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

CS1721

Incident date

February 3–4, 2018

Location

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

Geolocation

34.735379, 40.773976 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported up to 40 civilians killed, including up to 20 named children and at least 13 women, and “dozens” wounded in a major casualty event in Al Bahra on February 4th.

All sources identify the Coalition as the culprit or – as with the Enabbaladi local report – specifically mentioned “indiscriminate US shelling”.

ISIS released a video via A’amaq on February 4th, showing damage and the bodies of children laying on the ground. Multiple photographs appeared to document high infant fatalities in the town.

A report from Jisr TV mentioned that this incident was a continuation of the campaign on the village as mentioned before in event S1525, noting that “the international coalition fighters intensified their air strikes on the areas under the organization east of Deir Ezzor recently, especially in the village of Al-Bahra”.

On February 8th, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the fatality toll had risen to “at least 40, including 20 children and 13 women”. According to the report, the airstrike targeted a school with Internally Displaced Persons. Euphrates Post and the Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies both later provided a list of the casualties that had been so far documented: Euphrates Poist said most of the deceased were IDPs from the town of Safira in eastern Aleppo.

Despite the event being apparently well documented, the Coalition later denied responsibility.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (21)

Malik Mohammed Al-Hussein Al Arabesh
Adult male killed
Wife of Malik Mohammed al Hussein
Adult female killed
Mahmoud bin Ali al-Hussein Al Arbash
Age unknown male killed
Haitham bin Ali Al Hussein Al Arbish
Age unknown male killed
Wife of Haitham
Adult female , daughter of Ahmed Al Ahmad al Juma’a killed
Wife of Malik Al-Ali
Adult female Al-Hussain the daughter of Mahmoud Al Dandal killed
Abdul Rahman
4 years old male Son of Mohammed Al-Hussein killed
Mohammed
3 years old male Son of Mohammed Al-Hussein killed
Emad
3 years old male Son of Haitham Al Hussein killed
Sondos
2 years old female Daughter of Haitham al-Hussein killed
Jihad Mahmoud Ali Al-Hussein
3 years old male killed
Mariya
2 years old female Daughter of Mahmoud al-Hussein killed
Shahd
5 years old female Daughter of Mahmoud Al Ali Al Hussein killed
Wife of Mahmoud bin Ali al-Hussein
Adult female Daughter of Mohammed al-Haj Ali killed
Wife of Ahmed bin Ali Al Hussein Al Hussein
Adult female killed
Hisham
7 years old male Son of Malik bin Ali Al Hussein killed
Hudhayfah
5 years old male Son of Malik Ali al Hussein killed
Bayan
3 years old female Daughter of Malik Ali Hussein killed
Nasreen al-Husain
Adult female Daughter of Hussein, wife of Ahmed al-Hussein bin Ali killed
Aya
3 months years old female Daughter of Ahmed Al Hussein Bin Ali killed
Nour
14 years old female Daughter of Ali al-Hussein killed

Family members (9)

Saleh Al Abboud Al Ahmad Al Alawi Abu Fadi
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim
6 years old male Son of Saleh al-‘Abdu al-Ahmad al-‘Alu killed
Izzo
9 years old male Son of Saleh al-‘Abdu al-Ahmad al-‘Alu killed
Wife of Fadi Ibn Saleh Al-Abboud Al-Ahmad Al-Alu
Adult female Daughter of Professor Mohamed Fouad Ismail killed
Magda
28 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-Hamdu al-Alou killed
Samih
40 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-Hamdu al-Alawi killed
Fatima
9 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-‘Abdu al-‘Alu, nicknamed Abu Basha killed
Maha
7 years old female Daughter of Mohammed al-‘Abdu al-‘Ali killed
Iman
36 years old female Daughter of Hammad Al-Ahmad Al-Alou killed

Family members (7)

Abdullah Abu Hussein Haj Ibrahim
Age unknown male killed
Malika
Age unknown female Daughter of Abdullah Abu Hussein killed
Bashar
17 years old male Son of Abdullah Abu Hussein Haj Ibrahim killed
Mohammed
13 years old male Son of Abdullah Abu Hussein killed
Anwar Mohammed Al-Anwar
9 years old male killed
Nourah
3 years old female Daughter of Mohammed Al-Anwar killed
Qutaibah
2 years old male Son of Ibrahim Abdullah Abu Hussein killed

The victims were named as:

Wafa Al Ahmed Al Haj Ali
Age unknown male killed
Abdo Al-Ahmad Al-Alo Abu Nayef
Age unknown male killed
Wife of Abu Fadi
Adult female Daughter of Hammad Al-Ahmad Al-Alawi killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    38 – 40
  • (7–21 children13–20 women3–7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A little girl, one of the victims of the continued air campaign on Al Bahra (via Jısırtv)
  • A stills grab from an al Amaq propaganda video detailing reported destruction at al Bahra on Februiary 4th
  • A stills grab from an al Amaq propaganda video detailing reported destruction at al Bahra on Februiary 4th
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Reported victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 2018 (via Euphrates Post)
  • Reported unnamed child victims of a Coalition strike on al Bahra, February 3rd-4th 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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Bahra village, 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 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 February 3rd, the Coalition reported that "On Feb. 3 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of eight engagements against ISIS targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes [2 or more British] engaged five ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS supply route, four ISIS-held buildings and a weapons cache."

For February 4th the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 4 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six engagements against ISIS targets.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Saturday 3 February – Typhoons and a Reaper hit three Daesh buildings…they [Typhoons] demolished a further two such buildings on 3 February, , whilst a Reaper destroyed another.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Sunday 4 February – a Reaper struck a large group of terrorists in a building…On 4 February, a Reaper hit another building held by a large group of terrorists.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

The Wagram Task Force continues its support security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, two 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 Syrian Democratic Forces. It resulted in 28 sorties (assessment from 31 January to 6 February) during which a strike was conducted in the Abu Kamal area in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the last pockets of Daesh in the valley of the Euphrates.

‘OPÉRATION 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. La Coalition y apporte un appui continu, permettant aux forces locales au sol de progresser régulièrement malgré une résistance importante de Daech. Poursuite des opérations de sécurisation en Irak… En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs efforts pour sécuriser le territoire. La priorité porte actuellement sur les régions de Baji et de Kirkouk où des caches d’armes sont régulièrement découvertes et détruites. … favorisant le retour des réfugiés A la faveur de la sécurisation croissante du territoire irakien, les conditions du retour des réfugiés se sont sensiblement améliorées, notamment dans la partie ouest de l’Anbar. Les réfugiés rejoignent progressivement les villes d’Al Qaim et d’Anah où les opérations de dépollution des engins explosifs improvisés laissés par Daech se poursuivent. Environ 80 camps ont été fermés en Irak et une vingtaine devrait l’être dans les semaines à venir. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram forme des artilleurs irakiens… Du 30 janvier au 1er février, un détachement de la Task Force Wagram a réalisé une action de formation inédite au tir canon au profit de plus d’une centaine d’artilleurs irakiens. Cet échange d’expérience est le résultat des liens établis entre les Task force Monsabert et Wagram avec l’Ecole d’artillerie irakienne. Ce type de stage est appelé à être renouvelé. … tout en poursuivant son appui aux opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, deux missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (1 mission d’éclairement et 1 mission d’interdiction – bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1617 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 28 sorties aériennes (bilan du 31 janvier au 6 février) au cours desquelles une frappe a été réalisée 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 : 7736 sorties / 1435 frappes / 2223 objectifs neutralisés.’

Dutch Military
  • English
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    Original

For January 31st-February 6th, the Dutch MoD reported its F-16s released four munitions in the vicinity of Abu Kamal: on ISIS fighters, a storage facility and artillery positions. Jets provided support to ground troops in 12 missions, including in the Iraqi provinces Nineva, Salah ad-Din and As-Sulaymaniyah.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 07-02-2018 | 12:00 Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-doelen aan: strijders, logistieke opslaglocaties en artillerieopstellingen. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 31 januari tot en met 6 februari 2018. F-16 taxiet naar startbaanToon opties Een Nederlandse F-16 op weg naar de startbaan. De jachtvliegtuigen hielpen de grondtroepen tijdens 11 missies, ook boven de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Sala ad-Din en As-Sulaymaniyah. Bij 4 werden wapens ingezet. Nederland doet boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband mee aan de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS. Irak Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainen Nederlandse militairen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. Het team van Capacity Building Mission Iraq (CBMI) IX droeg vorige week het stokje over aan CBMI X. Zij voeren deze missie uit tot en met mei 2018. 2 trainingsteams verzorgen een basis-infanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en daarnaast een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Dat gebeurde in 2 opleidingscentra van Peshmerga. Zij kregen les in basisvaardigheden, kaartlezen en het verrichten van medische handelingen. Degenen die de training afrondden, ontvingen een certificaat. In het westen van Irak werkt een chirurgisch team in het Amerikaanse Role 2-hospitaal. De Nederlandse medici werken daar nauw samen met een Brits team.’

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    38 – 40
  • (7–21 children13–20 women3–7 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (16) [ collapse]

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

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

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
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    Original

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
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    Original

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
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    Original

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:

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male injured
Age unknown male injured
Adult male Died later because of his injuries. Other sources named him Salam Abdullah Ahmed Fahed killed
Age unknown male injured
Age unknown The commander of the second group, a popular crowd injured
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

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

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

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

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

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

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]