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

CS1891a

Incident date

January 25–26, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Between Al-Baghuz Fawqani town and Al-Marashdah village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.47381, 40.93928 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on December 5th of that year – the Coalition conceded the killing of three civilians and the injuring of a fourth in a strike near Marashdah. The Pentagon later declared this as a US-only civilian harm event.

According to the report, “January 25, 2019, near Marashidah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike. 2664 37SFU781164”.

An alleged Coalition airstrike in the vicinity on this date also killed a total of 42 people, including 13 civilians in addition to 29 members of ISIS according to local reports [see CS1891].

Asked whether CS1891 might be a match for this incident, a Coalition official told Airwars: “Looking at the two reports, there is a chance these two are related as your report mentions some corroborating information, however it appears that this [Airwars] report is an aggregate of incidents and thus it is difficult to single out specific incidents with any certainty.”

Because of our inability to disaggregate these events, Airwars has created a separate civilian harm assessment for the confirmed Coalition event. We have also modified the civilian casualty range of CS1891 to avoid double counting.

In May 2020 in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon declared this to be a US-only action.

The incident occured between 12:00 am and 6:00 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Table of US-only civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria for 2019, declared by the Pentagon to Congress in May 2020.

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
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Marashidah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU781164
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 5, 2019
  • January 25, 2019, near Marashidah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike. 2664 37SFU781164

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Jan. 13 - 26, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 645 strikes consisting of 1,360 engagements in Syria, and conducted nine strikes consisting of 12 engagements in Iraq.

In Syria, 645 strikes engaged 394 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 244 fighting positions, 172 supply routes, 85 staging areas, 21 vehicles, 17 buildings, 15 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 14 mortar launching sites, 13 manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, 12 command and control nodes, nine tunnels, eight weapons catches, seven pieces of engineering equipment, five launching sites for unmanned aircraft systems, two weapons storage facilities, two mortar tubes, two improvised explosive devices, one unmanned aircraft system, one machine gun, one logistic node and one check point.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Jan 23rd-29th, France report that French Rafales conducted 7 strikes south of Hajin on ISIS fighters in the mid-Euphrates Valley.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Les Forces démocratiques syriennes, dont l’offensive est appuyée par les forces aériennes d’une part et l’artillerie de la Task Force Wagram d’autre part, ont poursuivi leur progression dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate. Après la reprise et la libération de Marashida, les opérations de reconquête des territoires occupés par Daech, menées par les FDS, entrent dans leur dernière phase, avant une période de sécurisation qui lui succèdera. Poursuite des actions en Irak La situation sécuritaire en Irak est stable, et les Forces de Sécurité irakiennes maintiennent un rythme opérationnel élevé. Elles poursuivent leurs efforts visant les flux et ressources logistiques, ce qui se concrétise par des prises de quantités importantes d’explosifs, de munitions et d’armement aux dépends de Daesh, dont il faut rappeler le régime de semi-clandestinité, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija, entre Bagdad et Mossoul. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 33 missions de tir (7 éclairements, 4 appuis, 22 aveuglements – bilan du 23 au 29 janvier inclus). Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 26 sorties aériennes (bilan du 23 au 29 janvier inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 07 frappes cette semaine au sud de la ville d’Hajine sur des combattants de Daech, dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, là où les Forces démocratiques syriennes produisent leur principal effort. La phase de transition entre le départ du groupe aéronaval américain « USS Stennis » et l’arrivée de renfort d’avions de chasse américains explique l’augmentation du volume des sorties aériennes dont certaines ont été  effectuées depuis la Base aérienne des Emirats Arabes Unis. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Elle conseille également ponctuellement les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. La Task Force Narvik quant à elle continue sa participation à l’instruction opérationnelle de l’ICTS (Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service).

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1893

Incident date

January 29, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that the Coalition fired several missiles at or near residential buildings in Al-Baghouz town, claiming the lives of up to 14 civilians. One source claimed the attack was by a US B-1 bomber. In a September 20 2021 strike report for the incident, the US Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) admitted that a Coalition strike took place, but the allegation of civilian harm was deemed non-credible: ” After a review of all available  records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as  a result of a Coalition action”.

Three women and five children of the same family were killed according to all but one local sources that reported the incident. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) was the only source that claimed three women and four children were killed and reported a total death toll of 10 civilians. Jesr Press put the death toll at 14 civilians. 

The family was reportedly fleeing the area of Mohsan, following intensified clashes between ISIS and Kurdish militias. Other civilians were reportedly injured in the attack and one source claimed that “there are no hospitals or clinics to provide aid”.

The UN Commission of Inquiry included this event in its September 2019 report, noting: “Towards the end of January, SDF advancement was decelerated due to the large presence of civilians, often consisting of wives and children of ISIL fighters who were fleeing the combat zone. To illustrate the point, the Commission received reports of an air strike in the early hours of the morning of 29 January, which allegedly killed at least one man, four women and three boys. The attack struck the Moshan area of Baghuz Tahtani, where a crowd of civilians had gathered to leave the town.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Haila Al-Khalif
Adult female wife of Mohammed Al-Majud Al-Kadran killed
Amna al-Mishaan
Adult female mother of Muhammad al-Majud al-Kadran killed
Sumaya al-Majud al Kadran
Age unknown female Sister of Mohammed al-Majd al-Kadran killed
Unnamed child of Mohammed al - Majud al - Kadran
Child killed
Unnamed child of Mohammed al - Majud al - Kadran
Child killed
Unnamed child of Mohammed al - Majud al - Kadran
Child killed
Unnamed child of Mohammed al - Majud al - Kadran
Child killed
Unnamed child of Mohammed al - Majud al - Kadran
Child killed

The victims were named as:

Khaled Salim Al-Suwaiy’i
Age unknown killed
Musab Ghadir Al-Obeid
82 years old killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 14
  • (3–5 children3–4 women1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike that killed eight civilians (via Deir Ezzor 24).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 20, 2021
  • SOUTHWEST ASIA – Since the beginning of operations in 2014, the Coalition and partner forces have liberated nearly 110,000 square kilometers (42,471 square miles) from Daesh, eliminating their self-proclaimed territorial caliphate and freeing 7.7 million people from Daesh oppression. The Coalition will continue to work with partner forces to deny Daesh any physical space and influence in the region as well as deny Daesh the resources they need to resurge. The Coalition conducted 34,991 strikes between August 2014 and the end of July 2021. During this period, based on information available, CJTF-OIR assesses at least 1,417 civilians have been unintentionally killed by Coalition actions since the beginning of Operation Inherent Resolve. We follow a rigid targeting process for all of our strikes to ensure strict adherence to the Law of Armed Conflict while attempting to avoid collateral damage. Every accidental loss of life is tragic, and it will remain our goal to take all feasible precautions to avoid putting civilians in danger in our pursuit of a ruthless enemy. In the month of July, CJTF-OIR carried over 106 open reports from previous months and received no new reports. CJTF-OIR completed two civilian-casualty allegation assessment reports. CJTF-OIR assessed both reports as non-credible. 105 reports are still open, including one that CJTF-OIR had previously closed but reopened due to the availability of new information. The results of each investigation of an allegation will fall into one of two categories, either "credible" or "non-credible." An assessment of "credible" means that our team investigated the allegation and determined that, based on available evidence, more likely than not, the death was the result of Coalition action. A "non-credible" evaluation means that the information we have to assess the allegation, using our available resources, cannot determine, to the standard of "more likely than not", that the death was the result of Coalition action. There could be a number of reasons for this, to include no corroborating strikes at that time or that location, there was insufficient evidence to support the allegation, or there is simply insufficient or overly vague data in the allegation itself. It is important to note that while the Coalition has a substantial quantity of data at its disposal to investigate every claim, we welcome any information from any source that will enable us to determine the truth. Furthermore, we routinely reopen closed investigations based on new information that might help us attain more accurate results. Non-Credible Reports: After a thorough review of the facts and circumstances of each civilian casualty report, CJTF-OIR assessed the following two reports as non-credible. At this time there is insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition action resulted in civilian casualties. Numeric Key: [CJTF-OIR Allegation Number] / [Non-Governmental Organization Allegation Number] [Grid Coordinate]. The Military Grid Reference System coordinates specified in these reports are derived from the original allegation source. 1. Nov. 24, 2018, near Hajin, Syria via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 3246/CS1857 37SFU677407 2. Jan. 29, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 3268/CS1893 37SFU786153

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Jan. 13 - 26, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 645 strikes consisting of 1,360 engagements in Syria, and conducted nine strikes consisting of 12 engagements in Iraq.

In Syria, 645 strikes engaged 394 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 244 fighting positions, 172 supply routes, 85 staging areas, 21 vehicles, 17 buildings, 15 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 14 mortar launching sites, 13 manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, 12 command and control nodes, nine tunnels, eight weapons catches, seven pieces of engineering equipment, five launching sites for unmanned aircraft systems, two weapons storage facilities, two mortar tubes, two improvised explosive devices, one unmanned aircraft system, one machine gun, one logistic node and one check point.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Jan 23rd-29th, France reported that French Rafales conducted 7 strikes south of Hajin on ISIS fighters in the mid-Euphrates Valley.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Les Forces démocratiques syriennes, dont l’offensive est appuyée par les forces aériennes d’une part et l’artillerie de la Task Force Wagram d’autre part, ont poursuivi leur progression dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate. Après la reprise et la libération de Marashida, les opérations de reconquête des territoires occupés par Daech, menées par les FDS, entrent dans leur dernière phase, avant une période de sécurisation qui lui succèdera. Poursuite des actions en Irak La situation sécuritaire en Irak est stable, et les Forces de Sécurité irakiennes maintiennent un rythme opérationnel élevé. Elles poursuivent leurs efforts visant les flux et ressources logistiques, ce qui se concrétise par des prises de quantités importantes d’explosifs, de munitions et d’armement aux dépends de Daesh, dont il faut rappeler le régime de semi-clandestinité, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija, entre Bagdad et Mossoul. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 33 missions de tir (7 éclairements, 4 appuis, 22 aveuglements – bilan du 23 au 29 janvier inclus). Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 26 sorties aériennes (bilan du 23 au 29 janvier inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 07 frappes cette semaine au sud de la ville d’Hajine sur des combattants de Daech, dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, là où les Forces démocratiques syriennes produisent leur principal effort. La phase de transition entre le départ du groupe aéronaval américain « USS Stennis » et l’arrivée de renfort d’avions de chasse américains explique l’augmentation du volume des sorties aériennes dont certaines ont été  effectuées depuis la Base aérienne des Emirats Arabes Unis. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Elle conseille également ponctuellement les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. La Task Force Narvik quant à elle continue sa participation à l’instruction opérationnelle de l’ICTS (Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service).

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 14
  • (3–5 children3–4 women1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1894

Incident date

January 30, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to several local sources, the “American coalition” bombed the town of Al-Baghouz with several airstrikes, killing two civilians and causing significant material damage.

No additional details are known at this time.

In its January 2021 monthly civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition determined this event to be ‘non credible’, asserting: “The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. ”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (8) [ 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
  • Stated location
    in al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 6, 2021
  • Jan. 30, 2019, in Al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. 3269/CS1894 37SFU786153

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Jan. 27 - Feb. 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 199 strikes consisting of 326 engagements against ISIS targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 179 strikes consisting of 303 engagements, engaged 146 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 131 supply routes, 53 fighting positions, 31 staging areas, 14 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 13 engineering equipment, 11 explosive belts, nine tankers for petroleum oil and lubricants, eight tactical vehicles, five command and control nodes, four buildings, three aircrafts operations areas, three tunnels, two petroleum oil and lubricant storage facilities, two manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, two artilleries, two weapons caches and one armored vehicle.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Jan 30th - Feb 5th, French MoD report aerial 20 sorties - but no airstrikes. Task Force Wagram continues to support the SDF in the Hajin region of Syria.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les Forces démocratiques syriennes marquent depuis quelques jours une pause opérationnelle, dédiée notamment à leur réorganisation et au renforcement de leurs positions. Poursuite des actions en Irak La situation sécuritaire est également stable en Irak, t reste sous le contrôle des Forces de sécurité irakiennes, appuyées par la Coalition. En particulier, les opérations de saisie d’engins explosifs improvisés et de munitions diverses se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien une mission de tir, qui était une mission d’aveuglement – bilan du 30 janvier au 05 février inclus). Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 30 janvier au 05 février inclus). Les Rafale français n’ont pas conduit de frappe cette semaine. Réfection de la Search House, site dédié à l’instruction à la lutte contre les Engins Explosifs Improvisés (EEI) La Task Force Narvik participe à l’instruction opérationnelle de l’ICTS (Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service). Dans ce cadre, elle forme depuis quatre ans les futurs opérateurs des forces spéciales irakiennes dans le domaine de la lutte contre les Engins explosifs improvisés (ou Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED)). L’instruction s’appuie sur des outils pédagogiques conçus et financés par la France : des salles de cours, et surtout un bâtiment dédié à la fouille opérationnelle : la « Search house », outil que les militaires français ont récemment proposé d’optimiser. Inaugurée par l’ambassadeur de France en 2017, la « Search house » est conçue selon le modèle d’une maison classique, et permet d’instruire les stagiaires irakiens à la traque des différentes cachettes utilisées pour dissimuler des armes, de la drogue, des explosifs, des documents ou des téléphones dans une habitation. Elle a retrouvé une nouvelle jeunesse sous l’impulsion du détachement de sapeurs, avec des améliorations telles que l’ajout d’un faux plancher par exemple. L’objectif est d’améliorer l’outil avant la prochaine session d’instruction contre-IED prévue au printemps. De son côté, la Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Plusieurs stages sont en cours, notamment dans le domaine du tir et du combat urbain. En particulier, des militaires français de la Task Force (TF) Monsabert encadrent depuis sept semaines les stages de tir que la division a sollicités, pour améliorer le niveau des soldats irakiens au combat. Immergés au sein de la 24ème brigade irakienne, là où se trouve l’unique champ de tir de la division dans la région de Bagdad, les spécialistes du tir au combat entraînent chaque semaine entre 100 et 200 soldats irakiens.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1895

Incident date

February 1, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A woman was reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a residential building in Al-Baghouz town. Surrounding houses were also reportedly damaged.

In a tweet, Deir Ezzor 24 reported that “The International Alliance Air is targeting a gathering of displaced people on the outskirts of the town of # Al-Baghouz in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor,” though it gave no civilian casualty numbers.

The state-run Syrian news agency reported that “Local sources told SANA’s reporter that the warplanes of the US-led coalition shelled residential buildings in al-Baghouz town, killing a woman and causing damage to some of the locals’ houses and properties.”

And Step News claimed that “Aircraft of the International Alliance launched several raids on the outskirts of the town of Al-Baghouz and the eastern suburb of Deir Ezzor, on the mountain side. The aircraft also targeted civilian camps with machine guns without information on the size of the losses.” It named one man, Diaa Hamdan al-Safi, as being injured by machine gun fire.

According to Suriye UAD, the strike targeted a mosque but no other sources supported this claim. Zaman Al Wasl added that a number of civilians were injured in the attack.

In a civilian casualty assessment released April 16th 2021, the Coalition dismissed this event as ‘non credible, claiming (while suggesting the wrong date) that “Jan. 1, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Diaa Hamdan al-Safi
Adult male Reportedly injured by mmachine gun fire injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • 'The International Alliance Air is targeting a gathering of displaced people on the outskirts of the town of # Al-Baghouz in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.'

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 16, 2021
  • 3. Jan. 1, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3270/CS1895 37SFU786153

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Jan. 27 - Feb. 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 199 strikes consisting of 326 engagements against ISIS targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 179 strikes consisting of 303 engagements, engaged 146 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 131 supply routes, 53 fighting positions, 31 staging areas, 14 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 13 engineering equipment, 11 explosive belts, nine tankers for petroleum oil and lubricants, eight tactical vehicles, five command and control nodes, four buildings, three aircrafts operations areas, three tunnels, two petroleum oil and lubricant storage facilities, two manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, two artilleries, two weapons caches and one armored vehicle.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Jan 30th - Feb 5th, French MoD report aerial 20 sorties - but no airstrikes. Task Force Wagram continues to support the SDF in the Hajin region of Syria.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les Forces démocratiques syriennes marquent depuis quelques jours une pause opérationnelle, dédiée notamment à leur réorganisation et au renforcement de leurs positions. Poursuite des actions en Irak La situation sécuritaire est également stable en Irak, t reste sous le contrôle des Forces de sécurité irakiennes, appuyées par la Coalition. En particulier, les opérations de saisie d’engins explosifs improvisés et de munitions diverses se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien une mission de tir, qui était une mission d’aveuglement – bilan du 30 janvier au 05 février inclus). Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 30 janvier au 05 février inclus). Les Rafale français n’ont pas conduit de frappe cette semaine. Réfection de la Search House, site dédié à l’instruction à la lutte contre les Engins Explosifs Improvisés (EEI) La Task Force Narvik participe à l’instruction opérationnelle de l’ICTS (Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service). Dans ce cadre, elle forme depuis quatre ans les futurs opérateurs des forces spéciales irakiennes dans le domaine de la lutte contre les Engins explosifs improvisés (ou Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED)). L’instruction s’appuie sur des outils pédagogiques conçus et financés par la France : des salles de cours, et surtout un bâtiment dédié à la fouille opérationnelle : la « Search house », outil que les militaires français ont récemment proposé d’optimiser. Inaugurée par l’ambassadeur de France en 2017, la « Search house » est conçue selon le modèle d’une maison classique, et permet d’instruire les stagiaires irakiens à la traque des différentes cachettes utilisées pour dissimuler des armes, de la drogue, des explosifs, des documents ou des téléphones dans une habitation. Elle a retrouvé une nouvelle jeunesse sous l’impulsion du détachement de sapeurs, avec des améliorations telles que l’ajout d’un faux plancher par exemple. L’objectif est d’améliorer l’outil avant la prochaine session d’instruction contre-IED prévue au printemps. De son côté, la Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Plusieurs stages sont en cours, notamment dans le domaine du tir et du combat urbain. En particulier, des militaires français de la Task Force (TF) Monsabert encadrent depuis sept semaines les stages de tir que la division a sollicités, pour améliorer le niveau des soldats irakiens au combat. Immergés au sein de la 24ème brigade irakienne, là où se trouve l’unique champ de tir de la division dans la région de Bagdad, les spécialistes du tir au combat entraînent chaque semaine entre 100 et 200 soldats irakiens.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1896

Incident date

February 6–7, 2019

Location

الشحيل, Al Shahil - possibly Al-Khayasah neighborhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.08742, 40.45023 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted the house of Majid al-Salama in Al Shahil on the night of February 6th-7th. Baladi News blamed “US helicopters from the International Alliance, backed by high-flying jet fighters” for the airstrike. Other sources claim he was killed by gunfire. Three civilians were later admitted to have been wounded by US fire.

The house was reportedly inhabited by displaced people from the town of Al Baghouz. A man was reportedly killed and his wife and two children arrested by SDF forces. However US officials later insisted the dead man was a “combatant.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed at the time that a man ‘in the second decade of his life’ was shot dead and found near an irrigation canal in the town of Al Shahil, while other sources reported the man was killed in the airstrike and found “near the landing site used by international coalition forces”.

Mena Monitor – which cited no civilian casualties – reported that “international coalition forces on Thursday [February 7th] carried out an air landing on the house of Majid al-Salama in Al-Khayasah neighborhood in Al Shahil city in the suburb of Deir Ezzor. Field sources said that the operation resulted in the arrest of three people displaced from the town of Al Baghouz, which is governed by Daesh.”

In its monthly civilian casualty report published in November 2019, the Coalition confirmed injuring three civilians in the vicinity of this locale around this time, noting that “February 6, 2019, near Al Busayrah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition ground forces conducted an assault against a Daesh facility. Regrettably three civilians were unintentionally wounded as a result of the action.”

Following an email exchange, Coalition officials accepted that this was the same event – asserting that ” In light of that information and your notes, we have confirmed that these are directly related events, however we have also confirmed that the individual in this allegation was a combatant.”

In May 2020 in its annual report on civilian harm to Congress, the Pentagon declared this to be a US-only action.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation, possibly referring to the reported civilian fatality, is in the process of being assessed.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Man alleged killed in a Coalition airstrike on Al Shahil (via Euphrates Post).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Man alleged killed in a Coalition airstrike on Al Shahil (via Euphrates Post).
  • Man alleged killed a Coalition airstrike on Al Shahil (via Basam Ali).
  • Table of US-only civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria for 2019, declared by the Pentagon to Congress in May 2020.

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
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Al Busayrah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU322837
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 15, 2019
  • February 6, 2019, near Al Busayrah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition ground forces conducted an assault against a Daesh facility. Regrettably three civilians were unintentionally wounded as a result of the action.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Jan. 27 - Feb. 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 199 strikes consisting of 326 engagements against ISIS targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 179 strikes consisting of 303 engagements, engaged 146 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 131 supply routes, 53 fighting positions, 31 staging areas, 14 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 13 engineering equipment, 11 explosive belts, nine tankers for petroleum oil and lubricants, eight tactical vehicles, five command and control nodes, four buildings, three aircrafts operations areas, three tunnels, two petroleum oil and lubricant storage facilities, two manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, two artilleries, two weapons caches and one armored vehicle.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1897

Incident date

February 9, 2019

Location

بادية بلدة الطيان, Desert of Al Tayyana town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.993798, 40.548059

Airwars assessment

An alleged Coalition airstrike struck al-Tayyana town in the countryside of al-Mayadeen and killed up to five civilians, according to local sources. The action occurred in response to an ISIS attack on an oil well.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that violent clashes between Syrian Democratic Forces and ISIS took place in the vicinity of al-Omar oilfield, killing up to 10 ISIS members while two others were able to flee.

According to Euphrates post, ISIS attacked the oil field on motorcycles, after which the Coalition conducted several airstrikes that killed three civilians in the town of Tayyana near the oil field and wounded others.

Hurrayah News claimed a higher death toll and reported that five civilians were killed, and also said that ‘dozens’ were injured.

In the first of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that after a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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 (20) [ 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
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU449833
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Feb. 10, 2019, in Al-Omar Oil Fields, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 2670/CS1897 37SFU449833

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Jan. 27 - Feb. 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 199 strikes consisting of 326 engagements against ISIS targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 179 strikes consisting of 303 engagements, engaged 146 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 131 supply routes, 53 fighting positions, 31 staging areas, 14 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 13 engineering equipment, 11 explosive belts, nine tankers for petroleum oil and lubricants, eight tactical vehicles, five command and control nodes, four buildings, three aircrafts operations areas, three tunnels, two petroleum oil and lubricant storage facilities, two manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, two artilleries, two weapons caches and one armored vehicle.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Feb 6th-12th, French MoD report 7 firing missions by Task Force Wagram on the Hajin area of Syria, from Iraqi territory. Additionally, French Rafales carried out 21 sorties and 6 airstrikes.

CHAMMALSITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATREOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les Forces démocratiques syriennes ont repris les opérations de reconquête de la poche de Hajin dans la nuit du 09 et 10 février. Elles sont appuyées par les tirs des forces aériennes de la Coalition, dont celles de l’opération Chammal, ainsi que par les tirs d’artillerie de la Task Force Wagram.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak. Les Forces de sécurité irakiennes, appuyées par la Coalition, maintiennent un rythme opérationnel élevé face à Daesh.ACTIVITE DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateDepuis le territoire irakien, la Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes engagées contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine.La TF Wagram a réalisé 7 missions de tir (1 mission d’éclairement, et 6 missions d’aveuglement – bilan du 06 au 12 février inclus).Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérationsLes aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes (bilan du 06 au 12 février inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 6 frappes au cours de cette période.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1900

Incident date

February 11, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to several local sources including ISIS, the Coalition killed between 50 and 100 civilians when an airstrike struck Al-Baghouz in the final stages of the fight against ISIS’ last territorial stronghold.

While reports varied on the exact number of civilian casualties, most sources claimed that the majority of the victims were women and children. Syria TV specified that among the dead were two women and two children. Al Souria and al Jisr TV, citing ISIS, gave a casualty tally of 100, but said this was both dead and injured.

Sputnik News, citing SANA, placed the toll lower, at 70 civilians killed and injured.

According to SANA News itself, which is affiliated to the Syrian government, the airstrike struck an IDP camp on the outskirts of Al-Baghouz.

SANA added that the incident occurred on February 12th and while LCCSY reported the same, it published its own report on February 11th, thus confirming the event date to be a day earlier.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed. The Coalition told Airwars that, specifically, the media claims of a strike against an IDP camp were being assessed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    50 – 100
  • (2–100 children2–100 women1–100 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Photo of the news published by A'maq agency, an ISIS propaganda news channel (via Alsouria).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve launched a precision strike in support of Syrian Democratic Forces against an ISIS command and control facility, formerly used as a mosque in Baghouz Fawqani, Syria, on Feb. 11, 2019.

ISIS used the former mosque to direct attacks and employ vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices against CJTF-OIR and partner forces. Otherwise protected under the Geneva Convention, ISIS caused the mosque to lose its protected status afforded by the Law of Armed Conflict.

“This mosque lost its protected status when ISIS deliberately chose to use it as a command and control center,” said U.K. Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, CJTF-OIR deputy commander-strategy and information. “This strike on ISIS will further hasten their defeat in the MERV.”

Coalition Forces, comprising 74 partner nations and five international organizations, are deployed in support of CJTF-OIR, working by, with and through partner forces to bring about the enduring defeat of ISIS.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Feb 6th-12th, French MoD report 7 firing missions by Task Force Wagram on the Hajin area of Syria, from Iraqi territory. Additionally, French Rafales carried out 21 sorties and 6 airstrikes.

CHAMMALSITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATREOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les Forces démocratiques syriennes ont repris les opérations de reconquête de la poche de Hajin dans la nuit du 09 et 10 février. Elles sont appuyées par les tirs des forces aériennes de la Coalition, dont celles de l’opération Chammal, ainsi que par les tirs d’artillerie de la Task Force Wagram.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak. Les Forces de sécurité irakiennes, appuyées par la Coalition, maintiennent un rythme opérationnel élevé face à Daesh.ACTIVITE DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateDepuis le territoire irakien, la Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes engagées contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine.La TF Wagram a réalisé 7 missions de tir (1 mission d’éclairement, et 6 missions d’aveuglement – bilan du 06 au 12 février inclus).Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérationsLes aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes (bilan du 06 au 12 février inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 6 frappes au cours de cette période.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Monday 11 February – Typhoons supported the Syrian Democratic Forces east of Abu Kamal in Syria, striking two Daesh strong-points, including a heavy machine-gun position...As the Syrian Democratic Forces have continued their operations to clear the last small remaining pocket of Daesh-held territory that has been identified in eastern Syria, Royal Air Force aircraft have maintained daily armed reconnaissance support, delivering air attacks if needed by the SDF on the ground. On Monday 11 February, the SDF encountered two Daesh strong-points on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, across the river from Abu Kamal. These strong-points were directing fire, including from a heavy machine-gun, at close range against the SDF, so assistance was requested from two RAFTyphoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker. The Typhoons conducted an accurate simultaneous attack on both strong-points, hitting each with a Paveway IV guided bomb, and successfully eliminated the threat to the SDF.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    50 – 100
  • (2–100 children2–100 women1–100 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1898

Incident date

February 11, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the final stages of the fight against ISIS in its last territorial stronghold, four civilians were alleged killed as a result of shelling by the International Coalition on houses in the outskirts of the town of Al-Baghouz in the eastern suburb of Deir Ezzor on the morning of February 11th.

According to Euphrates Post and Deir Ezzor 24, the victims were two women and two children. Elrabi Elyoum instead said that four men had died. Deir Ezzor 24 also blamed the deaths on ‘heavy SDF shelling’, though this was most likely Coalition fire. Euphrates Post also mentioned an unknown number of injured civilians.

The incident occured during the day.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Video by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitors shelling by the International Coalition and the SDF on what is left of ISIS enclave in Al-Baghuz area in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Baghouz (الباغوز), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve launched a precision strike in support of Syrian Democratic Forces against an ISIS command and control facility, formerly used as a mosque in Baghouz Fawqani, Syria, on Feb. 11, 2019.

ISIS used the former mosque to direct attacks and employ vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices against CJTF-OIR and partner forces. Otherwise protected under the Geneva Convention, ISIS caused the mosque to lose its protected status afforded by the Law of Armed Conflict.

“This mosque lost its protected status when ISIS deliberately chose to use it as a command and control center,” said U.K. Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, CJTF-OIR deputy commander-strategy and information. “This strike on ISIS will further hasten their defeat in the MERV.”

Coalition Forces, comprising 74 partner nations and five international organizations, are deployed in support of CJTF-OIR, working by, with and through partner forces to bring about the enduring defeat of ISIS.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Feb 6th-12th, French MoD report 7 firing missions by Task Force Wagram on the Hajin area of Syria, from Iraqi territory. Additionally, French Rafales carried out 21 sorties and 6 airstrikes.

CHAMMALSITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATREOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les Forces démocratiques syriennes ont repris les opérations de reconquête de la poche de Hajin dans la nuit du 09 et 10 février. Elles sont appuyées par les tirs des forces aériennes de la Coalition, dont celles de l’opération Chammal, ainsi que par les tirs d’artillerie de la Task Force Wagram.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak. Les Forces de sécurité irakiennes, appuyées par la Coalition, maintiennent un rythme opérationnel élevé face à Daesh.ACTIVITE DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateDepuis le territoire irakien, la Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes engagées contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine.La TF Wagram a réalisé 7 missions de tir (1 mission d’éclairement, et 6 missions d’aveuglement – bilan du 06 au 12 février inclus).Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérationsLes aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes (bilan du 06 au 12 février inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 6 frappes au cours de cette période.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Monday 11 February – Typhoons supported the Syrian Democratic Forces east of Abu Kamal in Syria, striking two Daesh strong-points, including a heavy machine-gun position...As the Syrian Democratic Forces have continued their operations to clear the last small remaining pocket of Daesh-held territory that has been identified in eastern Syria, Royal Air Force aircraft have maintained daily armed reconnaissance support, delivering air attacks if needed by the SDF on the ground. On Monday 11 February, the SDF encountered two Daesh strong-points on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, across the river from Abu Kamal. These strong-points were directing fire, including from a heavy machine-gun, at close range against the SDF, so assistance was requested from two RAFTyphoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker. The Typhoons conducted an accurate simultaneous attack on both strong-points, hitting each with a Paveway IV guided bomb, and successfully eliminated the threat to the SDF.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]