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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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]

Incident Code

CS670

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Location

هنيدة, Hunaida, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.83234, 38.69938 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 21 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on an internet cafe in Huneida, according to multiple local media.

All sources pointed towards the Coalition. Death counts varied but were in the range of 12-15 or more, with Almadenah putting the figure as high as 17. @infoctma said that “US Coalition planes” were responsible.

The Violations Documentation Center named 15 victims from Sukhna in Homs killed in an alleged Coalition strike on an internet cafe in Hunaida. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named additional additional victims.

In its June report the Coalition denied responsibility: “24. April 7, 2017, near Hunaydah, Syria, via social media: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.”

No other parties have been suggested as responsible for this action – and Airwars presently continues to determine this to be a likely Coalition event, though is seeking additional information.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Abdulbaset Mouhammad
Adult male killed
Ahmad Ibraheem Mouhammad
Adult male killed
Son of Ibraheem Mouhammad
Adult male killed
Son of Abd Mouhammad
Adult male killed

Family members (4)

Fawaz Mheimid al-Aani
Adult male killed
Hamoud Mheimid al-Aani
Adult male killed
Son of Mouhammad al-Aani 1
Adult male killed
Son of Mouhammad al-Aani 2
Adult male killed

Family members (2)

Son of Abdulrazak al-Share’a 1
Adult male killed
Son of Abdulrazak al-Share’a 2
Adult male killed

Family members (2)

Hussein Aboud Shara
Child male killed
Osman Aboud Shara
Child male killed

Family members (3)

Ali Mohammed Sheikh
Adult male killed
Wife of Ali Mohammed Sheikh
Adult male killed
Son of Ali Mohammed Sheikh
Child male killed

The victims were named as:

Majd al-Yaseen
Adult male killed
Son of Yaseen Hweidi
Adult male killed
Mohammed Mahmoud Al-Mohammed Al-Alawi
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18 – 21
  • (4 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–24
  • 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 (35) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mohammed Mahmoud Al-Mohammed Al-Alawi, who was alleged killed in an Coalition airstrike on April 7th 2017.
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 Hunaida, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV7284665401
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 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. (1295)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 6th-7th, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; and destroyed four fighting positions and a tactical vehicle.”
For April 7th-8th, the Coalition did not report any airstrikes near Ar Raqqah.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18 – 21
  • (4 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    11–24
  • 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 (35) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI207

Incident date

March 25, 2016

Location

Mosul, Tanak neighbourhood, Nineveh, Iraq

Airwars assessment

Local residents told Airwars researchers that two entire families – 21 people in total – died as a result of alleged Coalition air strikes on their house in Tanak neighbourhood in East Mosul, on March 25th 2016. This was reported in an interview with two witnesses, Jassim Khalaf and Mohammed Sabri, on June 11th 2017. The witnesses told Airwars that eight people belonged to the family of Ahmad Al Ehemed. Thirteen other victims were relatives of Mohamed Fathi Mosa.

In their February 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

    • English
    • English
    • English
    • English
    • English
    • English

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
    38SLF260229
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2020

  • March 25, 2016, in Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2915/CI207 38SLF260229

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 26th-27th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, four strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun position, an ISIL anti-air artillery piece and two ISIL fighting positions and suppressed an ISIL mortar position and two ISIL tactical units”

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

    • English
    • English
    • English
    • English
    • English
    • English

Incident Code

CI505

Incident date

March 3, 2017

Location

Mosul, Al Mahatta, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.332192, 43.121382 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local residents said a number of civilians were killed after an alleged airstrike struck the Abu Huraira School in the station area. The school was reportedly being used by displaced families fleeing the violence in other neighbourhoods.

Mosul Ateka (Facebook) reported Fawad Ali Abu Abdullah as having been killed in the raids on March 3rd, 2017.

On April 30th 2017 the Coalition accepted responsibility for 10 deaths, noting: “March 3, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS headquarters, it was assessed that 10 civilians were unintentionally killed.”

A senior Coalition official provided the following coordinates for the strike – 36°19’55.9″N 43°07’17.0″E – which locates it slightly to the south of the Ras al Jadah train station.

A UN report on the protection of civilians in context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: ‘On 4 March, an airstrike reportedly targeted an ISIL convoy in the ISIL-controlled Mahata neighbourhood, western Mosul city. Sources reported that a nearby civilian residential compound was hit, killing 21 civilians, including eight women and six children, and wounding 15 others, including three children and three women. Sources also reported that a number of ISIL militants were killed and their vehicles were destroyed.’

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Fawad Ali Abu Abdullah
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 21
  • (6 children8 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    10
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3138822432
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017

  • March 3, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS headquarters, it was assessed that 10 civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 2nd-March 3rd the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed six fighting positions, four heavy machine guns, three medium machine guns, two tunnels, a rocket-propelled grenade system, a VBIED, and a VBIED facility; damaged seven supply routes; and suppressed 22 mortar teams.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 21
  • (6 children8 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS920

Incident date

June 5, 2017

Location

الجسر القديم, Old Bridge, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148

Airwars assessment

Up to 30 civilians died and many more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a gathering of civilians near boats which they were going to use to ferry them across the Euphrates River as they attempted to escape Raqqa, multiple local sources reported.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that at least 11 non-combatants had died, while Asharqiya Voice put the number at 15 with six more missing. Other sources – all of them blaming the Coalition – put the figure at 14.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently said that 17 were killed, reporting that the vicitms died after the Coalition allegedly struck “a gathering of boats and civilians near the old bridge”.

One resident of Raqqa told the New York Times that “coalition warplanes and drones had attacked ferries transporting vegetables across the Euphrates River into Raqqa, causing the deliveries to halt.”

According to Syrian Mirror, “On Monday, 5 June 2017, the United States-led coalition against the State [IS] organized a new massacre of civilians following air strikes targeting a civilian compound near the old Raqqa bridge.

Field activists said that an International Coalition fighter targeted a gathering of civilians at a boat stand carrying civilians to the opposite bank of the Euphrates River, resulting in a massacre of 17 civilians, in addition to the injury of many more.” The Syrian Observatory, also pointing towards Coalition, put the death toll at 21. All other sources also blamed the Coalition.

A former Air Force intelligence officer told the New York Times that “as civilians were trying to flee fighting in the city of Raqqa in June 2017, scores of people boarded makeshift ferries to cross the Euphrates River. He said the task force claimed the ferries were carrying enemy fighters, and he watched on high-definition video as it hit multiple boats, killing at least 30 civilians, whose bodies drifted away in the green water.” The incident described in this interview seems to match CS920.

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

Jun. 5, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation are duplicates of those in allegation 515 (Not Credible, published July, 2018). 3103/CS920 37SEV00976

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammed Sheikh Steif al-Nashif
Age unknown male killed
his son Jassim Mohammed al-Nashif
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmad al Abd al Hussein
Age unknown male killed
Mohammad al Abd al Hussein
Age unknown male killed
Omar al Ahmad al Yussef
Age unknown male killed
Shaaban Al Ali Al-Hammadi
Age unknown killed
Mohammad Mustapha al Mohammad al Hassan
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 30
  • (1 child5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Abdel Hadi Khallil al Hssan, killed when the Coalition allegedly struck ferries in Raqqa, June 5th (via RBSS)
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
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV009765
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 8, 2021

  • Jun. 5, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria via Airwars report. The Coalition actions identified in this allegation are duplicates of those in allegation 515 (Not Credible, published July, 2018). 3103/CS920 37SEV009765

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 4th-5th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and five vehicles.” In addition it reported for June 4th that “Near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed 49 boats, five fighting positions, three anti-air artillery systems, two tactical vehicles and two ISIS staging areas.”

For June 5th - 6th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 24 strikes [1 British] engaged 18 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 19 boats, 12 fighting positions, eight vehicles, a house rigged with explosives, and a weapons storage facility; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit" It later reported, Additionally, eight strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on June 5 that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two ISIS staging areas, two fighting positions, a VBIED factory, an ISIS tunnel, an ISIS sentry post, a vehicle, and a command and control node"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Monday 5 June – Typhoons struck a Daesh-held building in eastern Raqqa, whilst Tornados hit two terrorist firing points in a building in Mosul…On Monday 5 June, two Typhoons, supporting Syrian Democratic Forces close to Raqqa, used a Paveway IV to strike a Daesh-held building in the east of the city itself. Tornados meanwhile continued operations over Mosul, and employed a pair of Brimstone missiles to deliver pinpoint attacks on two firing positions located in a large multi-storey building, where the terrorists had stationed a recoilless anti-tank gun and a machine-gun.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

2459/5000 'CHAMMAL ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION In Syria, on June 4, under pressure from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the terrorist organization abandoned the Baath Dam on the Euphrates (between Tabqah and Raqqah). Subsequently, the SDS announced June 6 the start of the offensive for the recovery of Raqqah. The coalition supports forces engaged in this battle, which can be long and difficult. This week, with the support of the coalition, the ground forces made significant first steps on the north, west and southwest fronts of the city. Leaving ground, Daech organizes its withdrawal along the Euphrates towards the city, and traps massively the ground. In Iraq, Daesh continues to lose ground in the north of the country, but continues its asymmetric actions in the capital. In the battle for the recovery of the historic center of Mosul, the terrorist organization is still fiercely opposed to the Iraqi offensives. Heavy fighting took place in the last days in the area of ​​the Jamhuri hospital complex, which until now remained in the hands of the terrorist fighters. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMMAL FORCE Air support to the Levant This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal made 36 sorties, including 32 for armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS) and 4 for intelligence gathering. 8 strikes were carried out by French planes in Iraq and Syria. They were all conducted in support of ground operations as part of the Daesh operations in Mosul and Raqqah. Support is becoming increasingly complex in Mosul, given the fighting in highly urbanized areas and narrow, narrow streets. Fire support - TF Wagram The Task Force (TF) Wagram continued this week its missions in support of the 15th Iraqi Division in charge of securing the northwest of the city of Mosul and in particular the Badush sector. It has carried out 58 firing missions in support of Iraqi units. The activity was particularly marked by the defense of the rear areas of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) because of the harassing actions of Daesh. For example, on 1 June, the force fired counter-battery fire to prevent mortars from attacking Iraqi units before destroying a defensive position of the terrorist fighters and then a command post.

‘CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie, le 4 juin, sous la pression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS), l’organisation terroriste a abandonné le barrage de Baath sur l’Euphrate (entre Tabqah et Raqqah). Par la suite, les FDS ont annoncé le 6 juin le début de l’offensive pour la reprise de Raqqah. La coalition soutient les forces engagées dans cette bataille qui peut être longue et difficile. Cette semaine, avec l’appui de la coalition, les forces au sol ont réalisé de premières avancées importantes sur les fronts nord, ouest et sud-ouest de la ville. Cédant du terrain, Daech organise son repli le long de l’Euphrate en direction de la ville, et piège massivement le terrain. En Irak, Daech continue à perdre du terrain dans le nord du pays, mais poursuit ses actions asymétriques dans la capitale. Dans la bataille pour la reprise du centre historique de Mossoul, l’organisation terroriste oppose toujours une vive résistance aux offensives irakiennes. De rudes combats se sont déroulés les jours derniers dans le secteur du complexe hospitalier de Jamhuri qui reste jusqu’alors dans les mains des combattants terroristes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 36 sorties aériennes dont 32 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 4 de recueil de renseignements. 8 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. Elles ont toutes été conduites en appui des opérations au sol dans le cadre des opérations contre Daech à Mossoul et Raqqah Les appuis deviennent de plus en plus complexes à réaliser dans Mossoul compte tenu des combats qui se déroulent dans des zones fortement urbanisées et aux ruelles étroites et resserrées. Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions en appui de la 15e division irakienne en charge la sécurisation des abords Nord-Ouest de la ville de Mossoul et notamment du secteur de Badush. Elle a réalisé 58 missions de tir en appui des unités irakiennes. L’activité a été plus particulièrement marquée par la défense des zones arrière des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) en raison des actions de harcèlement de Daech. Ainsi, le 1er juin, la force a effectué des tirs de contre-batterie pour empêcher des mortiers de prendre à partie les unités irakiennes avant de détruire une position défensive des combattants terroristes puis un poste de commandement.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 30
  • (1 child5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI359

Incident date

December 3, 2016

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.3957715, 40.9943684 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least nine civilians, including women and children, were reported killed and several others wounded due to an alleged Coalition strikes, according to several local sources.

Yaqein reported that the Coalition killed 21 civilians, mostly women and children and wounded ten others included 7 children. A source told Yaqein that “the bombing focused on the areas of Saada and al-Obeidi,” and destroyed four houses along with seven cars belonging to civilians.

Muntathar al Zaidi Al Harari put the number of injured at 13. News of Iraq put the death toll at 9 (all from one family), while Al Gharbia reported that 12 civilians had died and one child was identified by name.

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, Coalition officials said the event was presently assessed as ‘Not credible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ayham Ibrahim Jassam
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 21
  • (2 children2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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]

  • A picture of Ayham Ibrahim Jassam, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Qa'im, Anbar on December 3rd, 2016 (via Alqaim Alhadath)
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 Al Qa'im, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For December 2nd-3rd, the Coalition reported no strikes near Al Qaim but reported “Near Rawah, one strike destroyed a VBIED factory.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 21
  • (2 children2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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

CS1814b

Incident date

October 24, 2018

Location

السوسة , Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the source Marsad al Hassaka, “more than 20 civilians were killed in an air strike by international coalition aircraft on a house in the town of al-Soussa in the eastern suburb of Deir al-Zour. There were dozens of air strikes targeting civilian houses and large-scale destruction in the town amid attempts by the SDF to enter its neighborhoods. The SDF are meeting violent resistance from ISIS”.

Meanwhile, on October 24th, Syria’s state news agency reported: “local sources told SANA that the coalition’s warplanes raided the residential neighborhoods in al-Soussa village and its vicinity in the south eastern countryside of the province, claiming the lives of a number of civilians and injuring others.

The Coalition’s chief spokesperson later tweeted that the alliance had carried out a strike on a mosque in Al Soussa on this day.

In another post, Marsad Hassaka (again on October 24th) gave some context: “There have been dozens of raids by the international coalition aircraft since early morning and artillery shelling fired from Al-Tank oil field targeting al Sousse. Additionally, there has been artillery shelling by the French in al Baghouz to prepare the ground for the Kurdish units to invade. The area saw missile shelling fired from al Omar oil field. Kurdish units are sending dozens of fighters to storm al Sousse following a counterattack by the organization [IS] yesterday night [Oct 23rd]. Clashes are continuing and Syrian regime forces are on alert on the opposite Bank of the Euphrates (al Shamia).”

In its October 2020 monthly civilian casualty review, the US-led Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, asserting that “This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Tweet from OIR spokesman confirming a strike on Al Soussa. It was originally reported as a strike on Ash Shafa, but then corrected to a Al Soussa.

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 al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU805225
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020

  • 1. Oct. 24, 2018, in al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3209/CS1814B 37SFU805225

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 23rd-24th, the Coalition reported: “Near Hajin, 30 strikes engaged 16 tactical units, and destroyed 18 fighting positions, 10 supply routes, two bridges, three vehicles, two firing positions, one compound, one vehicle borne IED, one command and control center.”
For October 24th-25th: “Near Hajin, 27 strikes engaged five tactical units, destroyed 22 fighting positions, three firing positions, one weapons cache, two staging areas, three mortars, five supply routes, one IED factory, one vehicle borne IED, one bridge, one vehicle, one command and control center, and one factory.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Wednesday 24 October – Tornados destroyed an armed truck, and two strong-points which were firing at the Syrian Democratic Forces…On Wednesday 24 October, another Tornado flight provided further close air support to the SDF in the same area [north-east of Abu Kamal]. Our aircraft struck a truck, armed with a pair of anti-aircraft guns, with a Paveway; the attack also accounted for a number of terrorists close to the vehicle. The SDF then encountered two successive Daesh strong-points, both of which engaged the SDF at short range. Despite the proximity of the SDF to the two targets, the Tornados were able to strike both of the terrorist positions with Paveway IVs.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Oct 24th-30th, France report that the three CAESAR guns of Task Force Wagram have conducted 6 firing missions from Iraqi territory. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties and four 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, se poursuit. Daech a profité des mauvaises conditions météorologiques pour mener des contre-attaques cette semaine et reprendre du terrain aux forces démocratiques syriennes. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent. ACTIVITÉ 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 ainsi réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 6 missions de tir (éclairement, harcèlement, destruction – bilan du 24 au 30 octobre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1998 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 24 au 30 octobre inclus) et conduit 4 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 : 8600 sorties / 1476 frappes / 2275 objectifs neutralisés.'

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For October 24th – 31st, Dutch MoD reports that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions. Weapons were deployed in four: near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria and near Mosul, Nineveh province, Iraq. Targets were ISIS warehouses and vehicles

‘In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 4 zijn wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 24 tot 31 oktober 2018. Dat gebeurde in de provincies Deir al Zour en Ninawa, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal (Oost-Syrië) en Mosul (Irak). Doelwit waren opslagplaatsen en voertuigen van ISIS.‘

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]