an “escalation of civilian martyrs” following alleged artillery shelling on the Na’im area of Raqqa. This was later confirmed to have been a US airstrike.

Raqqa News Post for example reported at the time: “#Urgent : # Ar Raqqa The fall of artillery shells on the area of Naim and Tal Abyad Street and Al Salam hospital by the Kurdish units.”

While there were reports of “an escalation of civilian martyrs” no specific casualty numbers were reported.

In its civilian casualty report for November 2019 – published on January 2nd 2020 – the Coalition conceded one death and one injury in this event, noting: “August 11, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed and one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike. 2074/S1190 37SEV009787”.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon declared this to have been a US military action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention several areas in the city of Raqqa: the area around the Na’im (ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ ﺍﻟﻨﻌﻴﻢ) roundabout, for which the coordinates are: 35.95447, 39.009392; Tal Abyad street (ﺷﺎﺭﻉ ﺗﻞ ﺃﺑﻴﺾ), for which the coordinates are: 35.948534, 39.012615; and Al Salam hospital (مشفى السلام), for which the location is unknown to Airwars. Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.95447, 39.009392.

  • Na'im (ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ ﺍﻟﻨﻌﻴﻢ) roundabout and Tal Abyad street (ﺷﺎﺭﻉ ﺗﻞ ﺃﺑﻴﺾ) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    in Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV009787
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2020
  • August 11, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed and one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike. 2074/S1190 37SEV009787

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 10th-11th the Coalition have reported *Near Raqqah, 33 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 21 fighting positions, four command and control nodes, three ISIS communication nodes, two IEDs, a logistics node and an ISIS communication facility.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 10, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, a mortar system, a logistics node, and a command and control node.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Friday 11 August – Tornados and Typhoons attacked a position in Raqqa…On Friday, a mixed pair continued to provide support to the SDF and destroyed a further defensive position in Raqqa with a Paveway. ‘

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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

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

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1740

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Location

البوكمال, Near Abu Kamal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Airwars assessment

In a previously unknown event, the UK for the first time admitted that its forces caused civilian harm during an airstrike against so-called Islamic State.

In a written statement to Parliament on May 2nd, UK Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson MP stated that “one civilian was unintentionally killed,” when a UK Reaper drone struck three ISIS fighters in rural Syria a few weeks earlier.

The UK MoD had stated at the time in its weekly update that a “Reaper tracked a group of terrorists in a vehicle in the Syrian Euphrates valley on Monday 26 March, and successfully destroyed it and its occupants with a precision Hellfire missile attack.”

According to the statement made to Parliament, a civilian had accidentally driven a motorbike into the strike area, and had died in the attack on Daesh. “We reached this conclusion after undertaking routine and detailed post-strike analysis of all available evidence”, said Williamson.

Airwars researchers were unable to identify any public reports of civilian harm relating to the UK drone strike. However there were reports of Coalition airstrikes on the day which allegedly targeted regime forces. Abdul Jabbar noted “Continued escalation between US forces and Kurdish militias on the one hand and the forces of the Syrian regime on the other and US aircraft [sic] bombed regime positions in the area of Mohsin east of Deir al-Zour.” And Euphrates Post published a video of what it said was the strike.

The US-led Coalition does not include this event in its own tally of credible civilian deaths – noting to Airwars that it has never been notified of this event. The Ministry of Defence has also refused to supply Airwars with the grid coordinates – despite almost all such credible incidents now being disclosed.

In March 2020, Airwars and the BBC revealed that the MoD was refusing to concede 15 further civilian deaths from its actions in 2017 and 2018, despite the US-led Coalition itself determining that civilian harm reports for three more UK strikes were in fact credible.

Airwars and the Guardian released an investigation into this civilian harm admission in April 2023 in which it detailed the steps taken to track down additional information on the civilian who was said to have been killed. Airwars’ investigation unit contacted every rights organisation that tracks civilian harm in Syria. None had any record of a civilian killed that day in circumstances that matched the MoD’s description. The Ministry of Defence released to Airwars, via Freedom of Information requests, details of every RAF strike in which a militant was killed. Despite initially saying 3 militants were killed in the March 26 strike, it did not appear in the data. The article also pointed out that the conflict in the part of Syria where the strike allegedly occurred was tapering off in early 2018 – Airwars recorded six civilian harm allegations in that region that month, compared with hundreds during intense periods of fighting in cities such as Mosul and Raqqa.

The Ministry of Defence declined to comment directly on discrepancies in the UK public record, with coalition public statements or with data from Syrian groups. “A highly trained and professional team of UK military personnel assessed a civilian fatality had been caused,” a spokesperson said. “We remain confident in the transparency of our reporting and data published by the department can be considered as authoritative on UK military operations as possible.” Williamson did not respond to requests for comment on his statement.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    UK Military
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (16) [ collapse]

UK Military Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    UK Military
  • UK Military position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    Euphrates valley, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    n/a
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

Original strike reports

UK Military

For March 26th, the Coalition originally reported “On March 26 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted one strike consisting of one engagement against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged a Daesh tactical unit."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Monday 26 March – a Reaper destroyed a terrorist vehicle in eastern Syria…A Reaper tracked a group of terrorists in a vehicle in the Syrian Euphrates valley on Monday 26 March, and successfully destroyed it and its occupants with a precision Hellfire missile attack. Following an detailed investigation, it is assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed in the strike. [The final line was later added as an amendment to the report.]

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    UK Military
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS293

Incident date

August 11, 2016

Location

ذيبان‬, Ziban, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.0229084, 40.5630804 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Coalition airstrikes on ‘ISIL oil tankers’ reportedly resulted in the death of a civilian driver and the injuring of others. In September 2020, the Coalition admitted that a strike had been conducted on August 11th 2016 against Daesh equipment, killing one civilian and injuring at least one other.

According to the Syrian Observatory, “Coalition warplanes bombarded areas of Zeban town Badia near al-Omar oil field what killed a man and wounded others.”

A news brief from Arab Today added: “Syrian security source in Deir al-Zour confirms that military aircraft of the international coalition bombed-al Omar oil field, targeting cars and tankers dedicated to the transportation of oil. This resulted in the destruction of a 42-car field in the vicinity.”

The event followed the reported deaths of two or more civilian drivers in a similar incident on August 7th at al Tank.

In the second of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition stated: “Coalition aircraft conducted airstrikes against Daesh equipment. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed and at least one other unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the town level at 35.0108763, 40.5045318.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Diban, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU426767
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Aug. 11, 2016, near Diban, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted airstrikes against Daesh equipment. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed and at least one other unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike. 3029/CS293 37SFU426767

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 10th-11th 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed 15 ISIL oil tankers.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1688

Incident date

December 1, 2017

Location

غرانيج / درنج, Daranj (possibly غرانيج Granij), Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.91808, 40.58189 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child died in a Coalition airstrike according to local media.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported “a child died on December 3rd, due to wounds sustained from International Coalition warplanes which fired missiles on Darnaj village in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs on December 1, 2017″.

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event noting” Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.” The Coalition additionally provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box. Eleven months later this was declared to have been a US action.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights made no mention of civilian casualties but confirmed that the SDF had gained control of Daranj.

However, two other sources (Marsad Al Sharqiya and Obaidahalabdull) reported that the victim died in the town of Granij.

Other sources reported that the SDF had taken control of Daranj.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon declared this to have been a US military action.

The incident was first reported on December 1, 2017 at 2:00 pm by .

The victims were named as:

Adult male (via @obaidahalabdull) killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • An image shows destruction in a building following an alleged coalition strike on Daranj (via step agency)
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention two possible locations: the village of Darnaj (درنج), for which the coordinates are: 34.9244444,40.5791667; and the village of Garnij/Kharanij (غرانيج), for which the coordinates are: 34.7588889,40.7611111 Prior to the release of the MGRS for this incident, Airwars geolocated this incident to the nearest village at 34.9245045, 40.5793762. In June 2019 the Coalition released the MGRS for this incident: 37SFU445651.

  • A geographic image of the villages of Darnaj (درنج) and Garnij/Kharanij (غرانيج)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Daranj, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU445651
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2019
  • Dec. 1, 2017, near Daranj, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 30th-December 1st: ” Near Abu Kamal, five strike engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS fighting position, a tactical vehicle and an explosive hazard.”

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS397

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95809, 39.00554 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian in Raqqa.

Their January 2017 civilian casualty reported noted “During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that one civilian pedestrian was unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.9505639, 39.0094148

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV005793
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2017
  • Nov. 26, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria: During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that one civilian pedestrian was unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 25th-26th, the Coalition originally reported “Near Ar Raqqah, six strikes engaged five ISIL tactical units and a storage facility; destroyed two vehicles, a command and control node, and a fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS592

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Al Kanissa roundabout, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.829161, 38.534997 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the first of three reported incidents at al Tabaqa on this date, eight civilians died in a fresh alleged Coalition raid on the city. ‘Dozens’ were also reported injured.

According to local reports, eight members of the family of Musa al-Habib died when their house near the al Kanissa roundaout was struck in an airstrike.

According to Sharqiya Voice, “The international coalition launched an air raid last night targeting al Sina’a street in the market of the town, the gas department and the home of Ibrahim al A’bd between the church and al Shia’a mosque. There is news of martyrs and wounded among civilians.” A further report said that eight members of the Musa al-Habib family died, including women and children. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently also attributed the incident to the Coalition.

In its December 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition conceded killing one civilian at Tabqah on this date.

Coalition officials later confirmed to Airwars that their report was referring to this incident.

The report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS weapons facility and headquarters one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

In April 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Musa al-Habib family 1
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 2
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 3
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 4
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 5
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 6
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 7
Age unknown killed
Musa al-Habib family 8
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Al-Thawarah, Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV580651
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • March 20, 2017 near Al-Thawarah, Tabqah, Syria via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS weapons facility and headquarters one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 20th-21st the Coalition stated: “Near Ar Raqqah, 19 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed four petroleum oil lubricant equipment pieces, three barges, three fighting positions, three ISIS headquarters, two VBIED facilities, two VBIEDs, a VBIED factory, a tunnel, a vehicle, a weapons storage facility, and a command and control node; and damaged two supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS881

Incident date

May 29, 2017

Location

جامع الفواز, Fawwaz Mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95268, 39.01331 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to Al Araby, “a civilian was killed as a result of renewed artillery shelling of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units on al-Fawaz mosque area, in conjunction with battles.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named the victim as Muhammad al-Taqi but didn’t say who was responsible for his death.

In July 2018 the US-led alliance accepted responsibility for the death, stating that “During a strike on [a] Daesh VBIED factory, one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for this event accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad al-Taqi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Muhammad al-Taqi, killed when a shell hit him at al-Fawaz Mosque, May 29th (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 35.95268, 39.01331

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV012787
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018
  • May 29, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. During a strike on Daesh VBIED factory, one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 28th-29th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed two fighting positions, two vehicles, two VBIED factories, two VBIED facilities, and an ISIS mechanical facility.” It additionally reported for May 28th that “Near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes destroyed a weapons cache, an ISIS staging area, and three fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]