US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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US-led Coalition
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Incident Code

CS1576

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Location

Al Shuhadaa, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.96377, 39.007897 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 13 and 21 civilians reportedly died following airstrikes on al Shuhadaa neighbourhood north of Raqqah city, according to local sources. The civilians were said to have gathered around a water well in the area. This was the second reported attack on the city’s water supply in two days.

Shahba Press said it had documented 13 killed, including seven children and “dozens” wounded, Fifteen were allegedly killed by Al Raqqa Truth. All other sources suspected 13 killed and all bar three directly blamed the US-led Coalition.

UNOCHA also blamed the Coalition, noting in a later report that “On 3 October, airstrikes in Al-Shuhadaa neighbourhood in northern Ar-Raqqa city also hit water wells where a group of civilians were gathering, reportedly killing at least 21 people, including three children, and injuring many others. As a result, the last two wells in the city reportedly became inoperable.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 21
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Shuhadaa mosque (لشهداء حي) near the water tower on Al Qitar street (القطار), for which the approximate coordinates are: 35.963770, 39.007897. Sources mention that strikes “hit water wells where a group of civilians were gathering (…). As a result, the last two wells in the city reportedly became inoperable.”

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Shuhadaa mosque (لشهداء حي) near the water tower on Al Qitar street (القطار).

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    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
Official source

For October 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 14 fighting positions, two vehicles, and a logistics node; and suppressed four fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Oct. 3, near Raqqah, four strikes destroyed three ISIS fighting positions and a VBIED.” And that “On Oct. 3, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS communication system.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 21
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1638

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Location

Al Hadika al Baidaa neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9605703, 38.9976883 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that 21 bodies including women and children were recovered from the Hadika al Baidaa (White Garden) neighbourhood of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred.

In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that the allegation provided insufficient information on the timing and location of the strike to make a determination.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • 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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV997795
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020

  • Oct. 17, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3153/CS1638 37SDV997795

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Date of event currently unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • 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

CS1822

Incident date

November 3, 2018

Location

مسجد خالد بن الوليدهجين, Hajin: House near Khalid bin Walid mosque, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that between 14 and 21 civilians – over half of them children, according to some sources – were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a house near the Khalid bin Walid mosque in Hajin.

Several sources mentioned al Soussa, al Kushma and al Sha’afa as other locations targeted by airstrikes that day, but most of the sources reported that these victims were killed during an attack on a  house near the mosque in Hajin.

The lowest death toll was given by Bukamal.live at 14 civilians.

A small number of sources including the Syrian Observatory reported that among the victims were members of the so-called Islamic State, although it was not specified whether these were combatants.

The Observatory added that five victims were children and five were women.
Most other sources put the death toll at 17, reporting that half of these were women and children. However Euphrates Exiles said that as many as 21 people died.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14 – 21
  • (5–9 children5–9 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (25) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Smoke bellows from Khalid bin Walid mosque following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Nov 3rd (via Free Deir Ezzor Radio)
  • Warplanes in thje sky over Hajin, Nov 3rd (via Bukamal.live)
  • Smoke rises over Hajin following an alleged Coalition strike on Nov 3rd (via Bukamal.live)
  • Footage of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin's Khalid bin Walid mosque, Nov 3rd (via RT)

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

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From October 31st to November 6th, the three CAESAR guns carried out 54 fire missions in the Hajin region, Syria, from Iraqi territory (illumination, harassment, destruction) from Iraqi territory. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 2 strikes, north of Abu Kamal, Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Les FSI ont assuré la sécurisation du pèlerinage chiite de l’Arbaïn, ce qui a permis à ce rassemblement religieux de se tenir dans des conditions de sécurité satisfaisantes. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 54 missions de tir (éclairement, harcèlement, destruction – bilan du 31 octobre au 6 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2052 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 31 octobre au 6 novembre inclus) et conduit 2 frappes, en appui des FDS au nord d’Abou Kamal en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8618 sorties / 1478 frappes / 2277 objectifs neutralisés. Action de formation au profit des FSI Les 21 et 22 octobre, la Task Force Monsabert a formé des femmes de la 6ème division d’infanterie irakienne aux techniques de fouille, en vue de les préparer à leur mission de sécurisation du pèlerinage chiite d’Arbaïn, qui s’est tenu le 30 octobre à Karbala, dans le centre de l’Irak. Le commandant de la 6ème division avait souhaité s’appuyer sur l’expertise des militaires français pour effectuer un rappel des procédures de fouille adaptées aux femmes. Le personnel militaire féminin de la TF Monsabert a dispensé une instruction à trente employées civiles et militaires irakiennes. Celles-ci occupent des fonctions administratives mais devaient être déployées sur différents checkpoints afin de sécuriser le flux des millions de fidèles attendus. Durant deux jours d’enseignement théorique et pratique, il s’est agi de rappeler aux stagiaires les techniques qui avaient déjà été utilisées pour la sécurisation des élections législatives en mai dernier.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14 – 21
  • (5–9 children5–9 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI429

Incident date

January 17, 2017

Location

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3534304, 43.1174326 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that more than 30 civilians were killed or injured by an air or drone strike on a funeral in al Shifa, and in other neighborhoods west of Mosul.

Iraqyoon quoted witnesses saying that “aircraft had bombed a funeral for the Sangaree family in Shifa neighborhood, at the right side of Mosul”. People had reportedly gathered there to mourn the death of retired Colonel Aziz Ahmad Aziz Sangaree, who passed away a few days before, according to MNN.

Iraqyoon said witnesses had reported that “the bombing killed eight civilians and wounded 22 others”. They furthermore said that “the dead included three of Sangaree family, namely: Maan Ahmed Aziz Sangaree and Mishal Aziz Ahmed Sangaree and lawyer Ammar Mohammed Sangaree and five of the mourners.” Iraqyoon said that it was unclear whether the warplanes were from the Coalition or the Iraqi Army.

According to the Iraqi Spring Media Center, eight people had died at the funeral due to a drone strike.

Sheikh Mamdouh Duwaish Al Jarba was also named as one of the deadly victims of the raids on the funeral, according to Ahmed Al Jarba (Facebook), who said American planes were responsible. Likewise, Colonel Talib Aziz Alnemr was reported killed while attending the funeral, according to Iraqyoon.

Raedlay posted a very graphic video showing dead bodies as well as a witness collecting body parts. It said these were the result of Coalition airstrikes on different Mosul districts. In another post, Raedlay spoke of “21 dead and 11 wounded, including women and children” Coalition raids on several neighborhoods in Mosul.

CJTFOIR reported on March 4th that “Jan. 17, 2017 near Mosul, Iraq, via social media report: After a review of available information and/or strike video it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in this geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.” Officials confirmed to Airwars that this was a reference to the al-Shifa allegations.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Maan Ahmed Aziz Sangaree
Age unknown male Named by Iraqyoon killed
Mishal Aziz Ahmed Sangaree
Age unknown male Named by Iraqyoon killed
Ammar Mohammed Sangaree
Adult male Named by Iraqyoon, lawyer killed

The victims were named as:

Mamdouh Duwaish Al Jarba
Adult male Sheikh killed
Talib Aziz Alnemr
Adult male Colonel attending a funeral killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 21
  • (1 child3–5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–22
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • More images of the alleged victims
  • Colonel Talib Aziz Alnemr and Sheikh Nuri Duweish Jarba
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017

  • 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 January 16th-17th the Coalition publicly noted: “Near Mosul, four strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed a command and control node, aheavy machine gun, a tactical vehicle, 14 fighting positions, two vehicles, a mortar, an ISIL-held building, a VBIED, and an ISIL weapons factory; suppressed an ISIL mortar team and artillery crew; and damaged 32 supply routes and an ISIL defensive berm.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 21
  • (1 child3–5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–22
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1466

Incident date

September 10, 2017

Location

Al Badou, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.962029, 39.009908 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 21 civilians died and 50 others were injured following an aerial offensive by the US-led Coalition, according to local media.

Step New Agency reported that the Coalition had carried out a raid on Al Badou neighbourhood, north of the Al Ma’ri school, which resulted in civilians killed and injured. The death toll was put at 21 civilians with 50 others wounded by Raqqa Post, following airstrikes on neighbourhoods held by so-called Islamic State. Raqqa Post also alleged the area “was subjected to artillery shelling from SDF” throughout the day.

Breaking News reported a lower toll of “15 martyrs” following “US bombing on the old neighbourhoods of Raqqa, and the vicinity of the hospital”.

The house of El-Anoot in Al Badou neighbourhood was “completely destroyed” according to @Q_Alenzy, who said the building was being used as a weapon factory by ISIS. In a subsequent tweet by @Q_Alenzy it was reported that two houses of the A’idan family were destroyed, in addition to several other houses.

At present it is unclear as to whether the 15 – 21 alleged dead in this incident were all in the vicinity of Al Badou or located in various neighbourhoods. @24raqqa documented at least 111 civilians killed “in the past three days” in besieged neighbourhoods. Breaking News also said irt was proving impossible to know “the size of the civilian casualties, because of the inability to lift the rubble to discover the fate of those under it, because of the intensity of the fire between the parties to the conflict in the city of Raqqa”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 21
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted multiple neighbourhoods in the city of Raqqa (الرقة): the neighbourhood of Al Badou (البدو), the Tel Abyad (تل أبیض) street area, the National Hospital, Tawasu’iya (التوسعیة), Jumaili (الجمیلي), the station (المحطة), Rumaila (الرمیلة), Amassi street (الأماسي) and Andalusia (الأندلس). These areas were under IS control at that time. In the neighbourhood of Al Badou (البدو) a number of locations are mentioned: the house of El Anoot (العنطوط), which was used as an IS weapons factory; several houses including two houses of the A’idan family (العیدان); and the area north of the Al Ma’ri school (المعري). The coordinates for the Al Ma’ri school (المعري) are: 35.962029, 39.009908. On satellite imagery of 6 and 19 September structural damage to a building (35.964152, 39.009216) north of the Al Ma’ri school is visible, as well as lighter damage to a building (35.963084, 39.008358) northwest of the school around the same time

  • Structural damage seen north and northwest of the Al Ma'ri (المعري) school (left: 6 September, 2017; right: 19 September, 2017)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Badou, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008797
    Military Grid Reference System

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
Official source

For September 9th – 10th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 34 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed 21 fighting positions, 16 vehicles, four heavy machine guns, two command and control nodes, a logistics node, and engineering equipment; and suppressed six fighting positions.”

For September 10th - 11th the Coalition reported •Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, two logistics nodes, and a vehicle; and suppressed two fighting positions" It later reported, "Additionally, 15 strikes consisting of 21 engagements were conducted in Syria and Iraq on Sept. 10 that closed within the last 24 hours. On Sept. 10, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed 14 vehicles, three fighting positions, a logistics node, and an anti-air artillery system; and suppressed a fighting position"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Monday 11 September – Tornados destroyed two sniper positions in Raqqa, and attacked a Daesh-held compound and terrorists on a motorcycle near Dayr az Zawr…A flight of Royal Air Force Tornados supported the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting in Raqqa on Monday 11 September, when Paveway IV guided bombs were used to destroy two sniper positions. A second Tornado flight patrolled north-east of Dayr az Zawr, where they attacked a group of terrorists in a compound with a Paveway IV. Survivors of the attack then attempted to move to another position on a motorcycle, but were successfully engaged with a Brimstone missile.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 21
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS788 CS207

Incident date

May 2, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Between six and 21 civilians died and up to 50 were injured in multiple night time airstrikes on the city of Raqqa, according to local sources. While most reports alleged that Russia was responsible, others did not identify the aircraft, while one blamed the Assad regime and another said that the Coalition might have carried out the raids.

Multiple local sources reported the incident, stating various numbers of dead and wounded.

Al Ettihad Press attributed the incident to Russia, saying that warplanes targeted Daesh with more than 45 strikes in the city, killing a number of militants and destroying a headquarters, but also leading to the death of 21 non-combatants and the injury of 43 more.

Sources told Al Ettihad: “The planes used vacuum missiles, cluster bombs and guided missiles in their bombing. Entire neighbourhoods were seen burning with rockets blazing, believed to be napalm missiles which is forbidden internationally.”

The Shaam News Network also blamed Russia, with activists saying that the raids focused on “Al Nai’m, Al Ferdos and the area around Al Rasheed Park.”

Syria.net said that the aircraft were believed to be Russian and listed areas that were targeted, adding that mosques in the city launched calls for blood donations due to the high numbers of people wounded. Quoting the ISIL agency Al A’amaq, an activist said that six civilians died and three were injured following Russian midnight raids.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently initially said that six civilians died in five raids by “warplanes” (it did not identify them). A further report said that more than 20 civilian homes had been destroyed near “the bunkers” or “al Sawame”. It later suggested that it could have been a Russian strike: “The heavy bombardment came after Russian statements to the UN Security Council about its intention to target Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor under the pretext of the war on terrorism.” It said that 24 raids had killed at least 20 civilians and wounded 50 more.

In a number of posts, RBSS said that the following locations had been targeted:

The area near Hitteen school

The area of the arts college

The old Al Haal market

Bilqis school

Al Rasheed Mill.

The monitor also published 19 images showing destruction of Bilqis school, Al Rasheed Mill and the grain silos.

LCSSY reported that dawn raids had killed 10 non-combatants, but did not say who was responsible. But the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime for firing missiles on Bilqis school, partially destroying it and rendering it inoperable.

Orient News blamed the Coalition, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that the warplanes responsible “likely” belonged to the Coalition. It said that there had been 35 strikes killing 13 civilians and five militants, adding that the number of dead was predicted to rise due to the severity of injuries.

Quoting AFP and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Egypt News reported that the identity of the warplanes was unknown. It also put the death toll at 13 non-combatants and five members of Daesh.

Two victims were later named by RBSS.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhannad Khalil al Shaheen
Adult male killed
Juma’a Ibrahim
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 21
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (34) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (29) [ collapse]

  • Juma’a Ibrahim, killed in an airstrike on Raqqa, May 2nd (via RBSS)
  • Activist @Fouadhallak89 tweets that more than 25 air raids target Raqqa on 3rd May 2016
  • LCCSY tweet confirms raids on Raqqa city. 2nd May 2016
  • Al Jazeera tweet confirming deaths and injuries due to alleged Russian strikes on Raqqa, May 3rd 2016
  • Fires raging in Raqqa as a result of air raids. [Via: RBSS on 3rd May 2016]
  • One of the victims, Muhannad Khalil al Shaheen. [Via: RBSS on 3rd May 2016]
  • An activist quoting IS media agency Al-A'amaq reporting that six civilians were killed and 3 injured following 'Russian raids on Raqqa at midnight yesterday' 3rd May 2016, via @1hhttss11
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • A series of photos showing destruction from the raids on al Rashid mill, the area surrounding the grain silos and Bilqis school in the city of Raqqa, on 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • Photo showing the extent of the damage caused by the raids in the area surrounding the grain silos and nearby housing, 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • Photo showing the extent of the damage caused by the raids in the area surrounding the grain silos and nearby housing, 3rd May 2016, (via: RBSS)
  • Photo of Bilqis school in Raqqa city destroyed by 'government warplanes', May 3rd 2016 [Via: SN4HR]

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

Russia has not publicly reported any strikes between May 1st – 31st 2016.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 1st-2nd, the Coalition reported: "Near Ar Raqqah, one strike destroyed an ISIL crane."

For May 2nd-3rd: "Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes struck an ISIL finance center and an ISIL weapons storage facility."

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 21
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (34) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI577

Incident date

March 25, 2017

Location

حي التنك, Mosul, Tanak, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3364235, 43.0626297 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A total of 21 civilians were reported killed in airstrikes on homes in the Al Tanak area of Mosul.

On June 11th, Airwars’ Iraq researcher met with two survivors. Our field notes state: “Airwars researcher based in Baghdad met on June 11th 2017 two witnesses (XX and YY) saying two entire families were killed when a Coalition airstrike targeted their houses and killed the family of Ahmad Al Ehemed of 8 members and Mohamed Fathi Mosa family of 13 members in Tanak neighborhood west of Mosul.”

In a separate field investigation which appears to relate to the same event, Amnesty International reported the following: “At the end of March they (ISF or the coalition) fired a rocket which landed between two houses on Sharia 20, next to Souk al Ma’esh. Two houses were completely destroyed, while a third house suffered maybe 30% damage. The house belonged to Rayan Ahmed, a 30 year old market worker at the souk (Souk al Ma’esh). He was killed along with his family. Six people were killed in the attack, including three young boys and an old lady.

‘I was at home, around 300 metres away. At around 11am on the day in question, I heard the sound of the explosion. I ran to the scene. There were children buried in the rubble. But the warplane was still above us you could hear it, although it was difficult to see it in the sky. I’d say that 90% of the local population was still in the area when the attack occurred. There were no ISIS targets nearby”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Rayan Ahmed
30 years old male Market worker killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • (4 children4 women)
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 24th-25th the Coalition noted: “Near Mosul, fives strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed six mortar systems, five fighting positions, a vehicle, a supply cache, a command and control node, a sniper position, and a VBIED; damaged seven supply routes and three fighting positions; and suppressed three ISIS tactical units and an ISIS heavy machine gun team.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • (4 children4 women)
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI321

Incident date

November 4, 2016

Location

الكندي, Mosul, Kindi, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.401389, 43.1429672 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Members of several families were killed by bombings in Mosul, according to one local report.

Mosul Eye reported that members of three families were killed due to “bombardment” in Al-Kindi and Al-Kafa’at Al Thinita neighbourhoods of Mosul. The houses ISIL used are now empty, Mosul Eye clarified. The residents are the victims. Mosul Eye, however, did not directly blame the Coalition, nor did it provide exact casualty figures.

A local tweet said 21 civilians died in the incident, though did not specify who was responsible for the bombing.’Mosul The third Eye said that 30 civilians from four families were casualties – though again did not specify which munitions belligerent were responsible.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ 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 November 3rd-4th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed five mortar systems, four vehicles, three ISIL-held buildings, two VBIEDs, two fighting positions and an ISIL headquarters building; and damaged two fighting positions and a front end loader.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (3) [ collapse]