US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
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end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
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Incident Code

CS609

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.84633, 38.54376 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major casualty incident, between 44 and 56 named civilians reportedly died and up to 55 others were wounded in a Coalition airstrike on an automated bakery in the Al Thani neighbourhood of Tabaqa, according to local sources.

The US-led alliance later conceded seven deaths in the event. Their September 2018 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS fighting position, seven civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Step News reported that the Coalition carried out more than 25 airstrikes in Tabaqa since dawn, targeting “the first neighborhood and the second neighborhood and the automated oven and the city market”. Radio Akul, also blaming the Coalition, put the death toll at 27.

However, according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, 37 civilians died with 52 more wounded.

Other sources said that a local market was hit as well as the bakery. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 13 were killed but that the number was likely to rise. According to Syrian News Desk, “The raids focused on the main market behind the bakery building, causing heavy damage to four residential buildings and the burning of cars and shops.”

A local source told the Smart news agency that the Coalition carried out “four raids on an automatic bakery in the city, killing the owner of the bakery, the employees and dozens of civilians who were nearby.” Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently – also attributing the event to the Coalition – produced a number of reports naming victims as well as publishing graphic images of the strike’s aftermath. According to Euphrates Post, in addition to targeting the bakery, the Coalition “also targeted one of Daesh’s HQ near the Assyrian church in the city.”

Human Rights Watch published a major field investigation into the event in September, which concluded that a 5pm strike on GPS co-ordinates 35.845879, 38.540913 had killed at least 44 civilians. Multiple witnesses and survivors spoke with HRW, with some indicating that the aircraft responsible may have been a B-52 bomber. The international NGO published a casualty list featuring 44 victims.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ez al-Deen Sahari
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Abd al-Jabbar Sahari
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed

Family members (6)

Wael Ahmad al-Qobos
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Maher Ahmad al-Qobos
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Abd al-Kareem Ahmad al-Qobos
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Daughter of Ismaeil Ahmad al-Qobos
Child female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Wife of Ismaeil Ahmad al-Qobos
Adult female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Ismaeil Ahmad al-Qobos
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed

Family members (2)

Abdulla Mohammad al-Mdakhar
14 years old male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Eisa Mohammad al-Madkher
13 years old male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed

Family members (2)

Ali Hamid al-Bakri
Child male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Hamid al-Bakri
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed

Family members (2)

Aboudi Dibo
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Ammar Dibo
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed

Family members (2)

Shahade Al-Abed
Child killed
Ibrahim Al-Abed
Child male killed

Family members (3)

Salah Ahmad al Omar
Age unknown killed
Walid Ahmad al Omar
Age unknown killed
Hussein Ahmad al Omar
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Daed Mansour
42 years old female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Khadijeh al-Ibraheem al-Btoushi
40 years old female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Mohannad Barko
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Mohammad Elaiwi
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Khaled Ahmad al-Salal
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Fatima al-Hendi
Adult female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Mahmoud Ahmad Mostafa or Ahmad Ali Al-Mustafa
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Mahmoud Dahham al-Abdullah
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Hamoud Staif
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Hasan Kassab
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Yosra Fattah
Adult female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Mostafa Mansour
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Haytham Khalouf
32 years old male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Ibrahim AleiwiIssa
Age unknown male killed
Mariam – the mother of Mohammad al Masri
50 years old female killed
Raed A’beid
Age unknown killed
Ahmad Al Abed
Age unknown male killed
Udai Hasan Khleif
10 years old killed
Fayez Mohammed Al-Abdullah
Age unknown killed
Ammar Kahat
Age unknown killed
Mayada Kashash
Age unknown female killed
Ahmad Abdul-Hay Al-juneidi
Age unknown male killed
Ismaeil Hussein Haj A’ref
Age unknown killed
Lina Hasan Hajja
Age unknown female killed
Mustafa Rajab Abdo
13 years old male killed
Peipers Al-Hasan
Child killed
Mohammed Alewi
Age unknown male killed
Khadija Ibrahim
Age unknown female killed
Faryal Dibo
Age unknown female killed
Mansour Al-Haji
Age unknown killed
Mohammed Jamil Asad
Age unknown male killed
Manar al-Hussein
Age unknown killed
Ahmad Faraj al Nazal
Age unknown killed
Abu Hamdo al Hajji
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Mahmoud Zahhab
Age unknown male killed
Su'ad Taje
12 years old female killed
Hadeel Rabih
16 years old female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    44 – 56
  • (14 children9–10 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–55
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (83) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (48) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via Alhiwarchannel)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via Syrian newsdesk)
  • Q-Alenzy documenting 20 initial names of civilian casualties. (via Q-Alenzy)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments before the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments before the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian casualty found in the rubble after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • Peipers Al-Hasan, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The child Udday Hasan Khalif, 10 years old, killed in an alleged coalition raid yesterday on al Thani neighbourhood bakery in al tabaqa.
  • Mohammad Aleiwi, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Muhannad Barko, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Ez al-Deen Sahari, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Ez al-Deen Sahari, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Abd al-Jabbar Sahari, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Ali Hamid al-Bakri, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Hamid al-Bakri, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Hasan Kassab, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Haytham Khalouf, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Ahmad al Abd, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Ahmad Mahmoud Zahhab, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Abu Hamdo al Hajji, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Ahmad Faraj al Nazal, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)

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
    7
  • Stated location
    near al-Thani, Tabaqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV588670
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 27, 2018

  • March 22, 2017, near al-Thani, Tabaqa, Syria, via Airwars report. During a strike on an ISIS fighting position, seven civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 22nd-23rd: “Near Ar Raqqah, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed two tactical vehicles, a fighting position, and a heavy transport equipment piece; and damaged four supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    44 – 56
  • (14 children9–10 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–55
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (83) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI106

Incident date

September 18, 2015

Location

الصينيه, Senjah, Salah al-Din, Iraq

Geolocation

34.9346024, 43.4121323 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A mass casualty incident was reported in Iraq, with at least 43 civilians killed and a further 68 injured, after aircraft were said to have bombed the Senyah region north west of Bayji. The target appeared to have been a former Iraq Army logistics base, while those killed were living nearby in tin shacks.

Locals urged Iraq’s Prime Minister to open a federal inquiry into the morning strike. Naim al-Gaood, a local tribal leader, told al-Sumaria News: “The warplanes of unknown nationality bombed stores and buildings west of Bayji and north of Salah al-Din, killing [and injurng] about 150 civilians, mostly children, women and the elderly.” He said that among the dead and injured were 50 people from the tribe of Albu Nimr, and demanded that Iraq’s Prime Minister “open an urgent investigation into the identity of the planes that bombed those buildings where displaced families and other clan members of the Albu Nimr tribe had sought safety; and to seek compensation for the victims and the dead.”

In its July 2017 monthly report, the Coalition said it had not conducted strikes in the area on the day: “Sep. 18, 2015, near Al Senyah, Iraq, via Airwars report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties. ”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    43 – 58
  • Civilians reported injured
    68–70
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ 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
    a:1:{i:0;s:20:"no_coalition_strikes";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Senyah, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 18th-19th 2015, the Coalition reported that “Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    43 – 58
  • Civilians reported injured
    68–70
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1779

Incident date

July 12, 2018

Location

السوسة و الباغوز, Ice factory, between Al Soussa and al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.5163168, 40.9498215 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that between 28 and 58 civilians were killed and up to 45 injured as a result of alleged Coalition or associated Iraqi strikes on an “ice factory” in the Deir Ezzor countryside.

According to a correspondent for Step News, Coalition aircraft “launched five successive air strikes”, hitting an ice processing plant called “Mozan” at the intersection between the towns of Al Sousse and al Baghouz.

Hajeen Magazine however stated that “Muazen” is the name of the village “between the towns of Al-Bagouz Al Fawqani and Al Sousse. Step News Agency’s correspondent stated that villagers had gathered at the factory to get ice when the area was struck, resulting “in a massacre, […] in addition to the massive destruction of residential buildings and shops.”

Al Sousse Youth reported a tally of 35 civilians killed, noting that the airstrike took place “after sunset” and added that among the civilians killed were two members of the Shahadat family. This was confirmed in a Facebook post by Shabab.net in which was stated that the son of Mahdi Al-Salamah and the son of Mahjoub Salama were both killed. Sound and Picture and Hajeen Magazine reported the highest tally, saying that between 55 and 58 were killed – most of them displaced Iraqis.

The director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed “the death and injury of dozens”. His statement placed this incident in the context of a current military operation for the control of the “the last enclave of the ‘Islamic State’ on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River”. A later report by the Observatory identified a more specific number of civilians killed, stating that the airstrike led to “the martyrdom of 28 civilians, mostly Iraqi nationalities”. The monitor added that “until now we don’t know whether the planes were Iraqi or coalition.”

Reuters later reported that the Coalition confirmed that it or “partner forces” may have conducted the air raid. Coalition spokesman Colon Sean Ryan stated in an e-mailed response to a question posed by Reuters that “The Coalition or our partner forces may have conducted strikes in the vicinity of Al Soussa and Baghour Fukhani yesterday”. Reports of civilian casualties would have been sent to the “Civilian Casualty Cell for further assessment”, the spokesperson stated.

In November 2018, the Coalition announced that it had classed the event as non-credible: “After reviewing all the available evidence, the preponderance of the evidence did not indicate that the alleged civilian casualties were caused by Coalition operations.”

The incident occured at approximately 8:00 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Son of Mahjoub Shahadat
Age unknown male Said to have lost an arm and to have been decapitated killed
Son of Mahjoub Salama Shahadat
Age unknown male Missing believed dead killed
Son of Mahdi Al-Salamah
Age unknown male Reportedly burned in attack injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    28 – 58
  • (6–12 children6–12 women2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    25–45
  • 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]

  • 'The death toll of the massacre of the town of Sousse in Deir al-Azur has risen to 32 civilians', Orient News

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition strike targeted an ‘ice factory’ (ثلاجة) near the Muzan junction (مفرق موزان) between the towns of Al Soussa and Al Bagouz. Due to limited information available to Airwars, we were unable to locate the junction or ice factory, however there is an industrial scale building at a junction leading to Al Bagouz from Al Soussa, for which the coordinates are: 34.5163168, 40.9498215

  • Due to limited information available to Airwars, we were unable to locate the junction or ice factory, however there is an industrial scale building at a junction leading to Al Bagouz from Al Soussa, for which the coordinates are: 34.5163168, 40.9498215

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Stated location
    near an ice factory between Al-Susah and Al-Baghuz Foqani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018

  • July 12, 2018, near an ice factory between Al-Susah and Al-Baghuz Foqani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria, via Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. After reviewing all the available evidence, the preponderance of the evidence did not indicate that the alleged civilian casualties were caused by Coalition operations.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 12th, the Coalition publicly reported that “On July 12 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of four engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, destroyed one Daesh logistics hub, one Daesh fighting position, one Daesh supply route and two Daesh-held buildings."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From July 11th to 17th, France report that Task Force Wagram carried out six artillery ‘shooting missions’ in the Euphrates Valley. In total since the start of the offensive on May 1st, it’s conducted 195 shooting missions. Aircraft conducted 24 sorties but there were no strikes.

‘IRAK – SYRIE – CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les deux dernières emprises territoriales de Daech a marqué un temps d’arrêt durant quelques jours, afin de stabiliser les zones récemment libérées. L’objectif des forces démocratiques syriennes reste d’éviter que des éléments de Daech ne se laissent dépasser et tentent de conduire des actions sur leurs arrières. L’offensive a depuis repris. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak Pour contrer l’organisation terroriste, plusieurs opérations sont menées par les forces de sécurité irakienne en Ninive et dans le désert de l’Anbar. Elles ont permis cette semaine la destruction de plusieurs tunnels, la mise hors de combat de dizaines de terroristes et la neutralisation de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes Élaboré à la demande de l’état-major de la 6e division irakienne, un stage « combat en zone urbaine » a été conduit par la Task Force Monsabert du 9 au 12 juillet. Le format retenu pour cette instruction résulte de l’analyse des retours d’expériences français et irakiens sur l’importance de la maîtrise des actes élémentaires du combat en zone urbaine. Cette formation couvre les techniques de progression, de sécurisation de bâtiment, ainsi que l’ensemble des savoir-faire caractéristiques du combat en zone urbaine. Ce stage, qui s’inscrit dans une dynamique de long terme, devrait contribuer chaque mois à la formation de quinze soldats des bataillons commando de la 24e brigade. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 195 missions de tirs, dont 6 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 11 au 17 juillet inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1854 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 24 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 11 au 17 juillet inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8238 sorties / 1453 frappes / 2244 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    28 – 58
  • (6–12 children6–12 women2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    25–45
  • 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

CS1722

Incident date

February 5–6, 2018

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that between 17 and 59 civilians were killed in the village of Al Sha’afa. According to a tweet by @syrians, most of the casualties were women and children.

Radio al Kul and Free Deir Ezzor both stated specifically that 17 non combatants died at al Sha’afa. Step News Agency only makes mention of the destruction of “many buildings, houses and shops.” Other sources may have included the dead from S1526 in their tallies.

In a reply to a query by one of our researchers, Sound and Picture stated that the airstrikes started on the night of February 5th and continued until the morning of February 6th. This was later echoed by Zamanal Wasl. All sources mention the Coalition as the culprit.

It is important to note that Baladi News and Zamanal Wasl identified Al Amaq, the propaganda wing of so-called Islamic State, as their main source.

The incident occured after midnight.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 59
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: #Deer Al Zour 17 martyrs civilians in the # massacre committed by coalition aircraft targeting the village of # Al-Shafa near the border # Syria # Iraq'

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 5th the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 5 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of six engagements against ISIS targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, six strikes [1 British] engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two staging areas, an ISIS motorcycle, a fighting position and a VBIED."

For February 6th the Coalition reported: "On Feb. 6 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes consisting of four engagements against ISIS targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed two ISIS supply routes, a tunnel entrance and a weapons cache."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

The Wagram Task Force continues its support security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, two firefighting missions were carried out for the benefit of the Iraqi security forces. This week, the air activity provided intelligence and support missions for the Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian Democratic Forces. It resulted in 28 sorties (assessment from 31 January to 6 February) during which a strike was conducted in the Abu Kamal area in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the last pockets of Daesh in the valley of the Euphrates.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les dernières poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur combat contre les dernières poches daechies présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate. La Coalition y apporte un appui continu, permettant aux forces locales au sol de progresser régulièrement malgré une résistance importante de Daech. Poursuite des opérations de sécurisation en Irak… En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs efforts pour sécuriser le territoire. La priorité porte actuellement sur les régions de Baji et de Kirkouk où des caches d’armes sont régulièrement découvertes et détruites. … favorisant le retour des réfugiés A la faveur de la sécurisation croissante du territoire irakien, les conditions du retour des réfugiés se sont sensiblement améliorées, notamment dans la partie ouest de l’Anbar. Les réfugiés rejoignent progressivement les villes d’Al Qaim et d’Anah où les opérations de dépollution des engins explosifs improvisés laissés par Daech se poursuivent. Environ 80 camps ont été fermés en Irak et une vingtaine devrait l’être dans les semaines à venir. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram forme des artilleurs irakiens… Du 30 janvier au 1er février, un détachement de la Task Force Wagram a réalisé une action de formation inédite au tir canon au profit de plus d’une centaine d’artilleurs irakiens. Cet échange d’expérience est le résultat des liens établis entre les Task force Monsabert et Wagram avec l’Ecole d’artillerie irakienne. Ce type de stage est appelé à être renouvelé. … tout en poursuivant son appui aux opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, deux missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (1 mission d’éclairement et 1 mission d’interdiction – bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1617 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a permis d’assurer des missions de renseignement et d’appui au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 28 sorties aériennes (bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février) au cours desquelles une frappe a été réalisée dans le secteur d’Abu Kamal en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes combattant les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7736 sorties / 1435 frappes / 2223 objectifs neutralisés.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For January 31st-February 6th, the Dutch MoD reported its F-16s released four munitions in the vicinity of Abu Kamal: on ISIS fighters, a storage facility and artillery positions. Jets provided support to ground troops in 12 missions, including in the Iraqi provinces Nineva, Salah ad-Din and As-Sulaymaniyah.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 07-02-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-doelen aan: strijders, logistieke opslaglocaties en artillerieopstellingen. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 31 januari tot en met 6 februari 2018. F-16 taxiet naar startbaanToon opties Een Nederlandse F-16 op weg naar de startbaan. De jachtvliegtuigen hielpen de grondtroepen tijdens 11 missies, ook boven de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Sala ad-Din en As-Sulaymaniyah. Bij 4 werden wapens ingezet. Nederland doet boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband mee aan de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Irak Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainen Nederlandse militairen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. Het team van Capacity Building Mission Iraq (CBMI) IX droeg vorige week het stokje over aan CBMI X. Zij voeren deze missie uit tot en met mei 2018. 2 trainingsteams verzorgen een basis-infanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en daarnaast een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Dat gebeurde in 2 opleidingscentra van Peshmerga. Zij kregen les in basisvaardigheden, kaartlezen en het verrichten van medische handelingen. Degenen die de training afrondden, ontvingen een certificaat. In het westen van Irak werkt een chirurgisch team in het Amerikaanse Role 2-hospitaal. De Nederlandse medici werken daar nauw samen met een Brits team.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 59
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI658

Incident date

April 22, 2017

Location

17 تموز, West Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.336843, 43.117979 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that 59 civilians, including women and children, were killed and dozens were injured after Coalition airstrikes and shelling on 17 July neighbourhood, as well as on Old Mosul and a health centre in Oreibi neighbourhood, all in West Mosul. It was said that more than seven houses were destroyed “over the heads of residents”.

The incident was first reported on April 22, 2018 at 12:24 am by Iraqi Spring Media Center.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    59
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident refer to residential buildings in the 17 July (تموز 17), as well as Old Mosul (المدینة القدیمة) and a “health centre” (مركز صحي) in the Oreibi area (العریبیي). For this reason, the coordinates given in the assessment summary are the generic coordinates for West Mosul. The coordinates for 17 July (Talmuz/تموز 17 ) are 36.3667014, 43.0854607. The coordinates for Oreibi (العریبیي) are 36.3539142, 43.0924988, although its boundary are unclear. Possible coordinates for the “health centre” in Oreibi (مركز صحي في حي العریبي) are 36.3584776, 43.0967943.

  • Locations named in reports of the incident.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 21st-22nd: “Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, two VBIEDs, two mortar systems, two tactical vehicles, a weapons cache, a front-end loader, a rocket-propelled grenade system and an ISIS warehouse; damaged 22 ISIS supply routes and two fighting positions; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit and rocket team.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    59
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1812

Incident date

October 18, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa: Ammar bin Yasser moque, al Boubadran village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.544353, 40.958265 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 10 and as many as 60 civilians were reported killed  by the US-led Coalition after a strike or strikes hit the Ammar bin Yasser mosque in Al Boubadran village near al Soussa. The event may have been confused in some media and social media reports to one or two additional nearby civilian harm events over a 30 hour period. In October 2020, the Coalition itself classed the incident as a duplicate report.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported at the time that the strike occurred “at around 12:00, during the Friday Prayer”.

According to most other reports the strike took place around noon – although Eldorar and Baladi News claimed that worshippers leaving an evening prayer service were struck. Other reports confused this strike and associated imagery with an event on October 19th at another mosque in al Soussa (see below.)

An ISIS propaganda video showed multiple male corpses among the rubble of the entirely destroyed mosque, along with at least one dead child. An eyewitness in the film stated: “They knew that this place is a place to spread religion, the guys were here to learn but they wanted them to oppose their religion, the Coalition cannot face our brothers in the front lines, so they destroy mosques, this mosque I saw it I was an eye witness.”

Deir Ezzor Radio said that “at least 30 civilians died including two children” in the mosque strike. Zaman al Wasl instead said the toll was 15 including women and children, noting that “the civilians are 6 Syrians and 9 members of displaced Iraqi families.”

Bukamal Live named a victim as Diaa Latouf Al Dibs from Abu Kamal. Euphrates Post named the same victim as Mohammed Dia’a Abdul Latif al-Dabbas – while a footnote to that story asserted that 38 civilians in total had died in the attack. Euphrates Post itself placed the toll at 10 however – while noting two other major civilian harm events in the near vicinity. Sana News (the official Syrian state media outlet) also placed the civilian toll at 10.

A Reuters report indicated that the Coalition had deliberately struck the mosque believing it to be an ISIS command and control centre. ‘The U.S.-led coalition said it destroyed a mosque which Islamic State fighters had turned into a headquarters in al-Sousa to defend their last territory. The strike on Thursday killed 12 militants, disabling a command center they had used to attack coalition forces and their allies, it said. “Such Daesh misuse of the mosque is another example of their violation of the law of war and made the mosque a valid military target,” spokesman Colonel Sean Ryan said, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State. The coalition monitored the facility to know when only fighters were present, and it investigates “all credible allegations of civilian casualties”, he said in an emailed statement in response to questions from Reuters.”

The Syrian Observatory initially placed the toll for this and the previous event at al Soussa on October 18th at 24 civilian fatalities, noting that “the number of martyrs is still increasing due to some wounded being in a serious condition, and the presence of missing persons.” On October 22nd the Observatory lowered its estimate to 18 killed on both events, along with 11 ISIS fighters: “18 Iraqi citizens of the families of Daesh including 7 children and 4 women, were killed in the bombardment which targeted a mosque and a house in Al-Susah town, on 18th October 2018.”

Madar News, citing a local activist, said 43 people died in the two October 18th events. Marsad al Hassakah placed the toll for the two events lower, reporting that “Eighteen Iraqi civilians, including seven children and four citizens, were martyred in the air bombardment of a mosque and an adjacent house.”

According to reports, multiple Coalition airstrikes targeted the ISIS-occupied town of al Soussa between Thursday October 17th and Friday October 18th causing mass casualties. As well as the Ammar bin Yasser mosque which was struck at noon on the Thursday along with the home of Mohammed al-Obeid al-Hattab earlier that same morning (event S ), the Othman mosque was also reported hit the following day at Friday prayers (event S ). Deir Ezzor Radio said that overall, 60 to 70 civilians including 10 children died in the three Coalition strikes on the town. Sana News placed the overall death count at 62.

The Syrian Observatory placed the toll for the three events at 47 civilians and 9 ISIS fighters killed. Al Jazeera said approximately 65 civilians were killed with dozens injured in the three events.

In its civilian casualty report for October 2020, the US-led Coalition said that this review was a ‘duplicate’ of a previous assessment of the same incident: “1. Oct. 18, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation is a duplicate of allegation 2620 (Not Credible, published January 31, 2019). 3206/CS1812 37SFU796242”

The incident occured around midday.

The victims were named as:

Family members

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Dia’a Abdul Latif al-Dabbas
Age unknown male Bukamal Live named a victim as Diaa Latouf Al Dibs killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • (2–5 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    ISIS propaganda video posted on Facebook by Muhajareen Al Furat, Siraj Aldyin 2018 and Al Soussa village Facebook pages on the 20th of October 2018.
  • The destroyed mosque at al Bubadran in which up to 60 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on October 18th (image with al Free Deir Ezzor Radio – most likely grabs from an ISIS propaganda video)
  • The destroyed mosque at al Bubadran in which up to 60 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on October 18th (image with al Free Deir Ezzor Radio – most likely grabs from an ISIS propaganda video)
  • The destroyed mosque at al Bubadran in which up to 60 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on October 18th (image with al Free Deir Ezzor Radio – most likely grabs from an ISIS propaganda video)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Duplicate
    Assessed to be a duplicate of another report that has already been assessed.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU796242
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020

  • 1. Oct. 18, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation is a duplicate of allegation 2620 (Not Credible, published January 31, 2019). 3206/CS1812 37SFU796242

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition publicly reported the following at the time: "On Oct. 18 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 10 strikes consisting of 14 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal and Hajin, 10 strikes engaged 29 tactical units, and destroyed two command and control centers, one IED facility, one vehicle-borne IED facility, one mortar team headquarters, one building and two staging areas."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Oct 17th-24th, Dutch MoD reports that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions. Weapons were deployed in six of these missions – against ISIS fighters and vehicles near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor.

Midden-Oosten In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 6 zijn wapens ingezet tegen ISIS-strijders en voertuigen. Dat gebeurde in de provincie Deir al Zour, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France report that between Oct 17th-23rd, the three CAESAR guns of Task Force Wagram conducted 17 firing missions, from Iraqi territory. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties and conducted eight strikes north of Abu Kamal in Syria.

'OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, se poursuit. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent sans évènement particulier relevé cette semaine. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué en volume. 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 Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont ainsi réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 17 missions de tir (éclairement, harcèlement, destruction – bilan du 17 au 23 octobre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1992 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations. Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 17 au 23 octobre inclus) et conduit 8 frappes, en appui des FDS au nord d’Abou Kamal en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8582 sorties / 1472 frappes / 2271 objectifs neutralises.'

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • (2–5 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1310

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Location

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3353632, 40.1380348 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to SANA on August 1st, the official Syrian news agency, “US coalition planes killed 60 civilians in raids on villages and towns in the eastern suburb of Deir al-Zour during the past few hours.”

However, Euphrates Post “noted that the news reported by the media of the regime is totally untrue”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    60
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Deir ez-Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV037106
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 31st – August 1st: “ Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed 13 ISIS oil stills, an oil storage barrel and an ISIS chemical weapons factory.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    60
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1833

Incident date

November 11–12, 2018

Location

الكشمة, Al Kashma, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6205556, 40.9386111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 10 and as many as 60 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Kashma, according to local media. Airstrikes were carried out in Al Shaafa and Al Kashma around the same time, and most sources reported on a combined number of civilian casualties as a result of airstrikes in both places. The airstrikes were conducted between the evening of November 11th and November 12th.

On November 11th, 10 civilians were reported to have died in an alleged Coalition airstrike. Both ISIS and medical sources reported to local media that 20 civilians died as a result of the strikes, most of whom were reported as women and children.

An individual source known as @saleemalsaied reported in a tweet that as many as 50 civilians died in the attacks. And Qasioun News referred to a Sana News report that put the total toll of civilians that either died or were injured as a result of airstrikes on these locations at 60 civilian deaths.

UNICEF later issued a statement condemning the high number of deaths being reported from the Hajin pocket. “UNICEF is alarmed by recent reports of up to 30 children who have been killed in recent violence in Al Shafa village, in eastern Syria. These reported killings demonstrate that the war on children is far from over in Syria…. UNICEF calls on warring parties to protect all children – no matter where they are in Syria and no matter whose control they live under.”

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 10th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 10 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes consisting of 36 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 23 strikes destroyed two command and control centers, one IED facility, one logistic facility, five buildings, four tunnels, two staging areas, six supply routes, one fighting position and one UAS launch site.
For November 11th: "On Nov. 11, 2018 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 23 military strikes consisting of 34 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 23 strikes engaged 16 tactical units and destroyed nine buildings, two weapons caches, four tunnels, two fighting positions, two supply routes, two command and control centers, one piece of heavy equipment, and one visual observation post."
For November 12th: "On Nov. 12 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 38 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 17 strikes engaged 18 tactical units and destroyed 10 buildings, one weapons cache, one tunnel, one command and control center, and two supply routes."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. 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 l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 60
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]