US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure
text search
2864 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

CI863

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Location

التنك, Al Qaim, al Tanak, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.377233, 41.003981 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one named civilian male was reported killed in the Tanak neighbourhood of al Qaim. While some sources blamed the US-led Coalition, others implied that Iraqi aircraft or artillery might have been responsible.

According to his family and local reports, an adult man died as a result of air and/ or artillery strikes on the al Tanak area.

The Arabic Centre for Human Rights also referred to dead and injured civilians in the Qaim al Arab area of the town.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ihab Ahmad Sayed Ali al-Rawi
Adult male Via Qaem news killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A picture of Ihab Ahmad al-Sayyed Ali al-Rawi, killed following a coalition or Iraq forces on Al Qaim, al Tanak (via Al Qaim News)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Tanak (حي التنك) in Al Qaim. The generic coordinates for this neighbourhood are: 34.377233, 41.003981. Satellite imagery available to Airwars from between June and October 2017 shows structural damage to two buildings in the area, the coordinates for these two buildings are: 34.3829312, 41.0106969 and 34.38124, 41.0122472.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Tanak (حي التنك)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

  • Satellite imagery available to Airwars from between June and October 2017 shows structural damage to two buildings in the area.

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Microsoft

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 October 3rd-4th 2017, the Coalition stated that “Near Al Qaim, two strikes destroyed an ISIS-held building and a weapons cache.”

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
    1 – 2
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1609

Incident date

October 8–9, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqa, Tawasiyah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9633318, 38.9806321 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was killed after alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on the al-Tawasu’iyah neighbourhood of Raqqah city according to multiple local sources.

Reportedly, “massive destruction of residential buildings and public property” followed the strikes, with sources also suspecting that many more civilians were wounded. All sources blamed the US-led Coalition.

The date of the event was unclear: between October 8th and 9th.

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” it was reported that Anas Barazi died in an airstrike on the same day but on the Qunaitir Building, with 25 others. It is possible, although not reported by Amnesty, that Juma’a also died in that strike. See S1411a for more details.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (1)

Juma’a al-Hussein al-Barazi
Adult male Uncle 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 (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Tawasiyah (التوسعیة), for which the coordinates are: 35.9633318, 38.9806321

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Tawasiyah (التوسعیة)

    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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 8th – 9th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units, destroyed 15 fighting positions, 11 vehicles, one VBIED, one machine gun, and four command and control networks.” It additionally reported that “Near Raqqah, 2 strikes damaged an ISIS fighting position; and disrupted a line of communication.”

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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1637

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Location

Al Heif neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

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

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

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

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

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Date of event currently unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1665

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Location

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

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

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

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

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

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

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

  • Mosques in Al Busraya (البصيرة) town

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1728

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Hajin
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU676401
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leurs efforts sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate afin de réduire les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la zone. Cette semaine encore, elles ont progressé lentement en raison des mauvaises conditions météorologiques. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les Forces de Sécurité poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation sur l’ensemble du pays. Celles-ci se sont concentrées cette semaine sur le plateau d’Hawijah et le Sud de l’Anbar. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, trois missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (3 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 21 au 27 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1625 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a permis d’assurer des missions de renseignement et d’appui au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 25 sorties aériennes (bilan du 21 au 27 février) au cours desquelles quatre frappes ont été réalisées dans le secteur d’Abu Kamal en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes combattant les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7815 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1758

Incident date

May 31, 2018

Location

هداج, Hadaj, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

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

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

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (11)

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (4–7 children2 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

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

  • Satellite imagery of May 30, 2018

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Sentinel-2

  • Crater visible on satellite imagery of June 6, 2018

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Sentinel-2

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 31st, the Coalition reported that “On May 31 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. […] Near Al Shadaddi, two strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed two Daesh command and control centers.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (4–7 children2 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1790

Incident date

August 8, 2018

Location

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

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU797240
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020

  • Aug. 8, 2018, in Al Bubadran, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3179/CS1790 37SFU797240

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS062

Incident date

March 8, 2015

Location

Mundbaith Refinery, Tal Abyad, Raqqa, Syria

Airwars assessment

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

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


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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdullah Abd Al Abdullah
Age unknown male injured

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2015

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

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

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]