US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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US-led Coalition
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Belligerent Assessment
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Incident Code

S1537a

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Location

الشعفة, al-Shaafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

Deaths and injuries were reported when the US-led Coalition allegedly struck a field hospital in Al-Shaf’a in Deir Ezzor on March 2nd, 2018. The hospital attacked was named by local sources as Nabd Al-Hayat.

Syriamap reported “Airstrikes by the International Coalition to Defeat ISIS put the hospital completely out of service leading to several deaths and injuries of civilians and staff.”

Zamanalwasl also reported civilian casualties as a result of the Coalition’s airstrike, and said that the hospital was completely destroyed. It seems the source depended on a video of an ISIS member.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1733a

Incident date

March 1, 2018

Location

Near al Shaafah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.58024, 40.93739 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an event previously untracked by Airwars, the Coalition reported in its monthly civilian casualty report for September 2019 (published November 16th) that it had killed a civilian during an airstrike at Al Shaafah. The Pentagon later declared this to be a US action.

According to the OIR report, “March 1, 2018, near Al Shafah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh facility. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of this strike.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this event to within 100 metres. This placed the event within Al Shaafah itself.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Table from DoD's annual civilian harm report to Congress, May 2020, listing additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria conceded for 2018.

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
    Near al Shaafa
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU777282
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 16, 2019

  • March 1, 2018, near Al Shafah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh facility. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

On March 1 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes consisting of two engagements against Daesh targets.

Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed a Daesh motorcycle and two weapons caches.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de défaire les dernières poches terroristes en Syrie et de sécuriser le territoire irakien. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur effort contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate, l’une située autour de Dashisha le long de la frontière avec l’Irak et l’autre dans la vallée de l’Euphrate à proximité d’Abou Kamal, autour de la ville d’Hajin. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, conduisant une vingtaine d’opérations par semaine, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent la sécurisation du territoire. Ces opérations se concentrent autour des principales agglomérations, mais aussi dans le désert de l’Anbar où de nombreuses caches terroristes ont été récemment décelées et détruites. Retour progressif des réfugiés en Irak En Irak, la situation des populations civiles revient progressivement à la normale. Au cours des deux dernières semaines, principalement dans la province de Ninive, environ cent trente mille personnes déplacées ont rejoint leurs localités d’origine. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes En fin de semaine dernière, la Task Force Narvik a terminé un stage de quatre semaines au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Ce stage s’est déroulé du 6 février au 1er mars et a permis de former aux techniques d’infiltration une vingtaine de soldats irakiens appartenant à l’Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS), unité d’élite des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Les principaux savoir-faire transmis ont été la lutte contre les IED, le combat en zone urbaine, les techniques d’infiltration et de reconnaissance dans la profondeur et le secourisme au combat. La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, quatre missions de tirs ont été réalisées (2 missions d’interdiction et 2 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 28 février au 6 mars). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1629 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se concentre sur l’appui aux forces démocratiques syriennes combattant dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Dans ce cadre, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé cette semaine 30 sorties aériennes orientées sur l’appui renseignement aux forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 28 février au 6 mars). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7845 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 07-03-2018 | 12:00 Irak en Oost-Syrië In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 10 missies. Dat gebeurde boven de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië en de Iraakse provincie Al Anbar. Er werden geen wapens ingezet. Nederlandse instructeurs startten in Irak nieuwe cursussen aan Peshmerga, waaronder het beveiligen van grote gebieden en bataljonsstaf- en infanterietrainingen. De militairen verzorgen de opleidingen samen met collega’s van partnerlanden. In het trainingscentrum Menila ontvingen meer dan 50 cursisten een certificaat voor een voltooide cursus. Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2 hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Britse medici.

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1733

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Location

الصفاوي, Al Safawi, Hasakah, Syria

Airwars assessment

Multiple sources stated that three or six civilians, including a seven-year-old child, were killed in an airstrike on a vehicle in the town of Al Safawi in the countryside of southern Al Hasakah on February 28th.

Most local sources reported that the victims all came from the same family and were killed when driving in their car. Other sources, like Baladi, specified that in fact 3 civilians were killed and 3 others were injured as a result of the bombardment. The report also listed the names of the victims, provided by local sources.

All media identified the Coalition as the culprit.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mohannad As’ad al-Khamis al-Issa
Adult male killed
Bashir Juma al-Issa
Age unknown male killed
Son of Khamis al-Issa
7 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (1 child)
  • 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]

  • 'A raid by an international coalition aircraft targeted a civilian car yesterday in the village of Safawi east of the city of Shaddadi, killing three people: _ The seven-year-old son of Khamis al-Issa _Muhannad Asaad Al Khamis Al - Issa _ Bashir Juma Al-Issa In addition to wounding two others'

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 al-Safawi, al-Hassaka, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • February 28, 2018, near al-Safawi, al-Hassaka, Syria, via Airwars. 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 February 28th, the Coalition did not publicly report any strikes in the vicinity of Al Safawi or Hasakah governorate.

However see the UK report below.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Wednesday 28 February – Typhoons attacked two Daesh armoured vehicles in eastern Syria, and cratered a road to prevent it being used to move supplies or truck-bombs…Royal Air Force aircraft continued to fly daily armed reconnaissance patrols over eastern Syria, but the next air strikes did not occur until Wednesday 28 February. One flight of Typhoons delivered attacks with Paveway IVs against two Daesh armoured vehicles spotted by the Syrian Democratic Forces to the north-east of Abu Kamal, with one of the weapons being accurately delivered through cloud against a target which the aircrew could not themselves see. A second Typhoon flight conducted Paveway attacks on a key road in the area, cratering it to prevent the terrorists from moving equipment along it, particularly heavy truck-bombs.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (1 child)
  • 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

CS1732

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Location

الشفعة, Al Sha'afa: Al-Kashma district, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Between 10 and 30 civilians were reported killed and “dozens” injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Sha’afa. Most sources stressed that many of the victims were women and children.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it had documented the deaths of 22 civilians, including 9 children and 7 women and stressed that the toll was expected to rise due to the critical situation some of the injured civilians were in.

Deir Ezzor 24 tweeted that airstrikes had targeted the “Al Kashma district” of Al Sha’afa – later mentioning that more than ten civilians were harmed by the bombardments. Most sources specifically reported that 17 or 26 civilians were killed, with Free Deir Ezzor Radio even reporting “more than 30 martyrs, mostly women and children, as a result of US air strikes at dawn today”.

One activist, who declined to be named, told Smart News reporters that the civilian casualties may be ISIS family members as “the town’s families had left more than a month ago.” This was echoed by tweets from @QSD_Jabha and @Norsforstudies, as well as a Baladi report stating that – according to so-called Islamic State itself – 30 civilians were killed in Al Sha’afa.

In its monthly civilian casualty assessment for September 2019 – published on November 15th – the alliance classed the event as ‘non credible’, asserting that “After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.”

Coalition officials confirmed to Airwars that their review was a match for this event, and provided coordinates for the area assessed to within 100 metres.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 30
  • (2–9 children2–7 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'News of the massacre of more than 10 martyrs, including children and women, as a result of the bombing of an aircraft believed to belong to the International Alliance'

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Near al Shafah
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU774280
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 15, 2019

  • February 28, 2018 near Al Shafah, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 28th, the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 28 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of four engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged two Daesh tactical units and destroyed a Daesh supply route and a Daesh-held building.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Wednesday 28 February – Typhoons attacked two Daesh armoured vehicles in eastern Syria, and cratered a road to prevent it being used to move supplies or truck-bombs…Royal Air Force aircraft continued to fly daily armed reconnaissance patrols over eastern Syria, but the next air strikes did not occur until Wednesday 28 February. One flight of Typhoons delivered attacks with Paveway IVs against two Daesh armoured vehicles spotted by the Syrian Democratic Forces to the north-east of Abu Kamal, with one of the weapons being accurately delivered through cloud against a target which the aircrew could not themselves see. A second Typhoon flight conducted Paveway attacks on a key road in the area, cratering it to prevent the terrorists from moving equipment along it, particularly heavy truck-bombs.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Feb 28th to March 6th, France reports 30 air sorties providing intelligence support to SDF forces engaged on the ground. No strikes were conducted. Task Force Wagram continued its support for security operations carried out by the ISF in the Euphrates Valley. This week, four shooting missions were carried out (2 interdiction missions and 2 illuminance missions.)

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de défaire les dernières poches terroristes en Syrie et de sécuriser le territoire irakien. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur effort contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate, l’une située autour de Dashisha le long de la frontière avec l’Irak et l’autre dans la vallée de l’Euphrate à proximité d’Abou Kamal, autour de la ville d’Hajin. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, conduisant une vingtaine d’opérations par semaine, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent la sécurisation du territoire. Ces opérations se concentrent autour des principales agglomérations, mais aussi dans le désert de l’Anbar où de nombreuses caches terroristes ont été récemment décelées et détruites. Retour progressif des réfugiés en Irak En Irak, la situation des populations civiles revient progressivement à la normale. Au cours des deux dernières semaines, principalement dans la province de Ninive, environ cent trente mille personnes déplacées ont rejoint leurs localités d’origine. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes En fin de semaine dernière, la Task Force Narvik a terminé un stage de quatre semaines au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Ce stage s’est déroulé du 6 février au 1er mars et a permis de former aux techniques d’infiltration une vingtaine de soldats irakiens appartenant à l’Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS), unité d’élite des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Les principaux savoir-faire transmis ont été la lutte contre les IED, le combat en zone urbaine, les techniques d’infiltration et de reconnaissance dans la profondeur et le secourisme au combat. La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, quatre missions de tirs ont été réalisées (2 missions d’interdiction et 2 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 28 février au 6 mars). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1629 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se concentre sur l’appui aux forces démocratiques syriennes combattant dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Dans ce cadre, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé cette semaine 30 sorties aériennes orientées sur l’appui renseignement aux forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 28 février au 6 mars). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7845 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 30
  • (2–9 children2–7 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1731

Incident date

February 26, 2018

Location

الشفعة, Al Sha’fah, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.578932, 40.934637 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously untracked by Airwars monitors, in May 2018 the Coalition said that it had assessed a self-report of potential civilian harm at al Shafaa – though had concluded there were no non combatant casualties.

As the official report noted, “February 26, 2018, near al Sha’fah, Syria, via self-report. After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.”

No additional sources for this potential incident are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Al Shaf'a FB Page showing aftermath of the Coalition airstrike on Feb 26th 2018.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Sha’fah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU774280
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

  • February 26, 2018, near al Sha’fah, Syria, via self-report. After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 26th 2018 the Coalition publicly reported the following: "On Feb. 26 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged a Daesh tactical unit and destroyed a Daesh supply route and damaged a mortar."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For February 21st-27th, the Netherlands report that its F16s attacked ISIS combatants and vehicles on one occasion near Abu Kamal, Syria. The jets supported ground troops during 9 missions, including in the Nineveh, Kirkuk and Al Anbar provinces in Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 28-02-2018 | 12:00 In Mali zijn Nederlandse militairen begonnen met operatie Kronos. Ten oosten van de stad Ansongo brachten zij in kaart in hoeverre vanuit het zuiden oprukkende terroristische groeperingen invloed uitoefenen op de lokale bevolking. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 21 tot en met 27 februari 2018. Nederlandse verkenners in gesprek met de lokale bevolking. De operatie werd uitgevoerd door langeafstandverkenners. Zij voerden gesprekken met de inwoners. In het weekend is alle informatie verwerkt, vond materieelonderhoud plaats en werd de 2e fase van de operatie voorbereid. Deze startte maandagochtend. Nederlandse F-16 in Jordanië. Irak en Oost-Syrië Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-strijders en voertuigen aan. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. De jachtvliegtuigen ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies, waaronder in de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Kirkuk en Al Anbar. Bij 1 missie werden wapens ingezet. Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainden Nederlandse militairen samen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. 2 trainingsteams verzorgden afgelopen weken de basisinfanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Woensdag vond in het noordelijke trainingscentrum een door de Nederlanders, Hongaren en Italianen georganiseerde eindoefening plaats. 100 Peshmerga ontvingen hiervoor een certificaat. De genie trainde eenheden van de Zerivani (militaire politie) in het detecteren en onschadelijk maken van geïmproviseerde explosieven. 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.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Feb 21st-27th, France reports 25 sorties and four strikes were made in the Abu Kamal area in support of the SDF in the Euphrates Valley. The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, three ‘lighting missions’ were carried out for the Iraqi security forces.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leurs efforts sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate afin de réduire les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la zone. Cette semaine encore, elles ont progressé lentement en raison des mauvaises conditions météorologiques. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les Forces de Sécurité poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation sur l’ensemble du pays. Celles-ci se sont concentrées cette semaine sur le plateau d’Hawijah et le Sud de l’Anbar. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, trois missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (3 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 21 au 27 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1625 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 25 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 février) au cours desquelles quatre frappes ont été réalisées 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 : 7815 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1729

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Location

الشفعة, 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

According to local reports by Euphrates Post, alleged Coalition air raids targeted “a residential complex in district 24” of the town of Al Sha’afa. The sources stated that there were civilian casualties as a result, but did not specify a specific number. These sources were apparent carbon copies of each other.


However, according to two Sana News and RT Arabic news, airstrikes “targeted  houses in the villages of Al Sha’afa and Dhahra A’louni in in the countryside of Deir al-Zour east, killing 29 civilians and dozens were seriously injured, mostly women and children, as well as damage to civilian homes, property and infrastructure in the two villages.”

The sources do not specify the number of civilians killed in each village.

The incident was first reported on February 25, 2018 at 7:00 am by Euphrates Post.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 29
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ 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 February 24th-25h, the Coalition reported: "On Feb. 24 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes consisting of two engagements against Daesh targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, two strikes engaged two Daesh tactical units and destroyed a heavy machine gun and a fighting position."
For February 25th-26th, the Coalition reported: "On Feb. 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted one strike consisting of two engagements against Daesh targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged a Daesh tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For February 21st-27th, the Netherlands report that its F16s attacked ISIS combatants and vehicles on one occasion near Abu Kamal, Syria. The jets supported ground troops during 9 missions, including in the Nineveh, Kirkuk and Al Anbar provinces in Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 28-02-2018 | 12:00 In Mali zijn Nederlandse militairen begonnen met operatie Kronos. Ten oosten van de stad Ansongo brachten zij in kaart in hoeverre vanuit het zuiden oprukkende terroristische groeperingen invloed uitoefenen op de lokale bevolking. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 21 tot en met 27 februari 2018. Nederlandse verkenners in gesprek met de lokale bevolking. De operatie werd uitgevoerd door langeafstandverkenners. Zij voerden gesprekken met de inwoners. In het weekend is alle informatie verwerkt, vond materieelonderhoud plaats en werd de 2e fase van de operatie voorbereid. Deze startte maandagochtend. Nederlandse F-16 in Jordanië. Irak en Oost-Syrië Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-strijders en voertuigen aan. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. De jachtvliegtuigen ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies, waaronder in de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Kirkuk en Al Anbar. Bij 1 missie werden wapens ingezet. Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainden Nederlandse militairen samen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. 2 trainingsteams verzorgden afgelopen weken de basisinfanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Woensdag vond in het noordelijke trainingscentrum een door de Nederlanders, Hongaren en Italianen georganiseerde eindoefening plaats. 100 Peshmerga ontvingen hiervoor een certificaat. De genie trainde eenheden van de Zerivani (militaire politie) in het detecteren en onschadelijk maken van geïmproviseerde explosieven. 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.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Feb 21st-27th, France reports 25 sorties and four strikes were made in the Abu Kamal area in support of the SDF in the Euphrates Valley. The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, three ‘lighting missions’ were carried out for the Iraqi security forces.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leurs efforts sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate afin de réduire les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la zone. Cette semaine encore, elles ont progressé lentement en raison des mauvaises conditions météorologiques. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les Forces de Sécurité poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation sur l’ensemble du pays. Celles-ci se sont concentrées cette semaine sur le plateau d’Hawijah et le Sud de l’Anbar. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, trois missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (3 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 21 au 27 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1625 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 25 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 février) au cours desquelles quatre frappes ont été réalisées 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 : 7815 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 29
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1730

Incident date

February 25, 2018

Location

ظهرة العلواني, Zahret Al Alwni, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.539793, 40.960979 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that 10 to 25 civilians had been killed and dozens wounded as a result of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Zahret Al Alwni – an IDP camp located between Al Sousse and Al Sha’afa. Most sources reported that 16 non combatants had died.

According to most reports, the victims of the airstrike were “mostly children and women”. Euphrates Post and Deir Ezzor 24 included a list of the known victim families in their reports:

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the highest tally of at least 25 civilian fatalities, including 7 children and 6 women.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (1)

Family of Hussein Al Shuja
killed

Family members (1)

Family of Mohammed Al Shuja
killed

Family members (1)

Family of Ahmed Al Shuja
killed

The victims were named as:

Daughter of Ali Al Shuja
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 25
  • (7 children6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (13) [ 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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Zahret al-Alwani village, Dier Ezzor, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • February 25, 2018, near Zahret al-Alwani village, Dier Ezzor, Syria, via Airwars. 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 February 25th, the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted one strike consisting of two engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged a Daesh tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions.”

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For February 21st-27th, the Netherlands report that its F16s attacked ISIS combatants and vehicles on one occasion near Abu Kamal, Syria. The jets supported ground troops during 9 missions, including in the Nineveh, Kirkuk and Al Anbar provinces in Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 28-02-2018 | 12:00 In Mali zijn Nederlandse militairen begonnen met operatie Kronos. Ten oosten van de stad Ansongo brachten zij in kaart in hoeverre vanuit het zuiden oprukkende terroristische groeperingen invloed uitoefenen op de lokale bevolking. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 21 tot en met 27 februari 2018. Nederlandse verkenners in gesprek met de lokale bevolking. De operatie werd uitgevoerd door langeafstandverkenners. Zij voerden gesprekken met de inwoners. In het weekend is alle informatie verwerkt, vond materieelonderhoud plaats en werd de 2e fase van de operatie voorbereid. Deze startte maandagochtend. Nederlandse F-16 in Jordanië. Irak en Oost-Syrië Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-strijders en voertuigen aan. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. De jachtvliegtuigen ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies, waaronder in de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Kirkuk en Al Anbar. Bij 1 missie werden wapens ingezet. Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainden Nederlandse militairen samen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. 2 trainingsteams verzorgden afgelopen weken de basisinfanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Woensdag vond in het noordelijke trainingscentrum een door de Nederlanders, Hongaren en Italianen georganiseerde eindoefening plaats. 100 Peshmerga ontvingen hiervoor een certificaat. De genie trainde eenheden van de Zerivani (militaire politie) in het detecteren en onschadelijk maken van geïmproviseerde explosieven. 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.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Feb 21st-27th, France reports 25 sorties and four strikes were made in the Abu Kamal area in support of the SDF in the Euphrates Valley. The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, three ‘lighting missions’ were carried out for the Iraqi security forces.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leurs efforts sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate afin de réduire les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la zone. Cette semaine encore, elles ont progressé lentement en raison des mauvaises conditions météorologiques. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les Forces de Sécurité poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation sur l’ensemble du pays. Celles-ci se sont concentrées cette semaine sur le plateau d’Hawijah et le Sud de l’Anbar. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, trois missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (3 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 21 au 27 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1625 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 25 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 février) au cours desquelles quatre frappes ont été réalisées 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 : 7815 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 25
  • (7 children6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1727

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Location

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

Geolocation

34.560877, 40.935767 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 8 and 25 civilians reportedly died and as many as “dozens” were injured as a result of a claimed Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Sha’afa.

An Abu Kamal local later told Al-Hail that the bombardment had wounded “mostly women and children”.

Orient News carried the most detailed report, noting that “Local sources from the region told Orient that the bombing targeted the town of Al-Sha’afa, which lies in the city of Abu Kamal, adjacent to the Iraqi border, killing 25 civilians, besides injuring others, and it’s the second massacre of its kind in this past week. For its part, the Euphrates Post said that the air bombardment targeted the town’s school, which led to its complete destruction and the destruction of four houses in the vicinity, noting that most of the dead are displaced people in the town and were living in the school after not being able to move any further.”

Sound and Picture, Baladi News and Deir Ezzor 24 all mentioned that the airstrike had hit a school housing families or Internally Displaced Persons. It is important to note that Baladi News quoted Al A’amaq, the media wing of so-called Islamic State, as its main source.

The incident occured around dusk.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 25
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Significant destruction at al Shafa'a on February 23rd, as a result of a reported Coalition strike (via Orient News)
  • Significant destruction at al Shafa'a on February 23rd, as a result of a reported Coalition strike (via Orient News)
  • Significant destruction at al Shafa'a on February 23rd, as a result of a reported Coalition strike (via Orient News)
  • Significant destruction at al Shafa'a on February 23rd, as a result of a reported Coalition strike (via Orient News)

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 23rd, the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 23 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes consisting of three engagements against Daesh targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed a fighting position.
• Near Al Shadaddi, one strike engaged a Daesh tactical unit and an IED facility."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For February 21st-27th, the Netherlands report that its F16s attacked ISIS combatants and vehicles on one occasion near Abu Kamal, Syria. The jets supported ground troops during 9 missions, including in the Nineveh, Kirkuk and Al Anbar provinces in Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 28-02-2018 | 12:00 In Mali zijn Nederlandse militairen begonnen met operatie Kronos. Ten oosten van de stad Ansongo brachten zij in kaart in hoeverre vanuit het zuiden oprukkende terroristische groeperingen invloed uitoefenen op de lokale bevolking. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 21 tot en met 27 februari 2018. Nederlandse verkenners in gesprek met de lokale bevolking. De operatie werd uitgevoerd door langeafstandverkenners. Zij voerden gesprekken met de inwoners. In het weekend is alle informatie verwerkt, vond materieelonderhoud plaats en werd de 2e fase van de operatie voorbereid. Deze startte maandagochtend. Nederlandse F-16 in Jordanië. Irak en Oost-Syrië Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-strijders en voertuigen aan. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. De jachtvliegtuigen ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies, waaronder in de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Kirkuk en Al Anbar. Bij 1 missie werden wapens ingezet. Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainden Nederlandse militairen samen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. 2 trainingsteams verzorgden afgelopen weken de basisinfanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Woensdag vond in het noordelijke trainingscentrum een door de Nederlanders, Hongaren en Italianen georganiseerde eindoefening plaats. 100 Peshmerga ontvingen hiervoor een certificaat. De genie trainde eenheden van de Zerivani (militaire politie) in het detecteren en onschadelijk maken van geïmproviseerde explosieven. 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.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Feb 21st-27th, France reports 25 sorties and four strikes were made in the Abu Kamal area in support of the SDF in the Euphrates Valley. The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, three ‘lighting missions’ were carried out for the Iraqi security forces.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leurs efforts sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate afin de réduire les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la zone. Cette semaine encore, elles ont progressé lentement en raison des mauvaises conditions météorologiques. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les Forces de Sécurité poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation sur l’ensemble du pays. Celles-ci se sont concentrées cette semaine sur le plateau d’Hawijah et le Sud de l’Anbar. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, trois missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (3 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 21 au 27 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1625 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 25 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 février) au cours desquelles quatre frappes ont été réalisées 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 : 7815 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 25
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]