US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
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Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
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Incident Code

CS1637

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Location

Al Heif neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.944, 39.008 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that 10 bodies were recovered in the Al Heif neighbourhood of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the area around the Abu Al Heif gas station (كازیة أبو الهیف), for which the coordinates are: 35.944, 39.008.

  • Reports of the incident mention the area of Abu Al Heif gas station (كازیة أبو الهیف) in the neighbourhood of Al Heif

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Bodies uncovered at the site of a mass grave. It is unclear when or how they died. (via Marsad Ar Raqqa)
  • Bodies uncovered at the site of a mass grave. It is unclear when or how they died. (via Marsad Ar Raqqa)
  • Bodies uncovered at the site of a mass grave. It is unclear when or how they died. (via Marsad Ar Raqqa)
  • Bodies uncovered at the site of a mass grave. It is unclear when or how they died. (via Marsad Ar Raqqa)
  • Bodies uncovered at the site of a mass grave. It is unclear when or how they died. (via Marsad Ar Raqqa)

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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Date of event currently unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1665

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Location

البصيرة, Al Busayra or Al Basira, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.15618, 40.42716 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Six named civilians including one woman died in an airstrike on al Basira, local media said.

Marsad al Hassaka reported the death of “Mohammad Manadi al Sha’aran known as Baj’eeb“. The source said that he died “in front of the Grand Mosque in Al-Basira, as a result of the air raids”. In a second report, the same source named “Ahmed Mahmoud Hassan al-Abd known as Tahmir Abu Jakouk” as another victim of a strike, though neither report apportioned blame.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “at least two civilians were killed as International Coalition warplanes fired missiles on al Basira city in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs, on November 4, 2017”.

Both Almanar and Radio Alkul – who put the death toll at four – also blamed the Coalition.

Images published by Free Deir Ezzor Radio reportedly show the SDF “controlling the mountain of al Basira”, indicating that they were fighting for control of Basira.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Manadi al Sha’aran known as Baj’eeb
Age unknown male killed
Ahmed Mahmoud Hassan al-Abd known as Tahmir Abu Jakouk
Age unknown male killed
Abdul Qadir Talib Daoud Al-Hassan Al-Ali
Age unknown male named by Syrian Press Center killed
Mustafa Nuri Ahmed al Douda
Age unknown male named by Syrian Press Center killed
Abdulmutallab Dawood Al Hussein
Age unknown male an engineer, named by Syrian Press Center killed
Ms. Reham Ismail Hamadi Al-Obeid
Adult female named by Syrian Press Center killed

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the town of Al Busraya (البصيرة), for which the coordinates are: 35.15618,40.42716. One source mentioned the strike was in front of the “Grand Mosque” (ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺠﺪ ﺍﻟﻜﺒﻴﺮ). We identified at least three mosques in the town, however, no visible damage can be seen in their vicinity around Nov. 4, 2017.

  • Mosques in Al Busraya (البصيرة) town

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (1 woman)
  • 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]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This image published by Deir Ezzor Radio reportedly shows the SDF in control of al Basira. 5th November 2017. (via Free Deir Ezzor radio)

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 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
Official source

For November 4th-5th, the Coalition reported that “Near Abu Kamal, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two ISIS-held buildings, a command and control node, a weapons cache and an ISIS motorcycle. Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions, two lines of communication, three ISIS vehicles, two fighting positions, a VBIED and an explosive hazard.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (1 woman)
  • 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

CS1728

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.68919, 40.82968 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to a single source, alleged Coalition strikes on the city of Hajin killed one civilian and injured seven others. The report from Al Hal News stated that in addition to damaging houses, the bombardment “led to the death of a young man and the wounding of seven others”.

Although Airwars researchers did not identify any other public reporting on this incident, there were a number of sources confirming clashes between so-called Islamic State and SDF forces in Hajin on February 23rd and 24th.

Additionally, Shaam Network’s evening news added that the Coalition bombarded “the outskirts of Hajin city” on February 23rd. The report however did not identify any civilian casualties as a result of the strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'Violent clashes between the forces of # sdf and the organization of # daesh in the town of # # Hajin in east Deir Ezzor'

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 Hajin
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU676401
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • February 23, 2018, near Hajin, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 23rd, the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 23 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes consisting of three engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed a fighting position.”

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For February 21st-27th, the Netherlands report that its F16s attacked ISIS combatants and vehicles on one occasion near Abu Kamal, Syria. The jets supported ground troops during 9 missions, including in the Nineveh, Kirkuk and Al Anbar provinces in Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 28-02-2018 | 12:00 In Mali zijn Nederlandse militairen begonnen met operatie Kronos. Ten oosten van de stad Ansongo brachten zij in kaart in hoeverre vanuit het zuiden oprukkende terroristische groeperingen invloed uitoefenen op de lokale bevolking. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 21 tot en met 27 februari 2018. Nederlandse verkenners in gesprek met de lokale bevolking. De operatie werd uitgevoerd door langeafstandverkenners. Zij voerden gesprekken met de inwoners. In het weekend is alle informatie verwerkt, vond materieelonderhoud plaats en werd de 2e fase van de operatie voorbereid. Deze startte maandagochtend. Nederlandse F-16 in Jordanië. Irak en Oost-Syrië Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-strijders en voertuigen aan. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. De jachtvliegtuigen ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies, waaronder in de Iraakse provincies Ninawa, Kirkuk en Al Anbar. Bij 1 missie werden wapens ingezet. Voor Operation Inherent Resolve trainden Nederlandse militairen samen met diverse partnerlanden Peshmerga-strijders in Irak. 2 trainingsteams verzorgden afgelopen weken de basisinfanterieopleiding voor de manschappen en een leiderschapstraining voor de kaderleden. Woensdag vond in het noordelijke trainingscentrum een door de Nederlanders, Hongaren en Italianen georganiseerde eindoefening plaats. 100 Peshmerga ontvingen hiervoor een certificaat. De genie trainde eenheden van de Zerivani (militaire politie) in het detecteren en onschadelijk maken van geïmproviseerde explosieven. 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.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Feb 21st-27th, France reports 25 sorties and four strikes were made in the Abu Kamal area in support of the SDF in the Euphrates Valley. The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations in the Euphrates Valley. This week, three ‘lighting missions’ were carried out for the Iraqi security forces.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leurs efforts sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate afin de réduire les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la zone. Cette semaine encore, elles ont progressé lentement en raison des mauvaises conditions météorologiques. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les Forces de Sécurité poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation sur l’ensemble du pays. Celles-ci se sont concentrées cette semaine sur le plateau d’Hawijah et le Sud de l’Anbar. 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, trois missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (3 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 21 au 27 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1625 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 25 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 février) au cours desquelles quatre frappes ont été réalisées 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 : 7815 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1758

Incident date

May 31, 2018

Location

هداج, Hadaj, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.03078, 41.05519 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that up to twelve people from one family, including between two and four children and four women, were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hadaj village.

According to Amc-Sy, eight members of the Awwad al Latif family were killed and others wounded when their homes were struck on a Friday night. Euphrates Post reiterated this statement, but detailed that the strike happened “after breakfast”. In a later report, the same media outlet also shared a list of 10 victims it said were killed.

The report went on to say that the only survivor of Mohammed’s family was Amal al-Ghanim.

Ahmad Al-Ass’ad, head of the Jabour tribe in southern Hasakah, said in a statement to Step News that the raids had targeted shops owned by Awad Al-Latif Al-Awada. Moreover, the report stated that “The American base in al-Shaddadi fired two missiles at the same site”.

Al Jazeera also noted that the strikes happened “in conjunction with rocket attacks from remote locations” and mentioned that helicopters were also present during the attack.

While most sources reported the death of eight civilians, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the highest tally of twelve civilians killed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (11)

Al Haj Awad Al Latif
Adult male Possibly survived according to Step News killed
Wife of Al Haj Awad Al Latif
Adult female Possibly survived according to Step News killed
Habib
Age unknown male Son of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Nadia
Adult female Wife of Habib killed
Mohammad
Age unknown male Son of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Amira
Age unknown male Son of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Unnamed victim 1
Child Family of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Unnamed victim 2
Child Family of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Unnamed victim 3
Child Family of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Unnamed victim 4
Child Family of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Amal al-Ghanim
Adult female injured

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hadaj (هداج), for which the coordinates are: 36.03078, 41.05519. On satellite imagery a large crater from an an airstrike on multiple buildings is visible on June 6, 2018 at these coordinates: 36.037579, 41.064363. This appears to have happened after May 30, 2018, which matches the date reported. On additional satellite imagery available to Airwars of June 6, 2018, visible car tracks indicate that the strike must have happened a couple of days or some time before the image was taken

  • Satellite imagery of May 30, 2018

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Sentinel-2

  • Crater visible on satellite imagery of June 6, 2018

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Sentinel-2

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (4–7 children2 women4 men)
  • 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 (25) [ 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 May 31st, the Coalition reported that “On May 31 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. […] Near Al Shadaddi, two strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed two Daesh command and control centers.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Thursday 31 May – Typhoons and Tornados destroyed two compounds in eastern Syria, used by the terrorists as a headquarters and equipment store…The focus for RAF attacks for the remainder of the week were terrorist facilities in eastern Syria towards the border with Iraq. On Thursday 31 May, flights of Tornados and Typhoons joined forces to deliver an attack with twelve Paveway IVs against two large adjoining compounds, which were being used by Daesh as a headquarters, weapons store and muster point. All twelve weapons hit and destroyed their intended targets.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For the 2nd straight week, Dutch F-16s fired weapons near Abu Kamal and Hajin in Deir Ezzor. The Dutch MoD reported that between May 30th-June 5th, aircraft targeted ISIS fighters and logistics centers in three missions. Jets supported ground troops in 9 missions, including in Nineveh, Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 06-06-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 3 daarvan zijn wapens ingezet. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal en Hajin in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Hierbij zijn onder andere ISIS-strijders en logistieke opslagplaatsen aangevallen. Ook is gevlogen boven de Irakese provincie Ninawa. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 30 mei tot en met 5 juni 2018. Militaire instructeurs in Irak leren Koerdische strijders gebieden te beveiligen. Daarbij staan onder meer wapenhandelingen, medische verzorging, oorlogsrecht en civiel-militaire samenwerking op het programma. De door de coalitie opgeleide instructeurs verzorgen een deel van de opleiding. Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2-hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Noorse medici.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (4–7 children2 women4 men)
  • 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 (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1790

Incident date

August 8, 2018

Location

البوبدران, Medical clinic in Al Bubadran area between Al Soussa and Al Sha'afa villages, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.542338, 40.959091 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians died and an unspecified number more were wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on a medical clinic between Al Sousse and Al Shaafa, according to local media.

The Step News Agency, Shaam News Network and Sound were among sources reporting that a medical clinic was struck, along with other sites, as the Coalition reportedly targeted ISIS elements in the area.

According to the source Al Ghad al Souri, “activists from the area said that a number of civilians were killed and others were injured by the bombing of an international coalition aircraft which targeted the medical clinic in the village of Al-Sousse, one of three towns still controlled by Daesh in Deir al-Zour. Neighborhoods of Al-Shafa village near the city of Abu Kamal were also struck”.

Al Soussa Youth reported that Al Sousse was “under heavy shelling from the Coalition flights and there is smoke rising above the roofs.”

A number of sources didn’t give a specific number of casualties. For example, the Step News Agency said that “there were a number of dead and wounded though the number is not yet known”. Other sources noted that members of ISIS were killed but again gave no figures.

However, The Displaced of the Euphrates said that there were “three martyrs in al Soussa, believed to be civilians”. It went on to add that “some of the weak souls in the villages of Deir al-Zor east of the Euphrates hide Daesh members in their homes in return for a few dollars, thereby exposing their women and children to danger when the SDF attacks their homes!”

In the second of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, 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
    3
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ 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
    37SFU797240
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020

  • Aug. 8, 2018, in Al Bubadran, 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. 3179/CS1790 37SFU797240

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed one Daesh vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From August 8th to 14th, France reports that Tsk Force Wagram carried out one artillery shooting mission in the Euphrates Valley. Over the past week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal conducted 32 sorties in support of ground troops – but there were no airstrikes.

‘IRAK – SYRIE – CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, les Forces Démocratiques Syrienne continuent leurs actions offensives. Elles ont achevé cette semaine leurs opérations de sécurisation de la région de Dashisha, et œuvrent désormais à la mise en place d’une nouvelle administration locale. La zone reste encore polluée par les nombreux pièges et IED posés par Daech, et les opérations de neutralisation de ces derniers devraient encore se poursuivre plusieurs semaines. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak Les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent et continuent d’obtenir des résultats. Les forces de sécurité irakiennes ont cette semaine neutralisé plusieurs groupes de Daech opérant dans la province de Ninive, tout en continuant à mettre à jour des complexes de tunnels aménagés servant de stocks de matériels et d’ateliers de confections d’IED pour les combattant terroristes. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Narvik achève cette semaine un cycle de formation entamé à la fin du mois de juin au profit de près de 200 soldats de l’Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS) dans 5 domaines de spécialité différents. Cette fin de cycle est l’occasion de mener des exercices de synthèse afin d’évaluer le niveau atteint par les stagiaires. La Task Force Monsabert poursuit ses activités de conseil et de formation au profit de la 6e Division. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram poursuivent leurs actions en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, une missions de tir a été réalisée (bilan du 8 au 14 août inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1861 missions de tir. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont effectué 32 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 8 au 14 août inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8357 sorties / 1456 frappes / 2247 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS062

Incident date

March 8, 2015

Location

Mundbaith Refinery, Tal Abyad, Raqqa, Syria

Airwars assessment

Up to 30 people, including civilian oilworkers and alleged ISIL militants, died in a night time strike on Mundbaith Refinery according to multiple reports.

Ara noted that “The bombing also caused the breaking of glass in houses near the border including shops on the Turkish side, causing panic among the population, and the evacuation of houses near the border city of Agca Kalla.” One badly injured civilian was named as Abdullah Abd Al Abdullah.


According to an internal CENTCOM assessment, a review quickly concluded that the claims were “Not credible” the Combined Air Operations Center also concluded that there was “insufficient information to determine CIVCAS.” The declassified report also noted that care had been taken before the strike to ensure that no oil transportation trucks were in the vicinity.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdullah Abd Al Abdullah
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 15
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'Activists say airstrikes by a U.S.-led coalition hit a Syrian oil refinery held by the Islamic State group. Activists say the strikes late Sunday night targeted a refinery near the Turkish-Syrian border. (March 9)' (via AP)

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2015

  • Responding to a query from Airwars, Centcom stated on October 27th 2015 that “After careful review and based on the best available evidence” it had found that “allegations of civilian casualties by the Coalition were unfounded and deemed not credible.”

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition noted for March 8th-9th 2015 that “Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL modular oil refinery and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 15
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1846

Incident date

November 22, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

An alleged Coalition airstrike that targeted the souk (market area) in Hajin, killed between 14 and 20 civilians according to local media, in what was described as “another massacre”.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least 19 people were killed, including five ISIS fighters and 14 civilians, including five children and three women.

According to Step News and Baladi News, the airstrike killed 18 civilians of whom 8 were women, 9 children and one a young man. The Syrian state media source Sana News as well as Free Deir Ezzor Radio, Eba News and Asrar media reported on 20 victims.

Those killed were reported to be displaced Iraqis, living in a house near the market area of Hajin city that was targeted in the airstrike. Ebaa News cllaimed that “dozens” were injured.

In its December 2020 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that it had conducted no strikes in the geographical area which corresponded with civilian harm claims.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Hajin (هجين), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.6897222, 40.83. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14 – 20
  • (5–9 children3–8 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    5

Sources (10) [ 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
  • Stated location
    in Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU677407
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 15, 2020

  • Nov. 22, 2018, in Hajin, 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. 3237/CS1846 37SFU677407

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 22nd, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 22 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes consisting of 13 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 11 strikes destroyed one supply route, three fighting positions, four firing positions and four technical vehicles.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Dutch F-16's supported ground troops in the fight against ISIS during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor. Vehicles, warehouses and ISIS fighters were targeted.

In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 3 werden wapens ingezet.De toestellen kwamen in actie boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour bij Abu Kamal. Hierbij zijn voertuigen, logistieke plaatsen en ISIS-strijders aangevallen.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14 – 20
  • (5–9 children3–8 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    5

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1877

Incident date

December 18–21, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported the killing of the Basem Al-Hussein family as a result of artillery shelling on the town of Hajin. The bodies of eight named family members were allegedly pulled from the rubble, mostly women and an unknown number of children.

All sources reported on the incident on December 21st, but the exact date of the incident is unknown. Baladi News was the only source that reported the family members had died “a few days ago” as a result of bombings by SDF on Hajin town.

While some sources blamed the SDF, others blamed the Coalition which appears the most likely culprit given the SDF’s known lack of artillery during the Hajin Pocket offensive.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Nawal Al-Dakak
Adult female Wife killed
Shahed Al Hussein
Age unknown female killed
Rou’a of Hussein
Age unknown female killed
Ragad Al Hussein
Age unknown female killed
Najah Ahmed
Adult female Wife killed
Oudai Al Hussein
Age unknown male killed
Aysha Al Hussein
Age unknown female killed
Fawzia Al Hussein
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (1–7 children7 women1 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 (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
    in Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU676401
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 15, 2020

  • Dec. 18, 2018, in Hajin, Syria, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to assess its credibility. 3258/CS1877 37SFU676401

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

NOTE: In late December 2019, the US-led Coalition ended its 52-month record of reporting the dates and locations of its strikes.

Between Dec. 16 and Dec. 29, CJTF-OIR conducted 469 strikes consisting of 1,001 engagements in Syria, and conducted nine strikes consisting of 14 engagements in Iraq.

In Syria, 469 strikes engaged 666 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 291 fighting positions, 153 staging areas, 67 supply routes, 27 command and control nodes, 27 petroleum oil lubricant storage facilities, 25 vehicles, 14 tunnels, 14 weapons cache, 13 improvised explosive device facilities, seven heavy weapons systems, six pieces of heavy equipment, seven buildings, five petroleum oil and lubricant tankers, five bridges, four armored vehicles, two caves, two vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, two motorcycles, two vehicle borne improvised explosive device facilities, three mortar launching sites, one boat, one barge, and one unmanned aircraft system; and damaged seven fighting positions, four staging areas, two vehicles, one armored vehicle, one command and control node and one heavy weapon system; and suppressed 70 fighting positions, 12 vehicles, 10 staging areas and one armored vehicles.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Dec 19th-25th, France reports 13 airstrikes in Syria and 18 artillery strikes in the Euphrates Valley.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) ont achevé en début de semaine la sécurisation de la ville d’Hajine. Elles poursuivent leur offensive le long du fleuve et ont atteint la localité d’Abu Hassan où Daech dispose toujours d’une forte capacité de résistance. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, la situation est inchangée. Daech conserve une capacité de nuisance en menant des actions clandestines, notamment dans le désert de l'Anbar et sur le plateau d’Hawija. Les opérations des forces de sécurité irakiennes se poursuivent, avec un effort marqué à la frontière pour contrer toute tentative d’action de Daech depuis la Syrie. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. Par l’opération Chammal, les armées françaises demeurent engagées, les modalités de l’engagement tenant compte en permanence des réalités du terrain. Les priorités consistent à vaincre militairement les dernières poches de cette organisation terroriste, et empêcher sa résurgence alors qu’elle passe à la clandestinité. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 34 missions de tir (18 d'éclairements, 18 de destruction – bilan du 19 au 25 décembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2384 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 22 sorties aériennes (bilan du 19 au 25 décembre inclus). Les Rafale ont conduit 13 frappes cette semaine. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8750 sorties / 1507 frappes / 2314 objectifs neutralisés. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad, alors qu’après l’ouverture partielle de la « zone verte » entamée le 10 décembre, le gouvernement irakien a poursuivi cette semaine son effort de normalisation des conditions de vie dans la capitale en démontant plusieurs checkpoints, en abattant des murs de sécurité, et en rouvrant des routes fermées à la circulation depuis 2003. La TF Narvik, poursuit sa mission de formation et de conseil de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle achève cette semaine la phase dite « integration phase » qui visait à évaluer la capacité de 300 stagiaires formés depuis le début de l’automne à restituer l’ensemble des savoir-faire qui leur ont été transmis, dans des situations tactiques et techniques complexes et diverses. Cette phase d’examen a également été l’occasion pour les instructeurs français de parfaire la capacité des moniteurs irakiens à conduire ce genre d’évaluation pédagogique de grande ampleur.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the last 10 days of the year, 15 missions were flown. Weapons were deployed ten times and targeted ISIS fighting positions and warehouses.

In de laatste 10 dagen van het jaar zijn er nog 15 missies gevlogen. Hierbij zijn 10 keer wapens ingezet, tegen gevechtsopstellingen en opslagplaatsen van Islamitische Staat.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Friday 21 December – a Reaper engaged a group of Daesh extremists south-east of Hajin, whilst Tornados struck two workshops making IEDs...Further support was rendered on Friday 21 December by a Reaper and another flight of Tornados. The Reaper’s crew successfully used a Hellfire missile against a small group of Daesh as they moved across country, whilst the Tornados destroyed two workshops which were producing improvised explosive devices.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (1–7 children7 women1 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 (6) [ collapse]