US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

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

CS1900a

Incident date

February 17, 2019

Location

هداج, Hadaj, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.03078, 41.05519 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Bread salesman Abdul Razzaq Mohammed from the village of Abu Juba was heading to work passing through Hadaj village when he was allegedly shot and hit by Coalition machine gun fire during Coalition operations in the village. Local sources reported he died of the injuries sustained in the strike.

No other details are known at this time.

In its December 2020 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that it had conducted no strikes in the geographical area which corresponded with civilian harm claims.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Razzaq Mohammed Al-Yatim
Age unknown male from the village of Abu Juba killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Abdul Razzaq Mohammed, alleged killed in a Coalition airstrike on Hadaj on February 17th 2019 (via RBW).

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 Hadaj, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV851893
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 15, 2020
  • .Feb. 17, 2019, in Hadaj, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3272/CS1900a 37SFV851893

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Feb. 10 - 23, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 211 strikes consisting of 451 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 186 strikes consisting of 426 engagements, engaged 285 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 189 fighting positions, 50 supply routes, 22 staging areas, 16 boats, 15 vehicles, six tankers for petroleum oil and lubricants, six aircraft operations areas, six vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, four command and control nodes, three weapons caches, three heavy machine guns, three pieces of engineering equipment, two buildings, two tunnels, one cave, one improvised explosive devices facility and one petroleum oil and lubricant storage facility.

French Military
  • English
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    Original

For Feb 13-19th, France's Task Force Wagram carried out from the territory of Iraq 5 firing missions (ie 2 lighting missions, 3 blinding missions. Aircraft carried out 23 sorties but no strikes.

CHAMMALSITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTREOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la coalition, sont toujours en cours. Ils visent en particulier à obtenir la reddition des derniers combattants de Daech retranchés dans leur ultime bastion autour de la ville de Baghouz.Poursuite des actions en IrakLes Forces de sécurité intérieures poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech en étant engagées dans plusieurs opérations qui peuvent combiner pour certains des moyens de l’armée, de la police, de milices et solliciter l’appui des moyens de la coalition.~ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant a été renforcé récemment avec le déploiement d’un Atlantique 2 ainsi que d’un avion de détection et de contrôle de type Awacs.Ce dernier, déployé au Qatar début février, est parfaitement intégré au sein de la coalition et a effectué sa première mission de détection et de commandement aéroporté au profit de celle-ci le 15 février dernier. Il s’agit du 12e détachement d’AWACS à être déployé dans le cadre de l’opération Chammal.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien 5 missions de tir (soit 2 missions d’éclairement, 3 missions d’aveuglement – bilan du 13 au 19 février inclus).Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operationsLes 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 23 sorties aériennes (bilan du 13 au 19 février inclus). Les Rafale français n’ont pas conduit de frappe cette semaine.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1901a

Incident date

March 2, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz Fawqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.44932, 40.94851 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In its monthly civilian harm report issued January 3rd 2020, the US-led Coalition conceded a self-reported civilian harm event in al Baghouz Fawqani on this date which killed one civilian. The event was previously untracked by Airwars.

As the CJTFOIR report noted, “March 2, 2019, in Baghouz Faqwani, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh fighters. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of the strike. 2671 37SFU790137”.

Coalition officials confirmed to Airwars by email that this was separate to an incident already listed for this date [CS1901] in which three named members of the Mu’az family were killed: “This appears to be a separate event and will be assessed that way going forward.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • 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 (8) [ 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
    Previously unknown
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Baghouz Fawqani, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU790137
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 3, 2020
  • March 2, 2019, in Baghouz Faqwani, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh fighters. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of the strike. 2671 37SFU790137

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Feb. 24 - March 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 99 strikes consisting of 139 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 97 strikes consisting of 137 engagements, engaged 228 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 71 tactical vehicles, 35 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 17 supply routes, 11 fighting positions, 10 weapons caches, eight staging areas, four command and control nodes, two tunnels, two heavy machine guns, one anti-aircraft gun, one fuel tanker, and one boat.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Saturday 2 March – a Reaper killed a small group of terrorists around Baghuz Fawqani in eastern Syria...A Reaper provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces as they fought Daesh around Baghuz Fawqani on Saturday 2 March. The Reaper’s crew observed a rocket-propelled grenade being fired from a building, and shortly afterwards a small group of armed terrorists emerged. They were tracked by the Reaper, whilst careful checks were made that no SDF or otherwise unidentified individuals were too close to them, then successfully engaged with a single Hellfire missile.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For February 27th to March 5th, French MoD report 4 firing missions from the Iraqi territory by Task Force Wagram. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties. There was one strike.

CHAMMALSituation militaire du théâtreOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la coalition, se poursuivent autour de la ville de Baghouz.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire reste stable. Les Forces de sécurité intérieures poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ 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’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien 4 missions de tir (soit 1 mission d’aveuglement et 3 missions de certification – bilan du 27 février au 05 mars 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 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit une frappe cette semaine.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1901

Incident date

March 2, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.447579, 40.953426 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that three ISIS family members were killed when air and artillery strikes allegedly struck an IDP camp on the outskirts of Al Baghouz. The incident occurred on the evening of March 2nd. A number of sources said the victims were Russian. Khawlan ibn Al Sinia named the family as that of  ‘Mu’az the Russian.’

According to all but one source, a woman and two children were among the victims. Step News reported that the woman was the mother of the children. Baladi News was the only source that claimed all three victims were children. An unspecified number of other people were reported injured. Deir Ezzor 24 blamed both SDF artillery and Coalition airstrikes.

According to one source whose Twitter account was later suspended, the Russian father of the children was himself also killed shortly afterwards in another Coalition strike.

In its monthly civilian harm report issued January 3rd 2020, the Coalition conceded a self-reported civilian harm event near  al Baghouz on this date. However, officials confirmed to Airwars that “This [CS1901] appears to be a separate event and will be assessed that way going forward.”

In a civilian casualty assessment released July 10th 2021, the Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that “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 incident occured between 7:00 pm and 11:59 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Adult female killed
Child female killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2–3 children1 woman)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Screen capture of a suspended twitter account, claiming that the pictured Russian male was killed in a Coalition strike several hours after his daughter died
  • A child was alleged killed by a Coalition airstrike on Al Baghouz on March 2nd 2019 (via @DeirEzzor24).
  • According to Khawlan ibn Al Sinia, the smaller hole in the pit was meant for the daughter of the Mu'az family who was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on March 2nd 2019 (via Khawlan ibn Al Sinia).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU794135
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 10, 2021
  • Mar. 2, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3282/CS1901 37SFU794135

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Feb. 24 - March 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 99 strikes consisting of 139 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 97 strikes consisting of 137 engagements, engaged 228 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 71 tactical vehicles, 35 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 17 supply routes, 11 fighting positions, 10 weapons caches, eight staging areas, four command and control nodes, two tunnels, two heavy machine guns, one anti-aircraft gun, one fuel tanker, and one boat.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Saturday 2 March – a Reaper killed a small group of terrorists around Baghuz Fawqani in eastern Syria...A Reaper provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces as they fought Daesh around Baghuz Fawqani on Saturday 2 March. The Reaper’s crew observed a rocket-propelled grenade being fired from a building, and shortly afterwards a small group of armed terrorists emerged. They were tracked by the Reaper, whilst careful checks were made that no SDF or otherwise unidentified individuals were too close to them, then successfully engaged with a single Hellfire missile.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For February 27th to March 5th, French MoD report 4 firing missions from the Iraqi territory by Task Force Wagram. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties. There was one strike.

CHAMMALSituation militaire du théâtreOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la coalition, se poursuivent autour de la ville de Baghouz.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire reste stable. Les Forces de sécurité intérieures poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ 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’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien 4 missions de tir (soit 1 mission d’aveuglement et 3 missions de certification – bilan du 27 février au 05 mars 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 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit une frappe cette semaine.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2–3 children1 woman)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1903

Incident date

March 3, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.447579, 40.953426 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that the Coalition had renewed shelling on Al Baghouz after midnight on March 3rd 2019. One of the shells allegedly struck an ammunition depot that caused a large explosion in the camp. According to one local source, Hamah.Now, up to 250 civilians were killed and wounded in the event.

In a tweet, @Sakeraldeen reported that the only field hospital tent was set on fire, with dozens of wounded women and children inside. The source included a video that shows several burned bodies. He added that the Coalition used white phosphorus in the attack.

According to the Step News Agency on March 4th, “Coalition forces renewed shelling on the Al-Bagouz camp in the eastern suburb of Deir Al-Zour after midnight last night, targeting an ammunition depot which caused a large explosion in the camp, resulting in casualties among women and children amid the absence of any medical staff”.

sakeraldeen reported that “International Alliance aircraft targeted the only field hospital tent in the Al Baghouz camp with white phosphorus, which led to the burning of many tents  and burning of dozens of children and women”.

In a civilian casualty assessment released July 10th 2021, the Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that “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 incident occured around midnight.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 250
  • (2–25 children2–25 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–250
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Video from the battleground in Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via @fahadiraq5).
  • Photo's of the alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via @The God Father10q).
  • Video of the alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via SDF).
  • Video of the alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via Alarabiya).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video depicting the burned bodies of people who were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via @sakeraldeen).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU794135
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 10, 2021
  • Mar. 3, 2019, near al Baghouz, Syria via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3274/CS1903 37SFU794135

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Feb. 24 - March 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 99 strikes consisting of 139 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 97 strikes consisting of 137 engagements, engaged 228 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 71 tactical vehicles, 35 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 17 supply routes, 11 fighting positions, 10 weapons caches, eight staging areas, four command and control nodes, two tunnels, two heavy machine guns, one anti-aircraft gun, one fuel tanker, and one boat.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For February 27th to March 5th, French MoD report 4 firing missions from the Iraqi territory by Task Force Wagram. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties. There was one strike.

CHAMMALSituation militaire du théâtreOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la coalition, se poursuivent autour de la ville de Baghouz.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire reste stable. Les Forces de sécurité intérieures poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ 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’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien 4 missions de tir (soit 1 mission d’aveuglement et 3 missions de certification – bilan du 27 février au 05 mars 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 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit une frappe cette semaine.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 250
  • (2–25 children2–25 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–250
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1902

Incident date

March 3, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.447579, 40.953426 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that Coalition airstrikes or possibly an Apache helicopter attack struck Al Baghouz “camp” on the night of March 3rd 2019. Other sources blamed SDF (in fact most likely Coalition) artillery.

One source reported that civilians were killed and injured in the attack, including five people from the same family, but did not provide more details.

In a civilian casualty assessment issued April 16th 2021, the Coalition dismissed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that “The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action.”

The incident occured around midnight.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–5
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Scenes from the battle ground in Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via SOHR).
  • SDF forces backed by the International Coalition attack Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via Euphrates Post).

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
    37SFU794135
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 16, 2021
  • Mar. 3, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. . 3273/CS1902 37SFU794135

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Feb. 24 - March 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 99 strikes consisting of 139 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 97 strikes consisting of 137 engagements, engaged 228 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 71 tactical vehicles, 35 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 17 supply routes, 11 fighting positions, 10 weapons caches, eight staging areas, four command and control nodes, two tunnels, two heavy machine guns, one anti-aircraft gun, one fuel tanker, and one boat.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For February 27th to March 5th, French MoD report 4 firing missions from the Iraqi territory by Task Force Wagram. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties. There was one strike.

CHAMMALSituation militaire du théâtreOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la coalition, se poursuivent autour de la ville de Baghouz.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire reste stable. Les Forces de sécurité intérieures poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ 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’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien 4 missions de tir (soit 1 mission d’aveuglement et 3 missions de certification – bilan du 27 février au 05 mars 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 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit une frappe cette semaine.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–5
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1904

Incident date

March 7, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.447579, 40.953426 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unspecific number of civilians were killed and injured, in renewed US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz camp. All sources blamed the Coalition for the strikes. 

Reportage by @banipon9 showed images and footage of “charred” civilians due to the use of internationally banned phosphorous bombs.

According to Sana news “claiming the lives of a number of citizens, most of them were women and children”.

Both Al alam and the Step News Agency reported that “white phosphorus” was used in the strikes.

Al Baghouz, near the Syrian-Iraqi boarder, has endured shelling by the Coalition for an extended period of time now.

The following day on the 8th of March, it was reported by Al alam News that the number of civilians was likely to rise, with no specific details.

In June 2019 the Coalition announced that it had assessed this allegation of civilian harm as non-credible, noting “After a review of available information, it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured child is charred in the aftermath of a phosphorous bomb attack on Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, 7th March 2019. (via @banipon9)

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
  • Stated location
    near Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU795135
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 27, 2019
  • Mar. 7, 2019, near Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of available information, it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Feb. 24 - March 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 99 strikes consisting of 139 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 97 strikes consisting of 137 engagements, engaged 228 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 71 tactical vehicles, 35 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 17 supply routes, 11 fighting positions, 10 weapons caches, eight staging areas, four command and control nodes, two tunnels, two heavy machine guns, one anti-aircraft gun, one fuel tanker, and one boat.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For February 27th to March 5th, French MoD report 4 firing missions from the Iraqi territory by Task Force Wagram. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties. There was one strike.

CHAMMALSituation militaire du théâtreOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la coalition, se poursuivent autour de la ville de Baghouz.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire reste stable. Les Forces de sécurité intérieures poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ 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’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien 4 missions de tir (soit 1 mission d’aveuglement et 3 missions de certification – bilan du 27 février au 05 mars 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 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit une frappe cette semaine.

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI877a

Incident date

March 10, 2019

Location

near Qayyarah-West Airfield, Iraq, Qayyarah, Iraq

Geolocation

35.74559, 43.1553 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an event previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of one civilian in an event near Qayyarah-West Airfield, Iraq. The Pentagon later confirmed this as a US action.

In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: “Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally injured by Coalition small arms fire.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box. Airwars researchers could not find any reported claims of civilian harm in the area on this day.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Department of Defense declared this to be a US action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

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
    Previously unknown
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Qayyarah-West Airfield, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE332573
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019
  • Mar. 10, 2019, near Qayyarah-West Airfield, Iraq, via media-report. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally injured by Coalition small arms fire.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between March 10 - 23, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 250 strikes consisting of 398 engagements against Daesh
targets in Syria and Iraq.
In Iraq, CJTF-OIR conducted 57 strikes consisting of 60 engagements, engaged 44 Daesh tactical units, and
destroyed 14 supply routes, three buildings, two fighting position, one weapons cache, and one cave.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS