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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Incident Code

RS2970

Incident date

February 3, 2018

Location

خان السبل, Khan al-Subul, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.753927, 36.770468 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In this incident, described as a “massacre”, alleged Russian cluster bombs killed between seven and ten civilians, including up to five children and one woman, and wounded up to dozens, as the village of Khan al-Subul, Idlib, was struck, local media reported.

Step News Agency reported how “the first massacre took place in the town of Khan al-Subul, killing more than 10 civilians, most of them women and children, in addition to tens of wounded (as a preliminary result), after targeting more than 4 cluster rockets.”

Other sources, such as the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) said that the strike caused “at least seven civilians, including five children and a woman”. The Syrian Civil Defense, who put the death toll at nine, said that among these were three children.

The number of wounded spanned from “several” to “dozens”, the latter reported by Hadi Abdullah, who added that most of the wounded were children and women.

The majority of the known sources reported the cluster bombs were fired from four ballistic missiles. Orient news, for example, reported how “Russia committed a massacre of civilians in the town of Khan al-Sabil in rural Idlib during the targeting of the town with four long-range ballistic missiles.”

SN4HR published a photo of one of the long-range missiles that reportedly had been used.

All known sources pointed unanimously to Russia as the culprit.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 10
  • (3–5 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • The Civil Defense trying to treat some of the dozens of victims following the alleged Russian shelling of Khan al-Subul, Idlib, February 3rd, 2018 (via Syria Civil Defense)
  • Newscast describing the strike in Khan al-Subul on February 3rd, 2018 (via Radio Kul)
  • Witnesses on the ground describing the alleged Russian shelling in Khan al-Subul on February 3rd, 2018, that reportedly killed more than ten civilians (via Orient News)
  • The remnants of a long range missile allegedly fired by Russia on Khan al-Sulub, Idlib, February 3rd, 2018 (via Syrian Network for Human Rights)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between February 1st - 28th 2018.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 10
  • (3–5 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1720

Incident date

February 2, 2018

Location

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.74226, 40.76953 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple sources reported the death of eleven civilians and seven or more wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Bahra village, northwest of the town of Hajin.

A tweet from @BassamJaara was the only source with an estimated tally of more than 30 casualties, claiming that: “More than 30 people, mostly children and women, were killed by US air strikes on the village of Al-Bahra northwest of the Hajeen city of Deir Al-Zour yesterday.” A tweet by @CkmKZSiHpiYW0c1 mentioned “dozens” of civilians were injured by an “aerial bombardment of international coalition”.

Most other sources however, reported instead eleven slain and seven injured civilians – with some reports specifically mentioning “US airstrikes”.

According to a number of local reports, the strikes hit a hospital in the rural town. This was later also noted by the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which said that the airstrikes rendered the makeshift hospital inoperable.

In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

In May 2019, the Coalition appear to have re-assessed this allegation, still resulting in a non-credible assessment. Their report noted, “after a review of all available strike records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 30
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–24
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Photo of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Bahra (via Ahmad Al Shbli).
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on a hospital in Al Bahra (via Ahmad Al Shbli).
  • A stills image from an ISIS proaganda video said to show Coalition strikes on al Bahra February 2nd 2018
  • Image from the SNHR published by Bellingcat showing the aftermath of an alleged coalition attack on a hospital in al-Bahra in Deir Ezzor on February 2nd, 2018.

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
  • Stated location
    near al-Bahra, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU619458
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • Feb. 2, 2018, near al-Bahra, Syria via Airwars report. After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

  • Feb. 2, 2018, near al-Bahra, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available strike records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 2nd the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 2 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 16 engagements against ISIS targets.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 30
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–24
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1719

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Location

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.74226, 40.76953 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Bahra village, according to multiple local sources.

Al Manar News, for example, reported that “three civilians were killed after the bombing of International Alliance aircraft on the village of Al-Bahra in the south-east of Deir Ez-Zour.”

ISIS released a video on January 30th titled ‘Effects of US air strikes on the village of Al Bahra’ – although that video has now been deleted from the public record.

The following day Euphrates Post published photos it said showed “the effects of the destruction as a result of air raids targeted the town of Bahra in the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour.”

In April 2019 the Coalition announced that it had classed this allegation of civilian harm as non-credible, noting: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Scenes of destruction at Bahra late January 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Destruction at al Bahra resulting from a reported Coalition strike on January 30th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Destruction at al Bahra resulting from a reported Coalition strike on January 30th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Destruction at al Bahra resulting from a reported Coalition strike on January 30th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Stated location
    near al-Bahra, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU619458
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019

  • Jan. 30, 2018, near al-Bahra, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For January 30th 2018 the Coalition reported: “On Jan. 30 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of 18 engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes engaged six Daesh tactical units and destroyed two Daesh supply routes, three Daesh headquarters, a staging facility, a Daesh motorcycle and an artillery piece.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Tuesday 30 January – a Reaper successfully targeted terrorists flying a drone against the Syrian Democratic Forces…On 30 January, a Reaper hunted for a Daesh team flying a drone surveying the Syrian Democratic Forces, it identified them launching a quadcopter and struck with a Hellfire missile.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For January 24th-30th, France reports that Task Force Wagram continued to provide support in the Euphrates Valley. Five firefighting missions were carried out for the benefit of the Iraqi security forces. This week, the air activity provided intelligence and support missions for the Iraqi security forces and the SDF. It resulted in 20 sorties during which three strikes were carried out, all in the area of ​​Abu Kamal in support of the SDF.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les dernières poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur combat contre les dernières poches Daechies présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate. Les mauvaises conditions météorologiques réduisent encore les capacités d’appui de la Coalition. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent des opérations de contrôle de zone et de sécurisation, confirmant leur autonomie croissante. Dans la vallée de l’Euphrate, autour d’Al Qaim, comme dans la province de Ninive, les opérations conduites par les forces de sécurité irakiennes donnent de bons résultats avec la découverte et la destruction de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. Des infirmiers irakiens formés au secourisme de combat Depuis le 13 janvier et pour une durée de quatre semaines, la Task Force Monsabert réalise une instruction « Advance Combat Life Saver » au profit des infirmiers irakiens du centre médical de la 6ème Division. Le stage est essentiellement pratique et vise à faire des stagiaires de futurs instructeurs au secourisme de combat. 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, cinq missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (2 missions d’éclairement et 3 mission d’interdiction – bilan du 24 au 30 janvier). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1615 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 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 24 au 30 janvier) au cours desquelles trois frappes ont été réalisées, toutes 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 : 7708 sorties / 1434 frappes / 2222 objectifs neutralisés.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For January 24th-30th, the Netherlands report F16s attacked Dutch F-16s attacked ISIS targets in support of ground troops, including buildings, set-ups, a headquarters and a storage location. This happened in the neighborhood of Ar Ramadi and Abu Kamal in the province of Deir Al Zour in eastern Syria. Dutch fighter planes helped ground troops during 12 missions, which were also over the Iraqi provinces of Nineveh and Anbar. Weapons were used six times.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 31-01-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-doelen aan, waaronder gebouwen, opstellingen, een hoofdkwartier en een opslaglocatie. Dat gebeurde in de buurt van Ar Ramadi en Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 24 tot en met 30 januari 2018. Technicus bevestigt brandstofslang aan F-16Toon opties Een F-16 wordt bijgetankt (september 2015). De jachtvliegtuigen hielpen de grondtroepen tijdens 12 missies, ook boven de Iraakse provincies Ninawa en Al Anbar. Bij 6 werden wapens ingezet. Nederland neemt boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband deel aan de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI874a

Incident date

January 27, 2018

Location

البغدادي , Al Baghdadi, Anbar, Iraq

Airwars assessment

Eight people including a woman and six police officers were reported killed and 20 others including two women severely injured in an alleged US-led Coalition strike on Al Baghdadi, west of Anbar province on January 27th, 2018, according to multiple local sources. Reports said that the strike “mistakenly struck a gathering of local security forces”, also killing five policemen and the director of al-Baghdadi district, Sharhabil al-Obeidi, and the police chief Colonel Colonel Salam al-Obeidi.

11 of those killed and injured belong to two families.

Dotmsr reported: “An Iraqi official announced that eight people were killed, most of them security forces, and about 20 others were wounded, including a senior officer after, an attack by an international coalition aircraft mistakenly struck a gathering of local security forces in the town of al-Baghdadi in the western Anbar province.

“The official, who asked not to be named, said that eight people, including a police intelligence officer Baghdadi and five policemen and two civilians were killed after the bombing by International Alliance aircraft in the town center”.

Altaghier.tv said that an American helicopter carried out the raid, killing “seven people and wounding 20 more”.

According to Yaqein, “US aircraft bombed a convoy of vehicles belonging to the popular crowd militia west of Anbar province, killing about 20 people, including the director of al-Baghdadi district, Sharhabil al-Obeidi, and the police chief Colonel Colonel Salam al-Obeidi.” The source add that the helicopter struck the convoy as it was “headed to the house of Sheikh Al-Obeid of the Sheikh Maadi al-Obeidi tribe, 90 km west of Ramadi.”

Mahmood Abdulkhaliq reported that an arrest was carried out as a house was raided…Iraqi Security Forces and police then arrived at the scene, and then one of the US aircraft launched a bombing on the site, which led to the death and wounding about 27 civilians and security forces, including the director of the district and the director of police Baghdadi.”

Almaalomah added that “Angry residents in Anbar province expressed their disapproval and dismay at the criminal operation of the US Air Force, which resulted in the death and wounding of more than 20 people, while calling on the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Haider Abadi to refer the attacking force to the international judiciary.

Mohammed al-Obeidi called on all to “condemn these acts and refer the American soldiers who committed these foolish acts to international courts “.

Local sources said the following got killed in the attack: Ghajban Naji Saadoun, Haidar Sadek Karim Makhlaf, Gheith Natik kareem, Ahmed Karim Makhlaf, Makhlaf Natik Kareem, Tahrir Mahmood, Maraw Mdi Kerb, Col.Salm Al Obeidi (Abdul Salam Al Obeidi). 

The Joint Operation Command’s Communication Unit said that the Command requested an investigation into what happened in that attack.

 

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Muawiyah Karb Ali Summarad معاويه كرب علي سمرمد
male injured
Amr Karb Ali Summermad عمرو كرب علي سمرمد
male injured
Saleh Saif Afat Ali Summermad صالح سيف عفات علي سمرمد
male injured
Karab Ali Summermad كرب علي سمرمد
male Police First Lieutenant injured
Sherhabeel Kahlan Ali Samarmad شرحبيل كهلان علي سمرمد
Director of Al-Baghdadi district injured

Family members (11)

Natik Kareem Makhlif ناطق كريم مخلف
male injured
Sadiq Karim Makhlaf صادق كريم مخلف
male injured
Emad Younis Karim Makhlaf عماد يونس كريم مخلف
male injured
Sarmad Nateq Karim Makhlaf سرمد ناطق كريم مخلف
male injured
Rashed Natek Karim Makhlif راشد ناطق كريم مخلف
male injured
Kareem Natik Makhlif كريم ناطق كريم مخلف
male injured
Salwa Mohammed Karim Makhlaf سلوى محمد كريم مخلف
female injured
Ghaith Natik Kareem غيث ناطق كريم
Age unknown male killed
Ahmed Karim Makhlaf احمد كريم مخلف
Age unknown male killed
Makhlaf Natik Kareem مخلف ناطق كريم
Age unknown male killed
Haidar Sadek Karim Makhlaf حيدر صادق كريم مخلف
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Ghajban Naji Saadoun غضبان ناجي سعدون
Age unknown male killed
Tahrir Mahmood تحرير محمود
Age unknown male killed
Marwa Mdi Kerb مروه معدي كرب
Age unknown male killed
Ayman Shuja Ali ايمن شجاع علي
Age unknown male injured
Mohammed Kahlan Ali محمد كهلان علي
Age unknown male injured
Mohammad Yahya محمد يحيى
Age unknown male injured
Nasirah Shaker Saud نصيرة شاكر سعود
Age unknown female injured
Abdul Salam al-Obeidi عبد السلام العبيدي
Adult male Died later because of his injuries. Other sources named him Salam Abdullah Ahmed Fahed killed
Ammar Adnan عمار عدنان
Age unknown male injured
Saddam Karbali Samarand صدام كرب علي سمرمد
Age unknown The commander of the second group, a popular crowd injured
Abdullah Ahmed Fahad عبد الله أحمد فهد
Age unknown male Not clear whether this is the same as Abdul Salam ObaidiDirector of Police Baghdad injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 8
  • (6 other civilian non-combatants)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–20
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    5–8

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Images shared by Naynawa Alghad in the aftermath of a US led coalition airstrike on a gathering of local security forces in al-Baghdadi, Al Anbar, Iraq on January 27th, 2018.
  • Images shared by Naynawa Alghad in the aftermath of a US led coalition airstrike on a gathering of local security forces in al-Baghdadi, Al Anbar, Iraq on January 27th, 2018.
  • Aftermath of an alleged US-led coalition airstrike on a gathering of local security forces in al-Baghdadi, Al Anbar, Iraq on January 27th, 2018.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Clarification: The Joint Operations Command has received accurate intelligence about the presence of a terrorist leader, Kareem'Abat Ali al-Sammarid, in a house in al-Baghdadi district to meet with a terrorist cell preparing to carry out operations against security forces and citizens. On the basis of this information, a force from the 8th Infantry Brigade was immediately assigned and air support from the International Alliance aircraft to raid the scene, arrest the wanted terrorist, and after the raid and arrest of the terrorist Karim Afat Ali Al-Samramd. During the search and collection of evidence, A neighboring house, which was called to respond quickly and then withdrew to the headquarters of the departure of the force and on the way back, a group of gunmen was observed without coordination with the force in charge of duty, where they targeted aircraft holding the force was carried out at 0200 hours on Saturday 27 January 2018 Wu Hut Joint Special Operations Command to open an investigation of the incident and bring you details later.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 8
  • (6 other civilian non-combatants)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–20
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    5–8

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1718

Incident date

January 26, 2018

Location

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.74226, 40.76953 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Thirty civilians allegedly died in Coalition airstrikes on Al Bahra village in the Deir Ezzor countryside, according to local sources. The original source for these claims appeared to be ISIS.

@7UFCmSxd0IUBffH and other sources said that there were “more than 30 martyrs, most of them women and children, and injured civilians, in US air strikes on the village of Al-Bahra.

The Shaam News Network reported “warplanes of the International Coalition committed a massacre in air strikes on the town of Al-Bahra”. It went on to cite the ISIS media agency Amaq Agency which had “said that coalition air raids on the town had killed 30 people, most of them women and children, and caused many casualties.”

An ISIS video associated with this event was released, though has since been deleted from public records. Al Jazeera also cited ISIS as the source for claims of 30 civilians killed. Further sources additionally blamed the Coalition, reporting that most of the victims were women and children. A number of sources referred specifically to “US airstrikes”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    30
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A reported child victim of a Coalition strike on al Bahra (image likely via ISIS propaganda video)

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
  • Stated location
    near Al Bahrah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU619458
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

  • 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 January 26th 2018 the Coalition reported: “On Jan. 26 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of eight engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, five strikes engaged two Daesh tactical units and destroyed a construction vehicle, a VBIED, two fighting positions and two Daesh headquarters.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Friday 26 January – Tornados struck a Daesh-held building and a Reaper hit a group of terrorists…On 26 January, a Reaper worked alongside two Tornados over the area [Euphrates area]; the Reaper identified one building occupied by extremists, which allowed the Tornados to strike, then it hit a further group with a Hellfire.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For January 24th-30th, the Netherlands report F16s attacked Dutch F-16s attacked ISIS targets in support of ground troops, including buildings, set-ups, a headquarters and a storage location. This happened in the neighborhood of Ar Ramadi and Abu Kamal in the province of Deir Al Zour in eastern Syria. Dutch fighter planes helped ground troops during 12 missions, which were also over the Iraqi provinces of Nineveh and Anbar. Weapons were used six times.

Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 31-01-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-doelen aan, waaronder gebouwen, opstellingen, een hoofdkwartier en een opslaglocatie. Dat gebeurde in de buurt van Ar Ramadi en Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 24 tot en met 30 januari 2018. Technicus bevestigt brandstofslang aan F-16Toon opties Een F-16 wordt bijgetankt (september 2015). De jachtvliegtuigen hielpen de grondtroepen tijdens 12 missies, ook boven de Iraakse provincies Ninawa en Al Anbar. Bij 6 werden wapens ingezet. Nederland neemt boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband deel aan de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For January 24th-30th, France reports that Task Force Wagram continued to provide support in the Euphrates Valley. Five firefighting missions were carried out for the benefit of the Iraqi security forces. This week, the air activity provided intelligence and support missions for the Iraqi security forces and the SDF. It resulted in 20 sorties during which three strikes were carried out, all in the area of ​​Abu Kamal in support of the SDF.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les dernières poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur combat contre les dernières poches Daechies présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate. Les mauvaises conditions météorologiques réduisent encore les capacités d’appui de la Coalition. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent des opérations de contrôle de zone et de sécurisation, confirmant leur autonomie croissante. Dans la vallée de l’Euphrate, autour d’Al Qaim, comme dans la province de Ninive, les opérations conduites par les forces de sécurité irakiennes donnent de bons résultats avec la découverte et la destruction de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. Des infirmiers irakiens formés au secourisme de combat Depuis le 13 janvier et pour une durée de quatre semaines, la Task Force Monsabert réalise une instruction « Advance Combat Life Saver » au profit des infirmiers irakiens du centre médical de la 6ème Division. Le stage est essentiellement pratique et vise à faire des stagiaires de futurs instructeurs au secourisme de combat. 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, cinq missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (2 missions d’éclairement et 3 mission d’interdiction – bilan du 24 au 30 janvier). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1615 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 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 24 au 30 janvier) au cours desquelles trois frappes ont été réalisées, toutes 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 : 7708 sorties / 1434 frappes / 2222 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    30
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1717

Incident date

January 24, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajeen, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Three women died and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Hajeen, according to local media.

The three victims were named by Deir Ezzor 24 as Mansya Samir Al-Aswad; the wife of Eid Mansy Al Aswad; and the wife of Ali Mansy Al Aswad

Some reports appear to have confused elements of the event with CS1716 the previous day. For example Baladi News claimed that “according to local media sources, three women were martyred on Wednesday by the bombardment of a Hajeen hospital east of Deir al-Zour. They explained that they were from one family. The family had previously migrated from the ِAl Baghuoz”.

However, the victim names in this event do not match those of CS1716, indicating that they are two separate incidents. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mansya Samir Al-Aswad
Adult male killed
Wife of Eid Mansy Al Aswad
Adult female killed
Wife of Ali Mansy Al Aswad
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 women1 man)
  • 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 (9) [ 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 January 24th 2018 the Coalition reported: “On Jan. 24 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes consisting of 15 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal, 11 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed a front-end loader, two ISIS supply routes, four fighting positions and an ISIS line of communication.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 women1 man)
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1716

Incident date

January 23, 2018

Location

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

Geolocation

34.595858, 40.938138 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 15 civilian including as many as seven women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike at a hospital in al Sha’afa, according to local media.

Free Deir Ezzor put the death toll at 14 including seven women. It published photographs of ruins of “the hospital targeted by the Coalition”.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, four women died in the attack.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at “15 casualties including 7 citizen women”.

It named victims as Nadia Al Abada Al Ali Mustafa (Umm Mahmoud) from the town of Muhsin and the wife of Ahmed Al Mahmoud Al Salem Al Mousa (Al Kadran)“.

Baladi reported that “on Tuesday, warplanes targeted the Al-Pomsir complex in the town of Al-Sha’afa in Al-Boukamal, east of Deir Al-Zour, which caused its complete destruction.”

Euphrates Post later reported “the martyrdom” of nurse Basma Mohammed and her daughter Sajida. While the post did not mention the day in which the victims were killed, it did specify that the victims were killed “as a result of airstrikes that targeted Sha’afa Hospital”.

According to Bellingcat, the date of the attack is not clear. Some local sources reported it happened on January 23rd, others 24th and also January 27th.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Basma Mohammed
Adult female Nurse killed
Sajida
Child female Daughter of Basma killed

The victims were named as:

Nadia Al Abada Al Ali Mustafa
Adult female Also known as Umm Mahmoud, from the town of Muhsin killed
Wife of Ahmed Al Mahmoud Al Salem Al Mousa (Al Kadran)
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 15
  • (3–7 women)
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • The ruins of a hospital in al Sha’afa, following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Jan 23rd (via Free Deir Ezzor)
  • Rescuers search in the rubble for survivors (via Free Deir Ezzor Radio)
  • Rescuers remove a casualty from a suspected Coalition airstrike (via Free Deir Ezzor Radio)
  • Images from Deir Ezzor Free Radio (published by Bellingcat) of an alleged Coalition attack on Al-Shafa'a in Deir Ezzor on January 23rd, 2018.
  • Imagery shows a destroyed building, presumed to be Al Boomsir complex, in the center of the image along the vertically running main road left of the triangular junction. (Via Bellingcat)
  • Imagery shows a building, presumed to be Al Boomsir complex, in the center of the image along the vertically running main road left of the triangular junction, taken on January 8thm 2018. (via Bellingcat)

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 January 22nd-23rd, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two ISIS supply routes, a command and control center and an ISIS-held building.”

It also noted that "On Jan. 23 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 10 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Abu Kamal, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three pieces of ISIS construction equipment, three fighting positions and two ISIS supply routes."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 15
  • (3–7 women)
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1715a

Incident date

January 20, 2018

Location

البحرة, Barah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.75317, 40.771 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Barah. The UK later confirmed this was an RAF strike.

In its February 2019 report, the Coalition noted: “Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS fighter operating a motorcycle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result.”

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

In March 2020, Airwars and the BBC published an investigation revealing that the UK was refusing to accept responsibility for civilian harm in this and two other events – despite confirming that the RAF had conducted the strikes.

Senior MoD officials revealed that they were insisting upon ‘hard facts’ when determining casualties – an almost impossible bar to surmount, and at odds with the US-led Coalition’s own ‘balance of probabilities’ approach.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (3) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Barah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU621471
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • January 20, 2018, near Bahrah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS fighter operating a motorcycle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

On Jan. 20 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes consisting of 19
engagements against ISIS targets.
 Near Abu Kamal, 12 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units and destroyed two
fighting positions, a staging facility, a VBIED, three weapons caches, two ISIS
headquarters, an ISIS motorcycle, an ISIS construction vehicle and an ISIS-held
building.

Summary

  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (3) [ collapse]