US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1262 RS2366

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Location

الميادين شارع الاربعين, Al Mayadin, Al-Arba’eeb street, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.017721, 40.447309 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five or six civilians died in airstrikes on Al-Arba’eeb street in Al Mayadin, local media said – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition, of Russia or the Syrian regime.

Step News Agency, Almayadeen, Syrianpc and Radioalkul were among the sources that pointed towards the Coalition. Almayadeen reported: “civil sources in the city of Al-Mayadeen told the Syrian SANA agency that aircraft belonging to the Coalition, led by the United States, bombed Al-Fansh junction in the city on Monday morning at peak time as people headed to their work on agricultural land and at shops, causing the death and injury of dozens of civilians and serious damage to infrastructure and property”. Enab Baladi added that while “it could not confirm the identity of the flight that carried out the strikes, some accounts said it belonged to the international coalition flight.”

According to Hasaka Rasd, “air strikes by warplanes at 8 am targeted the end of Al-Arbaeen Street next to the intersection of Al-Fansh in the city of Al-Ma’adien in the eastern suburb of Deir Al-Ghazal, killing five civilians and wounding others.”

Two unidentified martyrs and a number of wounded.” The Violations Documentation Center in Syria also listed Abdel Samad al Sakan and Abdul Qadir al Sakan and added that another four civilian males were killed in the attack. The documentation center identified the “international coalition forces” as the culprit.

A later report by Euphrates Post added that raids had specifically targeted “the house of Abu Aziz and the houses of Dr. Hawash Al-alyan and Maawiya Jajan”.

However, according to RFS Media Office and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Russia was likely responsible for the raids. RFS Media Office said that “residential buildings” were targeted by Moscow’s warplanes. Alghadalsoury was alone in saying that the strikes were “probably” carried out by the regime.

Ahmad Shibli reported that in addition to five deaths, dozens more civilians were wounded. He didn’t identify the “warplanes” responsible. Deir Ezzor Free added that strikes targeted “Al-Arbaeen Street and the surroundings of Al-Nour Mosque”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Abdel Samad Al- Sakan
Age unknown male killed
Abdul Qadir Al – Sakan
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Hossam Saleh Abdullah Al – Hamad
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Hossam Saleh Abdullah Al-Hama, killed in a raid on Al-Arbaeen Street, July 24th 2017. (via Hasaka Rasd)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 24th-25th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed 14 ISIS oil stills and five well-heads.” It later also added that “On July 24, near Abu Kamal, Syria, one strike destroyed three ISIS oil stills and a vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between July 1st – 31st 2017.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1292

Incident date

July 28, 2017

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

Three civilians died in alleged Coalition air and artillery strikes on Raqqa, according to local media.

@abumuazalraqqa and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that a Coalition airstrike was responsible for the death of Fathi al-Nusan.

Initially the name ‘Haj Ahmed Laila Salim Ali’ was also reported in connection to this incident, but the name (with a photograph of the victim) was repeated in another report. therefore Airwars has removed the name from this incident, the report on Haj Ahmed Laila Salim Ali’s death can be found under incident code CS1287.

Al Raqqa Ahlna named three civilians killed by “aerial bombardment and shelling” of Raqqa.

It is Airwars’ understanding that only the Coalition is using artillery in Raqqa.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ismail Mustafa Balibl
Age unknown male killed by artillery killed
Fathi Al-Nasan
Adult male killed by artillery killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 man)
  • 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]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Fathi al-Nusan, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, July 28th 2017. (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
    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
  • May 31, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 28th-29th: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, an artillery system, and a vehicle; and suppressed a fighting position.” It additionally reported that “On July 28, near Raqqah, Syria, 16 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units, destroyed an anti-air artillery system, and damaged seven fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Friday 28 July – a Tornado and Typhoon pair struck a Daesh position in Raqqa…Another mixed Tornado and Typhoon pair assisted the SDF in Raqqa on Friday 28 July, and a Paveway IV was used to destroy a terrorist position.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 man)
  • 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]

Incident Code

CS1319

Incident date

August 2, 2017

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

One civilian male died in a Coalition artillery bombardment or a mortar strike by the SDF in Raqqa, according to local media.

Ar Raqqa Al a’ahlya reported that the victim bled to death from a shrapnel wound.

Most sources blamed artillery for the man’s death. Airwars understands that only the Coalition has access to artillery in Raqqa.

However, one source – the Syrian Network for Human Rights – said that Mr al Dandoush died when a SDF mortar hit his home.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mazen Kamel al Dandoush
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mazen Kamel al-Dandoush, killed by artillery or (according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights) a SDF mortar in Raqqa, August 2nd 2017. (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The incident was first reported on August 7, 6 days after the incident  

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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 2nd-3rd: “Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed nine fighting positions, two vehicles, a supply cache, a VBIED, a mortar position, an ISIS UAS site, and a generator.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 2, near Raqqah, Syria, 20 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, two supply caches, a tactical vehicle, a tunnel, a VBIED factory, and a command and control node.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Wednesday 2 August – Typhoons destroyed a Daesh strongpoint in Raqqa…Typhoons provided further close air support to the SDF on Wednesday 2 August; they found themselves coming under sustained heavy machine-gun and sniper fire from a building in Raqqa, but were able to pinpoint the Daesh position, allowing our aircraft to attack with a Paveway IV.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1347

Incident date

August 7, 2017

Location

جميعة الأطباء, Jam’iyet al Atteba, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported killed in alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Raqqa city.

Sources stated that ‘artillery shelling’ was responsible. Airwars understands that only the Coalition has access to artillery at Raqqa.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights gave moe details of the two medics slain: Dr Fouad Bashir al Ajili was born in 1955 and was a dentist. Dr Qais Al Sayed Ahmed was born in 1951 and was a gynecologist. According to the report “international coalition warplanes fired missiles on a house in Jam’iyet al Atteba area near School’s Books Administration in Raqqa City”.

A February 2nd report from Media Without Border later stated that the bodies of both doctors were exhumed and reburied.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male Doctor killed
Adult male Doctor killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Dr. Fouad Bashir al-Ajili killed in alleged Coalition bombing on the city of Raqqa, Aug 7th (via RBSS)
  • Dr. Qais Sayed Ahmed Haj, killed following alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, Aug 7th (via Qahtan Al Haj Abo)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Jam’iyet al Atteba/Doctors Association (جميعة الأطباء) near School’s Books Administration (دائرة الكتب المدرسة) in the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the coordinates of both locations. The generic coordinates for the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎) are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148.

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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 6th-7th the Coalition have reported: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 30 fighting positions, two vehicles, two command and control nodes, two mortar systems, a tunnel, a heavy machine gun, an IED facility, and a VBIED facility; and damaged six fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1377

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Location

Wahda, Nahda and Bedu areas, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.959563, 39.002259 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 14 and 17 people were killed, and 30 to 74 injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, local media said. According to reports, the neighbourhoods of “Wahda and Nahdha and the Bedu” were targeted.

Raqqa24 tweeted that the civilian deaths were a result of “bombing by Coalition aircraft” and SANA, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported that “seventeen civilians, including children, were killed Wednesday in air raids by the Washington-led international Coalition that targeted the remaining areas controlled by extremists in the northern city of Raqqa”.

One source, a tweet by @MOAZALSHAMY, cited both the US-led Coalition and Russia as contributors to the civilian casualty incident on Raqqa. However the majority of sources attributed sole blame to the Coalition.

Significant material damage around the Baladi Stadium neighbourhood was reported, including the destruction of a church, local sources said.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14 – 17
  • (5 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–74
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (14) [ collapse]

  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    GRAPHIC: A child victim in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition raid on Raqqa, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • Abdullah Bassam Alioui, killed alongside his brother in an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa, Aug 16th (via Palmyra8)
  • Abdullah Bassam 'Aliawi (via SNHR)
  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)
  • Significant damage to Raqqa's Baladi Stadium neighbourhood after an alleged Coalition raid, Aug 16th (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention airstrikes on The White Garden area (الحديقة البيضاء), Wahda (الوحدة) neighbourhood, Stadium or Badou neighbourhood (حارة البدو), and Al Nour Mosque (شارع النور). The coordinates for Wahda (الحديقة البيضاء) are: 35.961667, 38.9975. The coordinates for The White Garden area (الحديقة البيضاء) are: 35.960301, 38.997814. The coordinates for Stadium or Badou neighbourhood (حارة البدو) are: 35.958629, 39.006328. The coordinates for Al Nour Mosque (شارع النور) are: 35.955556 38.9925 Airwars assessment summary uses a midpoint: 35.959563, 39.002259 Satellite imagery shows visible destruction at two locations 35.960907, 38.998598 and 35.958629, 39.006328 around the incident date. However, due to the intensity of strikes during the Battle of Raqqa, we cannot be confident that this is where the incident occurred.

  • The landmarks and neighbourhoods mentioned in incident reports.

    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.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 15th-16th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 30 fighting positions, a logistics node and an ISIS UAS.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 15, near Raqqah, Syria, 37 strikes engaged 27 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 36 fighting positions, four IEDs, three ISIS communication lines, two command and control nodes, an IED factory, a heavy machine gun, and a vehicle.” And that “On Aug. 15, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and a mortar system.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Wednesday 16 August – Typhoons attacked a position in Raqqa, whilst Tornados bombed a mortar near Kisik in northern Iraq…Typhoons bombed another Daesh position in Raqqa on Wednesday 16 August

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Aug 16-22, France report 5 strikes in Iraq and 2 in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 60 artillery missions.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the past week, (11th-18th) France conducted 27 sorties, including 22 armed reconnaissance and ground support (CAS), 1 refueling outlet and 4 intelligence gathering sorties by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrols. Two strikes were carried out in the Raqqah region of Syria. They helped support the Syrian democratic forces in their offensive to retake the city.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille, amorcée il y a 15 jours, s’est achevée en fin de semaine dernière. Elle a permis de réaliser la jonction des fronts est et ouest. Depuis, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont relancé une offensive vers le centre de la ville mais elles font face à une défense acharnée des combattants de Daech. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations dans l’objectif de libérer, à terme, le nord de l’Irak. Actuellement, elles focalisent leur effort sur l’encerclement de la ville de Tall Afar. Les combattants de l’organisation terroriste réalisent un travail de valorisation de leurs positions défensives pour se préparer aux combats à venir alors que les populations tentent de fuir la ville. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Les soldats de l’opération Chammal poursuive leur mission d’appui au profit des unités irakiennes engagées contre Daech. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 27 sorties aériennes dont 22 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), 1 sortie de ravitaillement ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Raqqah en Syrie. Elles ont permis d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes dans leur offensive pour reprendre la ville. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 13 missions de tir en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar. En particulier, les artilleurs ont fourni des feux de harcèlement et d’éclairement pour interdire aux combattants de Daech de mener des actions au sol ou de réaliser des tirs indirects contre les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1330 frappes, 2102 objectifs détruits et 6946 sorties. ‘

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14 – 17
  • (5 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–74
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1402

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Location

Tawassouiya, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

One civilian, named as Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumair, was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to multiple local sources.

There are no other details at this time.

In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their reported noted: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumair
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mr. Abdul Rahman Mustafa Al-Sumair, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, August 21st 2017. (via Ar Raqqa Ahna)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident solely mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. 

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV982798
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019
  • Aug. 21, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria via Airwars report. After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 21st-22nd: “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 24 fighting positions, a vehicle, a logistics node and ISIS communications infrastructure.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 21, near Raqqah, Syria, 24 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 33 fighting positions, a logistics node, a mortar system, and an anti-air artillery system.” And that “On Aug. 21, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed five ISIS fighting positions.” Also that “On Aug. 21, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI836

Incident date

August 30, 2017

Location

Al Qaim, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.365296, 41.062818 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported on the death of civilians following alleged US-Coalition airstrikes on Al Qaiem District.

According to Yagein, the aircraft launched two raids targeting residential neighbourhoods and the school of the Eastern Renaissance. The sources added that the bombing caused the destruction of a number of houses which led to deaths and injuries of civilians. All sources said the US-led Coalition was responsible for the attack.

Specifics regarding civilian casualties are currently unknown.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Eastern Renaissance (النهضة الشرقية) school in Al Qaim. The coordinates for the Eastern Renaissance (النهضة الشرقية) neighbourhood are: 34.365296, 41.062818. Airwars assessment summary uses the coordinates for the neighbourhood, however, a possible location for the school is: 34.3702996, 41.0638154. Airwars is unable to verify the geolocation of the school.

  • Eastern Renaissance (النهضة الشرقية) neighbourhood, Al Qaim.

    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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Qaiem, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 29th – 30th the Coalition reported “Near Al Qaim, one strike destroyed two front-end loaders and an ISIS fuel truck.”

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1458

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Location

Hatla, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.34169, 40.19897 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Euphrates Post documented the death of one unnamed civilian following airstrikes in Hatla.

There is limited information about the incident, with no culprit currently held responsible.

The single source referred only to “unidentified warplanes” with the victim reportedly dying after warplanes “targeted two cars carrying families.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hatla (حطلة), for which the coordinates are: 35.34169, 40.19897. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further

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 Hatla, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV089115
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 8th – 9th the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in the vicnity of Dayr Az Zawr.
For September 9th – 10th the Coalition reported “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions and a vehicle.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Saturday 9 September – a Reaper destroyed a motorcycle and trailer carrying three terrorists north-east of Dayr az Zawr… The following day [Sept 9th], another Reaper flew a further patrol in the same area of Syria, and tracked a group of three terrorists on a motorcycle and trailer. The Reaper’s crew waited patiently until the targets were in open countryside before firing a Hellfire which scored a direct hit.’

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]