US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

CS1979

Incident date

February 22, 2022

Location

الدحلة, Al Dahla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

One civilian, named in local sources as Ibrahim Khalif Ali Al-Ammar, aged 52, was reportedly killed during a Syrian Democratic Forces and US-led Coalition raid on the village of Al-Dahla, in the countryside of Deir Ezzor, at dawn on February 22nd 2022. According to local sources, he was shot at dawn when his house was raided.

The US-led Coalition was reportedly providing “aircraft” support. SANA reported that they carried out an airdrop operation.

Euphrates reported that Mr. Al-Ammar worked in the fertilizer and grain trade.

@DeirEzzorNow tweeted that “the raid took place without helicopters, as forces from HAT and the coalition raided the house of Ibrahim Al-Khalif Al-Ammar, and the goal is to arrest his brother Hassan, who was said to be an arms dealer, as they live in two adjacent houses in one yard.” They reported that his brother was arrested during the operation.

Another local source tweeted that the town was raided at night, “with a patrol of twelve cars.” Ath Press added that the raid was carried out by members of the “Miliary Council in Deir Ezzor”, led by Ahmwd Al-Khabeel… came with the aim of putting pressure on Al-Ammar and his brother with the aim of blackmailing them and forcing them to pay the money as a kind of royalty, and after he refused several times the raid took place.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights did not mention the detail about Mr. Al-Ammar’s brother and instead said that he was trying to be arrested during the raid, and that because he refused to surrender, he was arrested and shot dead.

Shaam reported that “activists in the Furat Post network said that SDF members shot Ibrahim Khalif Ali Al-Ammar, after he tried to prevent them from entering his house because of the presence of women and children.”

In a civilian casualty assessment released November 3, 2023, the Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that “After a thorough review of all CJTF-OIR’s strike and operation history, no strike or operation was identified +/-24 hours, in the vicinity of the allegation.”

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim Khalif Ali Al-Ammar
52 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ibrahim Khalif Al-Ali Al-Ammar, reportedly killed by a SDF and US-led Coalition raid in Al-Dahla on February 22nd 2022 (Image via @nahermedia / Twitter)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 3, 2023

  • February 22, 2022, near Al Dahla, Syria, via Airwars report. After a thorough review of all CJTF-OIR’s strike and operation history, no strike or operation was identified +/-24 hours, in the vicinity of the allegation. 3323/CS1979 37SFV1904205613

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS650

Incident date

March 31, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, governor's building and other locations, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.945517, 39.011099 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Smart News Agency, two civilians were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa.

Smart reported: “A local source told the Smart correspondent on Friday that 10 members of the Islamic State were killed and wounded, in addition to the wounding of two civilians by the bombing of warplanes likely to be the coalition on the city of Raqqa.”

“The source pointed out that the aircraft launched raids on the old cultural center, the governor’s building and the central bank in the city of Raqqa, killing four members of the organization and wounding six others, who were transferred to the National Hospital of Raqqa, according to a medical source, in addition to wounding two civilians.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • 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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • 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 March 30th-31st the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a front-end loader. Near Tabqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed a vehicle and a UAV.”
For March 31st-April 1st, the Coalition reported: "Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a weapons storage facility and a VBIED; and damaged a bridge."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS895

Incident date

May 31, 2017

Location

أبو شجرة, Abu Shajara, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

One woman was injured in a Coalition airstrike on Abu Shajara, according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS).

Qasioun reported that “Syrian forces took control of the villages of al-Sahl, al-Hawrah, Abu Shajra, al-Barouda, and al-Baraka” and that this “came in the wake of clashes between the two sides, in conjunction with the artillery shelling and missile interception” – but there were no reports of casualties.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Fatima Mahmoud Shalash
Adult female injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Abu Shajara, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 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 May 30th-31st, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed a fighting position and a VBIED.” And in addition it was stated that “Near Raqqah, Syria, a strike destroyed an ISIS command and control node.”
For May 31st-June 1st, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed eight fighting positions, two vehicles, two anti-air artillery systems, a front-end loader, and a tactical vehicle."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

"Wednesday 31 May – Tornados and Typhoons struck two terrorist targets in western Mosul, and one near Raqqa… The RAF is continuing to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian casualties. Royal Air Force aircraft have continued to conduct intensive operations against Daesh, particularly in western Mosul and around Raqqa. On Wednesday 31 May, Typhoon FGR4s, armed with Paveway IV guided bombs, demolished a terrorist-held building to the west of Raqqa, whilst mixed formations of Tornado GR4s and Typhoons patrolled over Mosul, where they used two Brimstone missiles to engage Daesh positions which Iraqi security forces had encountered."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS946

Incident date

June 8, 2017

Location

near Dariya, Raqqah, Syria, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.946002, 38.981467 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on January 25th the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm “near Dar’iya, Raqqah” via an “international organization report”. According to the Coalition report, “69. June 8, 2017 near Dari’ya, Raqqah, Syria via international organization report. After a review of available information, it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The Coalition shared the military coordinates with Airwars: 37SDV9832877959. This corresponds with al-Qadisiyyah in Raqqa.

No additional information is presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ 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 Dariya, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 June 7th-8th: “Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 fighting positions, three vehicles, two ISIS staging areas, an ISIS excavator, an ISIS weapons cache, and an ISIS training camp.” It also added that “On June 7, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed six fighting positions and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” And that “On June 7, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS minefield.”

For June 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, nine strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, three vehicles and a mortar system.“

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI807

Incident date

July 11, 2017

Location

المدينة القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34075, 43.126911 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that 200 homes in Old Mosul to the west of the city were completely destroyed with many of their residents presumed dead following the intense fighting of the previous weeks.

Hossam al Din al Abbar, a member of the Ninveh Provincial Council, was quoted by several sources as saying: The civil defence teams have recovered 1,700 bodies belonging to civilians from the rubble of the houses in the city of Mosul since the launch of the military campaign to liberate the city on October 17.

There are more than 200 homes that were destroyed in the Old City on the western side of Mosul so we expect the number of civilian casualties to double as the civil defence teams begin their recovery operations.

Presently, no further details with regards to the specifics of civilian casualties were available but will be presented when the information is acquired.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A picture reveals the massive destruction following an intensive strike on Mosul. According to sources, civilians presumed dead following the intense fighting of the previous weeks (via Omar Al Halbusi)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Old City of Mosul (موصل القديمة), for which the coordinates are: 36.34075, 43.126911.

  • Old City of Mosul (موصل القديمة)

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

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
  • Mar 28, 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 July 10th-11th, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 28 fighting positions, 11 medium machine guns, an IED, and a VBIED facility; and damaged a fighting position.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1244

Incident date

July 21, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Al Baadoum, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.033898, 40.425278 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that the Coalition carried out multiple strikes in Mayadin, though the number of civilian casualties was unclear.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “the international Coalition carried out strikes at 6:30 am on Friday July 21st targeting a house seized by Islamic State in Mayadin”.

Syrian PC said that the Coalition carried out two raids on “the eastern suburb of Deir al-Ghazal without reports of civilian casualties.”

Qasioun reported that Coalition strikes targeted the Saray government building and the pharyngeal area, saying that there had been civilian casualties but providing no further details.

Euphrates Post added that Al-Baaloum roundabout was targeted.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (8) [ 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 al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU300777
    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 21st-22nd: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed four oil storage tanks and a vehicle.“

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI839

Incident date

September 7, 2017

Location

عنه, Anah, near Rafidain Bank, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.37167, 41.98286 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Yaqein reported on the aerial bombardment of International Alliance aircraft on the districts of Anah, injuring 7 civilians. However, in two later reports, the news agency stated that the Iraqi army launched air raids targeting residential areas. The US-led Coalition later accepted responsibility for the event, saying it had unintentionally injured seven civilians.

The Iraqi Spring Media quoted the town council chief Abdul Karim al-Ani who confirmed the injury of 7 civilians, including children. He also stated that the Rafidain Bank was targeted.

In its July 2018 monthly report, the Coalition noted: “September 7, 2017, near Anah, Iraq, via Airwars report. During a strike on Daesh command and control nodes, seven civilians were unintentionally injured.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted the Rafidain Bank in the center of Anah. The coordinates for the Rafidain Bank are: 34.372268, 41.983302. The bank itself doesn’t seem to be damaged, but on satellite imagery available to Airwars structural damage to a building in the vicinity can be seen between June 24 and September 19, 2017

  • The Rafidain Bank and the location at which structural damage can be seen on satellite imagery between June 24 and September 19, 2017

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Bing

  • MGRS coordinates

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 injuries conceded
    7
  • Stated location
    near Anah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SGU743074
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • September 7, 2017, near Anah, Iraq, via Airwars report. During a strike on Daesh command and control nodes, seven civilians were unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 6th – 7th the Coalition reported “Near Al Qaim, one strike destroyed two ISIS front-end loaders.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI765

Incident date

June 15, 2017

Location

القائم‎, Al Qa’im, Al Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.366944, 41.138889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Province/governorate level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously untracked by Airwars, the Coalition confirmed on Oct. 27, 2017 that it had unintentionally killed four civilians.

The provided coordinates placed the event in the near Al Qa’im town in the Al Anbar Governorate.

There are currently no further details known about the incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2018

  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The US-led Coalition did not report any strikes near Al Qa’im on June 15th, 2017.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the past week, France reports his 31 sorties, 28 of which were Armed Reconnaissance or Ground Support (CAS) and 3 were intelligence gathering. Two strikes were conducted by French planes in Iraq and Syria, one in the west of Raqqah city, and the other in the Al Qaim region, both against ISIL fighters. Task Force Wagram carried out 80 artillery strikes in Mosul.

CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie, Daech a continué cette semaine de perdre du terrain face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS). À Raqqah les combattants terroristes ont à nouveau perdu un vaste secteur au Nord de la ville. Les FDS ont également réussi à percer les premières défenses et à prendre solidement pied dans plusieurs quartiers à l’Est de la ville. Les terroristes conduisent cependant une défense très dure en s’appuyant sur un terrain systématiquement piégé et sur les quartiers les plus densément urbanisés. Ceci laisse présager d’une progression lente et difficile une fois les premiers faubourgs conquis. En Irak, Daech en dépit de nombreuses actions asymétriques a connu plusieurs revers cette semaine dans la plaine de Ninive (à l’ouest de Mossoul), et est désormais en phase d’être chassé de cette partie de la frontière irako-syrienne. À Mossoul les combats sont toujours concentrés dans les quartiers immédiatement au nord de la Médina, et notamment celui de l’hôpital transformé par Daech en solide position défensive. La progression des FSI reste difficile en raison d’un grand nombre d’actions de harcèlement à base de tirs de mortier et par l’utilisation quasi systématique de boucliers humains. À l’ouest de la ville, la 15e Division a lancé une offensive depuis Badush. Elle est parvenue à élargir la zone sous contrôle des FSI vers l’ouest et ainsi réduire encore un peu plus la liberté de circulation de Daech. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a appuyé cette semaine l’offensive de la 15e division irakienne en direction de l’Ouest visant à élargir la zone sous contrôle des FSI. Elle a réalisé 80 missions de tir en appui des unités irakiennes dont plus de la moitié ont été menées pour harceler les combattants de Daech, soit pour les empêcher d’occuper une position, soit pour les en déloger. Les autres missions étaient des tirs d’éclairement ou fumigène. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 28 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 2 frappes ont été conduites par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, l’une à l’Ouest de la ville de Raqqah, et l’autre dans la région d’Al Qaim, toutes deux contre des combattants de Daech.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Elsewhere, two mixed pairs of Tornados and Typhoons operated over northern Iraq. A Daesh mortar was engaged east of Tal Afar, while six positions in Mosul, including machine-gun and sniper teams, were struck using a mixture of Paveway IVs and Brimstones.’

Summary

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