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

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

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

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

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

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

CS1909

Incident date

March 14, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

During intensive air raids, a farm in Al-Baghouz was struck by air- and artillery fire on the outskirts of Al-Baghouz town.

Step News was the only source that reported over 20 civilians were killed in the strike. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights blamed the Coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces while all other sources only blamed the Coalition.

In May 2019 the Coalition announced that it had classed this allegation of civilian harm as non-credible. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted “The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • (1–2 children1–2 women)
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Smoke rising from Al-Baghouz after an alleged Coalition airstrike on March 14th 2019 (via Euphrates Post).
  • Smoke rising from Al-Baghouz after an alleged Coalition airstrike on March 14th 2019 (via Euphrates Post).
  • Smoke rising from Al-Baghouz after an alleged Coalition airstrike on March 14th 2019 (via Euphrates Post).
  • Smoke rising from Al-Baghouz after an alleged Coalition airstrike on March 14th 2019 (via Euphrates Post).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Stated location
    near al-Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019

  • Mar. 13, 2019, near al-Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

"Between March 10 - 23 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 250 strikes consisting of 398 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 193 strikes consisting of 338 engagements, engaged 346 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 104 vehicles, 63 supply routes, 39 fighting positions, 31 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, nine tactical vehicles, six fuel tankers, four weapons caches, two command and control nodes, one tunnel, one tanker for petroleum oil and lubricants, one mortar system, and one checkpoint."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For March 13th-19th, France report that Task Force Wagram did not carry out any artillery missions. Aircraft carried out 57 sorties and there was one strike. It also provides a review of the four years of training of TF Narvik and Monsabert

CHAMMALSITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTREOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiquessyriennes, appuyés par la coalition, pour reconquérir le réduit de Baghouz continuent. Les combats sont intenses, la progression effective, mais lente, en raison de l’évacuation de nombreux civils, et de l’imbrication des combattants et des non combattants.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak, et reste sous contrôle des Forces de sécurité intérieures qui poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué depuis la semaine dernière. Le groupe aéronaval participe toujours à l’opération Chammal : une frappe aérienne a été réalisée par ses Rafale cette semaine en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes.En parallèle, le groupement naval est intégré, en soutien associé, à l’opération Sea Gardian, opération maritime de l’OTAN qui accomplit actuellement trois tâches de sûreté maritime en Méditerranée : la constitution de capacités de sûreté maritime, la connaissance de la situation maritime, et la lutte contre le terrorisme.Enfin, la frégate britannique HMS Duncan a rejoint le groupe aéronaval cette semaine.Bilan des quatre ans de formation des TF Narvik et MonsabertDepuis mars 2015, en complément de l’appui feu aux troupes engagées au sol contre Daech, la France a déployé à Bagdad des militaires dont la mission est d’améliorer les capacités de commandement et les savoir-faire des troupes irakiennes. Deux Task Force (TF), Narvik et Monsabert, aux périmètres différents, ont été mises en place pour assurer cette mission.La TF Narvik prend part à la formation des forces spéciales de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS), dans des domaines d’expertise immédiatement exploitables dans la lutte contre Daech : le combat en zone urbaine, le renseignement, le tir aux armes collectives et armes lourdes, la lutte contre les engins explosifs ou le sauvetage au combat.Les premiers mandats proposaient des instructions générales et spécialisées aux jeunes recrues et aux soldats expérimentés. L’ICTS est progressivement devenue autonome dans ces domaines et la TF Narvik porte désormais ses efforts sur la formation des cadres et des opérateurs spécialisés tout en perfectionnant à travers des stages dédiés des bataillons opérationnels de l’ICTS.Au bilan, la TF Narvik a formé plus de 8000 soldats et 300 instructeurs, et a mené des stages de perfectionnement au profit de plus de 3000 soldats, ce qui représente 25 % des actions de formation menées par la coalition pour l’ICTS.De son côté, la TF Monsabert fournit assistance et conseil (Advise and Assist — A2) à l’État-major et aux soldats de la 6e division d’infanterie, responsable notamment de la sécurisation de Bagdad.Dans le cadre de son partenariat avec la 6e division, la TF Monsabert a formé depuis sa création plus de 3300 soldats irakiens, et plus de 1700 formateurs.En constante évolution pour répondre aux besoins de ses partenaires irakiens, la TF Monsabert a récemment mis en place des cycles d’évaluation des savoir-faire fondamentaux des soldats de la 6e division. Plus de 4000 soldats irakiens ont déjà été passés au crible, permettant aux experts de la TF et au commandement de la 6è division de disposer d’une appréciation globale du niveau des différents régiments.Enfin, depuis 6 mois, dans le cadre de son partenariat avec l’école d’artillerie irakienne la TF Monsabert a formé 330 officiers et sous-officiers irakiens.Depuis quatre ans, ce sont au bilan plus de 20 000 soldats irakiens qui ont bénéficié de l’expertise de 1400 instructeurs français qui se sont relayés au sein de l’opération Chammal, dispensant 150 stages et participant à plus de 200 missions de conseil et d’appui.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram n’a pas réalisé de missions de tir, depuis le territoire irakien, cette semaine (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus).Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus)Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis, et projetés depuis le groupe aéronaval poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 57 sorties aériennes (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 01 frappe cette semaine, réalisée par les aéronefs du groupe aeronaval.

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • (1–2 children1–2 women)
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]