US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

CI233

Incident date

April 26, 2016

Location

الشرقاط, Al Shirqat, Salaheldin, Iraq

Geolocation

35.49249, 43.23055 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

US aircraft attacked an ISIS checkpoint in the town of Sharqat. According to a CENTCOM release issued three months later, “it is [now] assessed that one civilian was killed when a motorcycle unexpectedly appeared in the target area after the US aircraft had already released its weapon.”

That attack on a checkpoint near the Jumeila bridge was reported at the time – though there was no mention of civilian casualties. Iraq Eye also mentioned seven airstrikes on Sharqat that day, though did not mention civilian casualties.

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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 35.5045616, 43.2404709

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
    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
    in Sharqat, Iraq, near Qayyarah
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE395291
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 28, 2016

  • On April 26, 2016, in Sharqat, Iraq, near Qayyarah, during a strike on an ISIL checkpoint, it is assessed that one civilian was killed when a motorcycle unexpectedly appeared in the target area after the U.S. aircraft had already released its weapon.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

There was no public reporting of a Coalition strike on a checkpoint in the area between April 25th-27th 2016.

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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI495

Incident date

February 28, 2017

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.40371, 40.99752 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian and the injury of another in an event at Al Qaim.

Their June 2017 civilian casualty report noted “During a strike on an ISIS dump truck filled with VBIED material, after firing warning shots, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed and one injured when they entered the target area after the munition was released.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a one metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 34.3957715, 40.9943684

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
    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
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Al Qaim, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU8360308729
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 2, 2017

  • Feb. 28, 2017, near Al Qaim, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS dump truck filled with VBIED material, after firing warning shots, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed and one injured when they entered the target area after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 27th-28th the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Al Qaim, 10 strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two VBIED factories, two ISIS media facilities, an IED factory, a weapons storage facility, an anti-air artillery system, a vehicle, a fuel storage tank, an ISIS staging facility and an ISIS financial facility.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    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

CS776

Incident date

May 6, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.01508, 40.46758 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two local sources reported that a civilian was killed in a Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadeen town.

There was initially some uncertainty about the date of the event: A Natek reported it on May 8th, while according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights – which published its report on May 8th – the named victim died from an injury he had sustained in a strike “a few days ago”.

In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted: “May 6, 2017, in Al Mayadin, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh facility. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of the strike.”

In May 2020, the Pentagon declared that this had been a US action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Amer Tawfik Al Ali al Hamad
Age unknown killed

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
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated this incident to the nearest city at 35.016667, 40.444167

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
    in Al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU339757
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 26, 2019

  • May 6, 2017, in Al Mayadin, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh facility. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 6th-7th the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, 10 strikes destroyed eight ISIS oil tankers, four ISIS well heads, two Unmanned Aerial System facilities and an ISIS barge.”
For May 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed four ISIS well heads, a unmanned aerial system storage building and a vehicle.”
For May 8th-9th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed four ISIS oil tankers and an ISIS well head.“

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Tuesday 9 May – A Reaper intervened during a public execution staged by Daesh in Abu Kamal, Syria, killing a Daesh guard and dispersing the crowd gathered to witness the atrocity… The RAF is continuing to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian casualties. An RAF Reaper remotely piloted aircraft observed a group of Daesh fighters in Abu Kamal, eastern Syria, mustering a large crowd of civilians in one of the town’s main streets on Tuesday 9 May. When a van then unloaded two shackled prisoners in front of the crowd, it became clear that Daesh were organising a public execution. Given the large number of civilians present, the Reaper’s crew could not target directly the Daesh fighters about to carry out the murders. However, two armed extremists were stationed as sentries on the roof of a building overlooking the scene. A Hellfire missile was fired immediately, and scored a direct hit which not only killed one of the sentries but also brought the execution to an immediate halt, as the Daesh fighters fled the scene, and the crowd of civilians dispersed.’

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
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS797

Incident date

May 10, 2017

Location

الصور, Al Soor, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.508257, 40.662927 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least seven and as many 14 civilians were killed including four children and dozens more were reportedly injured in airstrikes on Al Soor, 55km northeast of Deir Ezzor city, according to local reports. The Coalition later confirmed killing one civilian in the town that day.

There were conflicting reports at the time as to who was responsible, with many sources blaming the Coalition (Deir Free, Halab Today, Step News, Al Nateq quoting A’maq, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Syrian Network for Human Rights and an activist on Twitter). Others said that Russia was responsible (including Al Araby, Al Hasaka Arabea, Smart News and Shaam News Network) and one alleging that the Syrian government was to blame (Syrian News Desk, which said regime warplanes carried out six raids.

Four children were reportedly among the dead, according to sources. Most reports said that “dozens” or “several” people were also wounded, however Syrian News Desk was the only source to report an exact figure – it said 13 people were injured.

Al Hassaka Rasd named the victims of unidentified warplanes.

In its August civilian casualty report, the Coalition conceded that it had killed at least one civilian:”May 10, 2017, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS headquarters, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.”

Coordinates supplied by the Coalition to Airwars placed the incident at al Soor.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Khalil Ahmad al Rajab
Age unknown killed
Ibrahim Ahmad al Rajab
Age unknown male killed
Fadi Ahmad al Rajab
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Mohamad al Khalaf
Age unknown male killed
Mohammad al Layli al Harib
Age unknown male killed
Khitab Al Awwad al Bahathi
Age unknown killed
Mohammad al Moheissan
Age unknown male killed
Khalil al Msaytar
Age unknown killed
A person called Hamadi
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 14
  • (4 children4 men)
  • 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 (28) [ 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 Dayr Az Zawr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV5080730680
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

  • May 10, 2017, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS headquarters, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 9th-10th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed a front-end loader an and ISIS well head.”
For May 10th-11th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed two ISIS headquarters"

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 14
  • (4 children4 men)
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1117

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Location

الطيانة, Al Tayyana, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.021718, 40.866423 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one civilian male, but possibly as many as two, died in airstrikes on Al Tayyana, according to local media – though it was initially unclear whether the Coalition or Russia was responsible. The US-led alliance accepted responsibility in September 2017.

Five sources reported that only one fatality was caused by the airstrikes, however the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the higher number of two.

It also reported that the victim died “after warplanes targeted the area surrounding the oil wells” and the RFS Media Office reported that the bombing caused “the burning and destruction of a large number of tanks and burners”.

According to Baladi, “Warplanes, both Russian and allied, intensified raids on the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour, where a civilian was killed by raids targeting an area where oil tankers were gathering around the town of Tiyana on Wednesday.”

In its September 2017 casualty report, the Coalition stated: “June 28, 2017, near Mayadin, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on a convoy of ISIS oil trucks, it is was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired, all truck drivers but one stopped, vacated their vehicles and moved a safe distance away. One truck continued driving and was subsequently destroyed and its driver presumed killed. The other vehicles in the area were abandoned after the warning shots were fired and subsequently destroyed with no assessed civilian casualties.”

Officials provided coordinates to Airwars – 35°01’18.2″N 40°51’59.1″E – which placed the event near Maleh, they said. This appears to be a match for this event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Iyad Hussein Al-Hameed.
Age unknown dentified by Euphrates Post killed

Summary

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

Sources (9) [ 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
    Inside target vehicle
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU7027977043
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 1, 2017

  • June 28, 2017, near Mayadin, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on a convoy of ISIS oil trucks, it is was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired, all truck drivers but one stopped, vacated their vehicles and moved a safe distance away. One truck continued driving and was subsequently destroyed and its driver presumed killed. The other vehicles in the area were abandoned after the warning shots were fired and subsequently destroyed with no assessed civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 28th-29th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed 10 oil storage tanks, six oil trucks, two fuel trailers, an well head, a piece of oil processing equipment and an ISIS headquarters.”

Summary

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

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS431

Incident date

January 7, 2017

Location

خشام, Khusham, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.31116, 40.27822 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 19 civilians died following reported Coalition airstrikes on an oil market in central Khisham.

The Euphrates Post initially reported six civilian deaths though later raised this to 14 civilians killed: “Coalition aircraft targeted the oil market in the town today with several raids. The first raid – at dawn – did not leave any victims because no one was around. The second raid around 10am left a number of Martyrs who were from the desert of Homs. The third raid a few hours ago left four martyrs who are local to the region. This market sells red petrol substance produced by Koniko and sold by IS to their contractors, who trade the oil and distribute it to merchants from all provinces using smaller tanks.”

The Syrian Observatory placed the death toll at five, while LCCSY said four civilians died. Step News later reported that 19 civilians in total died.

RFS also put the death toll at nine and said that the raids were carried out by suspected Coalition planes.

Elnashra, Alkhalijonline, Jisr TV, Worldnews and Qasioun were among other sources who reported on the incident but didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Death counts varied form six to eight non-combatants, with a dozen more wounded.

JFL reported: “Correspondent Justice Observatory said “The first raid was at 8:00 am, and did not cause any injuries, while the second and third raids were at noon time, leading to a dozen civilians, including civilians from outside Deir Ezzor province dying, with others injured.” They didn’t identify the planes responsible.

Ara news also said that the planes – which reportedly belonged to the Coalition – returned for further raids: “Warplanes of the international coalition targeted Khisham with several air raids. The warplanes returned to target the area again but did not kill or injure people. On a third raid, in the afternoon, they targeted the gasoline market for the sale of gasoline, killing six civilians. The number increased to eight as two others later died from their injuries.”

The Coalition reported on March 4th that “Jan. 7, 2017, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS oil tanker trucks it is assessed that one civilian driver was unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired to dislodge drivers from the vehicles, aircraft engaged the targets. After munitions’ impact a driver exited a vehicle and attempted to flee when he was killed by a secondary explosion from one of the oil tanker trucks.”

Officials later confirmed that that event was at the Tabiyah Modular Refinery, which Airwars has geolocated to Khisham (35.343345, 40.3189659.)

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
    5 – 19
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Smoke bellows from Khusham following an alleged Coalition strike on an oil market, Jan 7th (via Ara news)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 35.3020098, 40.2914143

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:

  • 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 secondary explosion(s)
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV162083
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 4, 2017

  • Jan. 7, 2017, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS oil tanker trucks it is assessed that one civilian driver was unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired to dislodge drivers from the vehicles, aircraft engaged the targets. After munitions’ impact a driver exited a vehicle and attempted to flee when he was killed by a secondary explosion from one of the oil tanker trucks.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For January 6th-7th the Coalition publicly reported that “Near Dayr Az Zawr, nine strikes destroyed 18 oil refinement stills, 15 oil pump jacks, and an oil well head.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 19
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (33) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS469

Incident date

January 31, 2017

Location

دير الزور, near Deir Ezzor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.690288, 40.560812 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an incident near Deir Ezzor.

Their June 2017 civilian casualty report noted “During a strike on ISIS construction equipment, after reviewing the post-strike video, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed when he entered the target area after the munition was released.”

The provided location – 37SFU 42967 39806 – lies equidistant between al Qata and Sbeikhan.

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]

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
    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
    near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU4296739806
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 2, 2017

  • Jan. 31, 2017, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS construction equipment, after reviewing the post-strike video, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed when he entered the target area after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For January 30th-31st the Coalition stated: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed 10 oil drums, two oil storage tanks and an oil wellhead.“

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

CS853

Incident date

May 23, 2017

Location

الدوير, Al Duweir, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

34.7787, 40.62184 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One 30-year-old civilian died after his motorbike was struck at Al Duweir checkpoint between al Salhiya and al Qouriya, according to local sources.

In February 2019, the Coalition conceded this death, noting: “Coalition forces had intelligence on an ISIS member traveling via motorcycle in Mayadin. Coalition aircraft struck the motorcycle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed during the strike. ”

Only one source – Euphrates Post – pointed directly at the Coalition, reporting that the victim died after “international coalition aircraft hit him with a small missile at Al Duweir checkpoint while he was on his motorcycle returning from the city of Salhiya in the countryside Boukmal.”

Sharqiya voice and 24 DeirEzzor didn’t identify the warplane responsible for his death.

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:

Ismail Khalifa Al-Aboud
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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ismail Khalifa al Abboud al Hadid, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Al Duweir, May 23rd (via Sharqiya Voice)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest street at 34.740343, 40.714817

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 Duweir, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU484497
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • May 23, 2017, near Duweir, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition forces had intelligence on an ISIS member traveling via motorcycle in Mayadin. Coalition aircraft struck the motorcycle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed during the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 22nd-23rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed four ISIS oil trucks, three ISIS pump jacks, and an ISIS well head.”
For May 23rd-24th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed three fighting positions and a mortar system." In addition it added for May 23rd that "Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes destroyed eight command and control nodes and destroyed a VBIED facility."

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 (4) [ collapse]