US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident Code

CS1769

Incident date

June 13, 2018

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz Fawqani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, up to four civilians, including women and children, were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Baghouz Foqani.

Step News Agency reported that two women and one girl were killed and another person injured. The Syrian Network for Human Rights however stated that in fact two children and one woman had perished.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the airstrikes had targeted the house of an ISIS member, which killed his daughter and granddaughter and injured others. Euphrates Post added that “two daughters of Jamal al-Ali’s and one of Ra’ad Al-Jamal’s sons” were killed “and a large number of wounded among civilians”. In correspondence with Airwars, Deir Ezzor 24 said that three children died – a son and two daughters of Jamal Ali al Sharida. 

Al Soussa Youth reported in a Facebook post that Ra’ad al Jamal himself was transferred to the hospital in a “critical condition”. However, in a comment to the post, an individual stated that “Ra’ad is ok, his leg was broken and had other injuries in his body.”

Both Deir Ezzor Now and Baladi reported that four civilians, a woman and three girls, were killed. While Al Haall mentioned the death a woman and only one child, the report identified that thirteen civilians were injured in the attack.

On August 30th 2018 the Coalition possibly confirmed responsibility for the event. “(3.) June 13, 2018, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh supply route, one civilian was unintentionally injured.” While Airwars reported a maximum of 4 civilian deaths the Coalition only conceded the injury of one civilian.

The Coalition later supplied Airwars the military grid reference for the strike: 37SFU795166 (accurate to 100 m).

The date, location and description of the Coalition report are consistent with the الباغوز Al Baghouz incident, however we cannot rule out the possibility that this was a separate event.

The incident was first reported on June 13, 2018 at 11:00 am by .

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Daughter of Jamal al-Ali (1)
Child female killed
Daughters of Jamal al-Ali (2)
Child female killed

Family members (2)

Ra’ad Al-Jamal
Adult male Broken leg injured
Son of Ra’ad Al-Jamal
Child male Also listed by one source as son of Jamal Ali al Sharida killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1–3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–13
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Baghuz Fawqani (الباغوز فوقاني), for which the coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778. The alleged Coalition airstrike possibly targeted the house of an ISIS member

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Stated location
    near al-Bagouz, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018
  • June 13, 2018, near al-Bagouz, 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

For June 13th, the Coalition reported that “On June 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed two Daesh vehicles, one Daesh supply route and damaged one Daesh vehicle.”

Unknown
  • English
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    Original

For June 13th – 19th, France’s Task Force Wagram reports five shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the launch of the offensive on May 1st there have been 148 missions. Over the past week, There were 22 air sorties in support of the local forces on the ground, but no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit. Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, l’offensive a déjà permis de reprendre plus de 150 km2 de territoire à Daech. Actuellement, les opérations en cours se concentrent sur la libération de la ville Dashisha. La résistance opposée par Daech demeure relativement faible. La principale menace reste celle liée aux engins explosifs improvisés. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu, donnant lieu à des destructions régulières de caches, de munitions et d’engins explosifs improvisés. Un climat sécuritaire qui s’améliore en Irak Le bon déroulement de l’ensemble des manifestations d’envergure récentes, notamment plusieurs pèlerinages et fêtes régionales ainsi que les élections, tend à montrer une amélioration notable du climat sécuritaire en Irak. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Narvik a débuté cette semaine cinq nouveaux stages au profit de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Ils couvrent les domaines de formation suivants : la lutte contre les engins explosifs, le maniement et entretien d’armements lourds, le déplacement tactique en convoi, le secourisme au combat et le tir de précision. 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. Le nombre de canons de la Task Force a été ajusté, passant dans un souci d’ajustement des moyens au besoin opérationnel de quatre à trois canons. L’évolution de la situation du théâtre avec la reprise de plus de 98% de l’emprise territoriale initiale de Daech, couplée à l’autonomie croissante des forces de sécurité irakienne, permet cet ajustement. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 148 missions de tirs, dont 5 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1807 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 22 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 13 au 19 juin inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8159 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1–3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–13
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1269 CS314

Incident date

September 16, 2016

Location

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

35.963172, 38.035655 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to five civilians reportedly died in an air raid on Maskanah which most sources said involved cluster munitions. Egypt Today put the death toll at five, “including a woman and her two daughters and her child”. Reportedly, the strikes injured up to 12 civilians, including six children.

While most reports blamed Russia, Baladi News claimed either the Coalition or the Syrian regime was responsible.

In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

45 years old years old female Wife of Issa Mohammed killed
Asma or Ismat al Obeid
13 or 14 years old female Daughter of Issa Mohammed and Sara killed

Family members (2)

Age unknown male injured
Age unknown female injured

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male injured
55 years old female injured
27 years old female injured
32 years old male injured
11 years old male injured
7 years old female injured
7 years old female injured
6 years old male injured
14 years old male injured
45 years old female injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1–2 children1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (10) [ collapse]

  • Baladi news reports 3 dead, including a child, and 15 injured following alleged coalition strikes on Maskanah in Aleppo. 16th September 2016
  • Report of the death of Issa al Obeid, his wife and an unidentified woman following an alleged cluster bomb attack on the Cultural Centre in Maskanah. 16th September 2016 [Via: Aleppo 24]
  • Arabe 24 reports the death of 3 civilians and injury of 15 others in an air raid on Maskanah. 17th September 2016
  • News of Aleppo and Surrounding Areas tweets the death of 4 civilians and injury of 13 including women and children in air raids on Maskanah at noon. 16th September 2016
  • Khabar reports death of 3 civilian and the injury of 15 following air raids on Maskanah. 16th September 2016
  • Masar Press reports the death of 3 civilians, including two women, in air raids on Maskanah. 16th September 2016
  • Syria Post reports the death of 4 civilians including two women in air raids on Maskanah. 16th September 2016
  • Al Jazeera Breaking reports the death of 3 civilians and injury of 15 others in air raids on Maskanah. 16th September 2016
  • Halab Today reports the death of 4 civilians including 2 women in air raids on Maskanah. 16th September 2016
  • Amawi news reports the death of 4 civilians and the injury of 15 others including women and children following cluster bomb attacks on Maskanah. 16th Septem,ber 2016

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between September 1st – 30th 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV130802
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020
  • Sept. 16, 2016, in Maskanah, Syria via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3051/CS314 37SDV130802

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 15th-17th 2016, the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in the vicnity of Manbij.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1–2 children1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1823

Incident date

November 3, 2018

Location

الشعفة و, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources named three children as killed and “many” more civilians wounded in an alleged Coalition air or artillery strike on Al Shaafa. Some sources reported that the airstrike targeted a house in a residential neighbourhood.

Euphrates Post for example reported: “The killing of three children, the children of Imad Mahmoud al-Haj Al Hussein from the city of Mohsen after international Coalition air raids targeted the town of Al-Sha’afa in the countryside of  the city of Abu Kamal yesterday.”

According to the Syrian Network, the victim family was originally from al Mouhasan city.

Syrian United Observatory mentioned “shelling” of the town – suggesting that artillery may have been responsible.

SANA also mentioned that “many civilians were injured” in the event.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Zaid I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein
Child male killed
Ziyad I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein
Child male killed
Aisha I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein
Child female

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Zaid I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein (via Euphrates Post)
  • Ziyad I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein (via Euphrates Post)
  • Aisha I’mad Mahmoud Al Haj Al Hussein (via Euphrates Post)
  • Images of the three children killed in the alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Shaafa, Nov 3rd.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 3rd the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Hajin, 28 strikes engaged eight tactical units, and destroyed three headquarters buildings, two command and control centers, two supply centers, four weapons caches, three mortars, 10 staging areas, 1 firing position, and one guest house.”

French Military
  • English
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    Original

From October 31st to November 6th, the three CAESAR guns carried out 54 fire missions in the Hajin region, Syria, from Iraqi territory (illumination, harassment, destruction) from Iraqi territory. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 2 strikes, north of Abu Kamal, 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 un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions. 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. Les FSI ont assuré la sécurisation du pèlerinage chiite de l’Arbaïn, ce qui a permis à ce rassemblement religieux de se tenir dans des conditions de sécurité satisfaisantes. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force 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, 54 missions de tir (éclairement, harcèlement, destruction – bilan du 31 octobre au 6 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2052 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 31 octobre au 6 novembre inclus) et conduit 2 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 : 8618 sorties / 1478 frappes / 2277 objectifs neutralisés.'

Dutch Military
  • English
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    Original

or October 31st-November 6th, the Dutch MoD reports that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in four: near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS vehicles, warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 31 oktober t/m 6 november laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet tijdens 9 missies, ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Bij 4 van deze missies werden wapens ingezet boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour bij Abu Kamal. Hierbij zijn voertuigen, opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities van ISIS vernietigd.‘

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1857

Incident date

November 24–25, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin , Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A named male civilian was reported killed in a confirmed Coalition air or artillery strike on Hijan when it struck his home. All sources blamed the Coalition for the event.

Some sources reported that the incident was on November 24th and others on the 25th. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the Coalition fired missiles on Hijan. Hajin Magazin described the shelling as “savage”.

On September 20 2021, the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF – OIR), acknowledged the event in their monthly civilian casualty report, but stated: “After a review of all available  records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as  a result of a Coalition action”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed al-Karhout Abou Hussein
Adult male nicknamed Alhuli, from Bhajin killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU677407
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 20, 2021
  • September 20, 2021 Release No. 20210920-03 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve Monthly Civilian Casualty Report SOUTHWEST ASIA – Since the beginning of operations in 2014, the Coalition and partner forces have liberated nearly 110,000 square kilometers (42,471 square miles) from Daesh, eliminating their self-proclaimed territorial caliphate and freeing 7.7 million people from Daesh oppression. The Coalition will continue to work with partner forces to deny Daesh any physical space and influence in the region as well as deny Daesh the resources they need to resurge. The Coalition conducted 34,991 strikes between August 2014 and the end of July 2021. During this period, based on information available, CJTF-OIR assesses at least 1,417 civilians have been unintentionally killed by Coalition actions since the beginning of Operation Inherent Resolve. We follow a rigid targeting process for all of our strikes to ensure strict adherence to the Law of Armed Conflict while attempting to avoid collateral damage. Every accidental loss of life is tragic, and it will remain our goal to take all feasible precautions to avoid putting civilians in danger in our pursuit of a ruthless enemy. In the month of July, CJTF-OIR carried over 106 open reports from previous months and received no new reports. CJTF-OIR completed two civilian-casualty allegation assessment reports. CJTF-OIR assessed both reports as non-credible. 105 reports are still open, including one that CJTF-OIR had previously closed but reopened due to the availability of new information. The results of each investigation of an allegation will fall into one of two categories, either "credible" or "non-credible." An assessment of "credible" means that our team investigated the allegation and determined that, based on available evidence, more likely than not, the death was the result of Coalition action. A "non-credible" evaluation means that the information we have to assess the allegation, using our available resources, cannot determine, to the standard of "more likely than not", that the death was the result of Coalition action. There could be a number of reasons for this, to include no corroborating strikes at that time or that location, there was insufficient evidence to support the allegation, or there is simply insufficient or overly vague data in the allegation itself. __________________________________________________________________________________________ CJTF-OIR Website CJTF-OIR Twitter CJTF-OIR Facebook CJTF-OIR Imagery Email | CJTF-OIRmedia@mail.mil | Phone | +1.813.529.4636 | Kuwait | 00.965.221.6340 and 430-5193# Mailing Address | CJTF-OIR Public Affairs | APO AE 09306 1 COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE Public Affairs Office It is important to note that while the Coalition has a substantial quantity of data at its disposal to investigate every claim, we welcome any information from any source that will enable us to determine the truth. Furthermore, we routinely reopen closed investigations based on new information that might help us attain more accurate results. Non-Credible Reports: After a thorough review of the facts and circumstances of each civilian casualty report, CJTF-OIR assessed the following two reports as non-credible. At this time there is insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition action resulted in civilian casualties. Numeric Key: [CJTF-OIR Allegation Number] / [Non-Governmental Organization Allegation Number] [Grid Coordinate]. The Military Grid Reference System coordinates specified in these reports are derived from the original allegation source. 1. Nov. 24, 2018, near Hajin, Syria via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 3246/CS1857 37SFU677407 2. Jan. 29, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 3268/CS1893 37SFU786153

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 24th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 24 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 65 strikes consisting of 86 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 65 strikes engaged 24 tactical units and destroyed 28 firing positions, eight vehicles, six fighting positons, four supply routes, four IED factories, two buildings, five command and control facilities, two staging areas, one vehicle borne IED, one piece of engineer equipment,  one checkpoint, one weapons cache and one AAA system.

For November 25th it reported: "On Nov. 25 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes consisting of 26 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 14 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units and destroyed one vehicle, two fighting positons, two supply routes, one UAS launch site, three buildings, one command and control center and one weapons cache. "

On September 20 2021, CJTF-OIR published a strike report stating:
The Coalition conducted 34,991 strikes between August 2014 and the end of July 2021. During this period, based on information available, CJTF-OIR assesses at least 1,417 civilians have been unintentionally killed by Coalition actions since the beginning of Operation Inherent Resolve.
We follow a rigid targeting process for all of our strikes to ensure strict adherence to the Law of Armed Conflict while attempting to avoid collateral damage. Every accidental loss of life is tragic, and it will remain our goal to take all feasible precautions to avoid putting civilians in danger in our pursuit of a ruthless enemy.

In the month of July, CJTF-OIR carried over 106 open reports from previous months and received no new reports. CJTF-OIR completed two civilian-casualty allegation assessment reports. CJTF-OIR assessed both reports as non-credible. 105 reports are still open, including one that CJTF-OIR had previously closed but reopened due to the availability of new information.

1. Nov. 24, 2018, near Hajin, Syria via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 3246/CS1857 37SFU677407


French Military
  • English
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    Original

From Nov 21st-27th, France report that Task Force Wagram carried out 62 firing missions (35 lighting, 27 destruction) from Iraq territory. Aircraft carried out 16 sorties and two strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Dans la région d’Hajine, profitant de conditions météo défavorables, Daech a récemment lancé des offensives contre les positions des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). L’appui de la coalition, notamment l’engagement de l’artillerie, a permis de stopper ces offensives. Au bilan, cette action a occasionné des pertes dans les deux camps, sans faire évoluer la ligne de front. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un effort le long de la frontière syrienne pour contrer toute tentative d’action de Daech depuis la Syrie. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 62 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 27 destruction – bilan du 21 au 27 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2227 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 16 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 novembre inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 2 frappes cette semaine. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8670 sorties / 1481 frappes / 2280 objectifs neutralisés. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Insérée au sein du quartier général de la division, la TF se compose d’une centaine de militaires dont les expertises variées permettent de dispenser des instructions opérationnelles adaptées aux besoins émis les Irakiens. Depuis le mois d’octobre, treize stages ont ainsi été organisés, dans des domaines variés comme le secourisme de combat, la lutte contre les IED, le combat en zone urbaine, la lutte contre la menace NRBC ou encore la maintenance ou l’entraînement physique et sportif. Ils ont permis de former quelque 240 militaires irakiens, dont une majorité de cadres ayant pour vocation de devenir instructeurs à leur tour. Monsabert intervient également au profit de l’école d’artillerie irakienne : 75 cadres de cette école ont ainsi été entraînés pendant plus d’un mois. L’artillerie est une capacité de premier ordre pour l’armée irakienne qui l’emploie actuellement à la frontière irako-syrienne pour prévenir toute incursion de Daech depuis la Syrie. Composée d’une quarantaine de militaires, la TF Narvik, qui est implantée dans les faubourgs de Bagdad, forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Mi-octobre ont débuté cinq formations dans les domaines suivants : mise en œuvre d’armes lourdes, combat motorisé, lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés, sauvetage au combat et tir de précision. D’une durée de douze semaines chacune, ces formations permettent d’instruire les stagiaires de l’école de spécialité de l’ICTS mais également de conseiller les instructeurs irakiens.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 21st - 27th 2018, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16's supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting vehicles, logistical places and IS-fighters.

In het overzicht van 21-27 Nov laat MinDef weten tijdens 9 missies F-16's te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Bij 3 missies boven Deir al Zour in Syrie werden wapens ingezet. Voertuigen, logistieke plaatsen en IS-strijders zijn aangevallen.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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

CS1892

Incident date

January 24–26, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A single source reported that a named child originally from the city of Mohsen, and named as Omar Basim al-Aliwi, died from wounds sustained “several days ago” in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Baghouz.

Airwars has therefore placed the date range of this reported event as January 24th-26th. No other details are known at this time.

In its December 2020 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that “The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to assess its credibility.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Omar Basim al-Aliwi
Child male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The child Omar Basim al-Aliwi allegedly died from wounds sustained days earlier as a result of an alleged Coalition airstrike (via @deirezzor24).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU867153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 15, 2020
  • Jan. 24, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to assess its credibility. 3267/CS1892 37SFU867153

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

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

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

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1425b

Incident date

August 27, 2017

Location

البوليل, Al Boulil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

A single source, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported that a Coalition airstrike struck an ISIS vehicle, killing two young men who had previously been arrested and forced to join ISIS. Two members of ISIS guarding them were also killed in the attack.

The source reported that increasing numbers of young men were forcibly recruited by ISIS at the time of the incident.

In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • 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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU238942
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020
  • Aug. 27, 2017, in Al Boulil, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3149/CS1425b 37SFU238942

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

No Coalition strikes were reported for that date and location.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS354 CS164

Incident date

January 9, 2016

Location

عين عيسى, `Ayn `Isa, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.383715, 38.866611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A strike by aircraft reportedly killed five civilians. Syria News attributed the attack to Russia, while Ara News said it was a Coalition action.

VDC – which attributed the attack to the regime – named five victims.

In their February 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Adult male killed
Child male killed
Child male killed
Child female killed
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (4 children1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA880265
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2020
  • Jan. 9, 2016, in Ayn ‘Isa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2899/CS164 37SDA880265

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition confirmed a strike in the vicinity for January 9th-10th 2016, noting that “Near Ayn Isa, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL buildings.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (4 children1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1163a

Incident date

July 5, 2017

Location

Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.95483, 39.00495 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the Amnesty and Airwars’ joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, 11 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty.

The report by Amnesty/Airwars stated that “A coalition airstrike killed seven members of the Hayoun family – four children, a woman and two men – in their sleep as they were sheltering in a four storey building.”

According to the field notes, the airstrike struck the house next door to the Hayoun family, however the house they were sheltering in was damaged, and seven family members were killed. They were on the ground flour. The house targeted was empty at the time of the raid.

The interviewee, was father of a victim and the restaurant owners brother, told Amnesty in a testimony that “This strike killed my daughter, her children, her husband and his brother. They were innocent civilians. Many innocent people were killed in this war.”

In July 2019, the Coalition announced that it had assessed this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible. Their civilian casualty report noted: “After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Reem Hayoun
30 years old female interviewees daughter killed
Ibrahim Ibn Adnan Hayoun
35 years old male Reem's husband killed
Adnan
6 years old male Ibrahim and Reem's son killed
Ooja
4 years old male Ibrahim and Reem's son killed
Ahmad Ibn Adnan
36 years old male Ibrahim's brother killed
Sidra
13 years old female Ibrahim's daughter killed
Adnan
11 years old male Ibrahim's son killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (4 children1 woman2 men)
  • 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

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before the strike on July 2, 2017

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

  • After the strike on July 6, 2017

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

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
  • Stated location
    in Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV004789
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2019
  • Jul. 5, 2017, in Raqqa, Syria, via Amnesty International report. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Near Raqqah, 21 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positons,
two vehicles, two heavy machine guns, a front-end loader, a UAV site and a sniper position.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • (4 children1 woman2 men)
  • 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