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

CI040

Incident date

February 17, 2015

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, multiple neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3789337, 43.1850243 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to a single source, local eyewitness claimed one unnamed civilian was killed and five others were severely injured after the coalition allegedly bombed several areas in Makhmoor, south of Mosul

 

The incident was first reported on February 18, 2015 at 9:03 pm by Fursan al Malham.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention several neighbourhoods located in Mosul: al-Zohour (حي الزهور), coordinates: 36.3789337, 43.1850243; al-Bunook/al-Massaref (المصارف), coordinates: 36.383915, 43.175855; al-Muthanna (حي المثنى), coordinates: 36.3738889, 43.1718063; al-Tahrir (تحرير), coordinates: 36.389470, 43.202222. Reports do not identify which strike occured in which neighbourhood. This is most likely because al-Zohour, al-Massaref and al-Muthanna, are adjacent, covering a area of only 4 square km

  • al-Zohour ( حي الزهور ), al-Massaref ( المصارف ), al-Muthanna ( حي المثنى ), al-Tahrir ( تحرير )

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near multiple neighborhoods in Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 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

No publicly reported coalition strikes for February 16th-18th 2015 match this location.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI075

Incident date

June 24, 2015

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Rifai and Hermat, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34585235, 43.09857692 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Iraqi news agency NINA claimed that multiple Coalition airstrikes on the city of Mosul killed 23 people and injured a further 21.

Citing an ‘anonymous security source’ the news agency reported that “Around 23 civilians were killed, including ten women and eight children, and 21 injured in the coalition bombing” which included the neighbourhoods of Rifai and Hermat. The source also claimed that “The bombing did not damage any Daash sites, and caused great resentment among the people of Mosul.”

In contrast, Erem News cited a Kurdish ministry source as saying that “international coalition aircraft bombed a secret camp belonging to Daesh near Bartallah east of Mosul, which led to the deaths of 20 of their leaders – most of them Syrians and Afghans.”

In July 2017, the Coalition assessed the event as non credible on grounds of available evidence of civilian harm: “Jun. 24, 2015, near Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report: 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.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23
  • (8 children10 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    21
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    a:1:{i:0;s:21:"insufficient_evidence";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017
  • 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

Airstrikes were confirmed in the vicinity for June 24th-25th 2014: “Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL fighting position and land features denying ISIL a tactical advantage, destroying an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23
  • (8 children10 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    21
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS105

Incident date

July 25, 2015

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were reported injured in fresh coalition airstrikes on the outskirts of Raqaa. Images distributed by Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently featured an injured boy, among other victims, receiving treatment after the event.

These photographs were subsequently removed, though are archived by Airwars.

In July 2017 the Coalition said it had classed the event as non credible based on available information: “July 25, 2015, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report: 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.”

Based on reports at the time Airwars continues to assess this event as likely – though has requested additional Coalition clarifications.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child being treated in the local hospital following an alleged Coalition strike July 25th 2015 (via ISIL-affiliated media published on Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)
  • Treatment at the local hospital following an alleged Coalition strike July 25th 2015 (via ISIL-affiliated media published on Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)
  • Injured at the local hospital following an alleged Coalition strike July 25th 2015 (via ISIL-affiliated media published on Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)
  • Injured at the local hospital following an alleged Coalition strike July 25th 2015 (via ISIL-affiliated media published on Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)
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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017
  • 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

Strikes in the vicinity were confirmed for July 24th-25th 2015: “Near Ar Raqqah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL excavator and an ISIL bridge.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS122

Incident date

September 6, 2015

Location

دير الزور‎, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.3333335, 40.1499999 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, Damascus Centre for Human Rights Studies, reported that a non-combatant male named as Khitab al Zaher Al Hussein died in an alleged Coalition strike on Dayr ez Zawr.

Mr al Hussein was reportedly from al Kharita in the province. The two sources were unclear as to whether he had died in Deir Ezzor city, or in his home village.

In its monthly civilian harm assessment report for November 2019 – published on January 2nd 2020 – the Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, noting: ”

September 6, 2015, in Deir Ez Zor, 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. 2827/CS122 37SFV045106″.

The Coalition provided geolocates, indicating to within 100 metres the area on which it had focused its assessment.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male He is listed as from the town of Khareeta but not clear if this is where the alleged coalition raid took place killed

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ 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.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Deir Ez Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV045106
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2020
  • September 6, 2015, in Deir Ez Zor, 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. 2827/CS122 37SFV045106

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

No Coalition strikes were publicly reported in the vicinity of Dayr ez Zawr between September 5th-7th 2015.

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI122

Incident date

October 15, 2015

Location

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.37459, 42.45731 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a previously unknown casualty event, the US confirmed on January 29th 2016 that its aircraft had injured at least two civilians in a targeted strike on an ISIL religious judge three months earlier.

According to CENTCOM, “On Oct. 15, 2015, near Tal Afar, Iraq, during strikes against ISIL Sharia Judge Mullah Maysar, it was assessed two civilians were injured when the targeted vehicle veered into oncoming traffic.”

Local media described the attack at the time, with one report saying Maysar had died alongside two bodyguards, with five unspecified people injured. Another report said that five militants died in the attack.

The ISIL operative – real name Akram Kurbash aka Abu Akram – was a senior figure in Daesh and had been the target of previous Coalition targeted strikes. He was first reported killed on May 13th 2015 by the Iraqi Defence Ministry, a claim later played down by the US.

In  July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for this event, 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
    2–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • ISIS judge Kahtan Adnan Abdulkader reportedly killed in the strike (via Falcons of war)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 36.375659, 42.451536

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
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Tal Afar, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKF719285
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 29, 2016
  • On Oct. 15, 2015, near Tal Afar, Iraq, during strikes against ISIL Sharia Judge Mullah Maysar, it was assessed two civilians were injured when the targeted vehicle veered into oncoming traffic.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 15th-16th 2015, the Coalition had orignally reported only that “Near Tal Afar, three strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles, 49 ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL cache, and wounded an ISIL fighter.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS150

Incident date

November 24, 2015

Location

العريشة, Al`Arishah, Al-Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.2475958, 40.7620239 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

There were reports that two civilians named as Awwad Bandar Al Hamidi and his son (age presently unknown) Mahmoud Awwad Al Hamidi died after their vehicle was targeted by alleged Coalition aircraft on the road to Al Arisheh. Another source said the pair were on their way to the local cattle market when they died.

According to the Syrian Observatory, “Warplanes believed to be for the Coalition carried out airstrikes on places in the road to al-Arisheh area in the southern countryside of Al-Hasakah, which led to the death of a man and information about the death of his son.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male Mohammad's son killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (0–1 children1–2 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

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 information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Abu Jarbua, al-Hassakah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition confirms carrying out an airstrike in Hassakah governorate on November 25th-26th 2015: “Near Al Hawl, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and wounded two ISIL fighters.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (0–1 children1–2 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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI170

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Location

حي سومر, Mosul, Sumer, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.2981099, 43.2000446 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten civilian prisoners were reportedly killed in an alleged 5 am Coalition strike on Mosul which targeted the Nineveh provincial council building.

According to A3Maq, “international coalition aircraft launched at dawn on Wednesday several raids in which some 20 rockets were fired, The aircraft targeted the marriage contracts office, the Office of the Ombudsman and a local court prison, killing 10 prisoners and injuring 31 others, some of them in serious condition, and damaged nearby residential buildings.” NRN reported that a number of Daesh militants were also killed.

In a separate incident, it was reported that “in the Sumer area, international coalition aircraft bombed an empty building that also wounded four civilians and damaged surrounding houses.”

In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in one of these reported strikes as “non-credible”, stating that after a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

In the first of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition again assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in the other of these reported strikes as “non-credible”, stating that after a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • Civilians reported injured
    31
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Victim of reported Coalition strike on Mosul is evacuated, December 30th 2015 (via Mosul Third Eye)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that several locations were targeted in the east of Mosul, most likely in the neighbourhood of Sumer (سومر), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.2981099, 43.2000446. The targets mentioned are the marriage contracts office, the Office of the Ombudsman and a local court (ISIS) prison. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. 

  • The neighbourhood of Sumer (سومر) in the east of Mosul

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF373193/38SLF342234
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • May 1, 2020
  • Dec. 30, 2015, in Mosul, Iraq via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 2876/CI170 38SLF373193

  • Dec. 30, 2015, in Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 2874/CI170 38SLF342234

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition reported that on December 29th-30th 2015, “Near Mosul, nine strikes struck six separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL assembly area, an ISIL bed down location, 20 ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles, and an ISIL tunnel.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • Civilians reported injured
    31
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI191

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Location

يت, Hit, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.642631, 42.8278537 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to multiple local sources, a Coalition or Iraqi government aircraft struck the Sina’i, Bakir and Jame’iya neighbourhoods in Hit district, western Anbar, resulting in the deaths of 2 or 3 civilians and the injuring of 5 more.

Daesh-linked Al A’amaq said the strikes were the work of the Coalition. The Iraqi Spring Media Center did not specify whether the aircraft were Iraqi or Coalition, while Yagen said the attacks were the work of the Iraq Army.

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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (8) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKC985246
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2020
  • Feb. 17, 2016, in Hit, Iraq, 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. 2897/CI191 38SKC985246

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 16th-17th 2016, the Coalition reported no airstrikes in the near vicinity of Hit.

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (8) [ collapse]