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

CS1665a

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Location

الكواشية, Al Kwashiya, Hassakah, Syria

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that Coalition warplanes shelled areas in the vicinity of Al-Kwaishia village in the southern countryside of Hasaka. According to a single source, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a child was killed.

Other sources reported that a child named Omar Thamer al – Shibli was injured. @ShMC99 claimed that two children were injured.

In the first 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.

The victims were named as:

Omar Thamer al - Shibli
Child injured

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (5) [ 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
    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
    37SFV585541
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Nov. 4, 2017, in Al Kwashiya, 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. 3164/CS1665a 37SFV585541

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1663

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

باغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.41036, 40.96066 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four or more civilians died in an airstrike on al Baghouz, according to local media. While most sources pointed towards the Coalition, one said that it was unclear whether Russia had been responsible. The US-led alliance later admitted killing five civilians in the event.

According to Al Hal, “Coalition forces also raided al-Bagouz village in the same countryside, killing four civilians and injuring more than 20 others, mostly women and children”.

Euphrates Post also blamed the Coalition, reporting that “there were four deaths and a number of wounded, with a whole family are still under the rubble, following a terrible massacre as a result of air strikes believed to be by the International coalition”. The source named victims.

It was reported that “a number of charred bodies and a whole family who are still under the rubble at the home of Eid al-Daham.”

Al Bukamal is Being Slaughtered reported a bombing on “the house of Riad Mohammed al-Daham al-Rahbi.” It proceeded to say: “We received news that they had in their house a guest Saleh Obeid al Khalaf al Marsoumi and he died under the rubble with the family.”

However, according to Al Bukamal news, it was “unknown whether the bombing was by Russia or the Coalition.”

It should also be noted that on November 3rd and 4th, locals reported that they had come under attack from “Iraqi shelling.”

In its November 2018 casualty report the Coalition admitted responsibility for five deaths, noting that ” Coalition aircraft conducted multiple airstrikes targeting identified ISIS personnel and equipment. Unfortunately, during one of the strikes, five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Sulaiman Saleh al Obeid al Khalaf
Adult male killed
The child Hassan Ali al-Aboud
Child male killed
Ali Saleh al-Obeid
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Suleiman Al - Saleh Al - Obeid, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Baghous, November 2nd 2017. (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 34.4111111, 40.9611111

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Al-Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU802094
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018
  • On Nov. 2, 2017, near Al-Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report Coalition aircraft conducted multiple airstrikes targeting identified ISIS personnel and equipment. Unfortunately, during one of the strikes, five civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1664

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

Baghouz Fawqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.45492, 40.93666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously untracked by Airwars, the US-led Coalition admitted on February 22nd, 2018 that it had killed 3 civilians near Baghouz Fawqani.

According to the official release, the incident came to light following self reporting by pilots or analysts: “During a Coalition strike which destroyed Daesh bed-down location and killed five Daesh members it was assessed three civilians were unintentionally killed.”

No additional details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Barhouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU779143
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 2018
  • Nov. 2, 2017 near Barhouz, Syria via self-report. During a Coalition strike which destroyed Daesh bed-down location and killed five Daesh members it was assessed three civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

On Nov. 2, Coalition military forces conducted 13 strikes consisting of 15 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted nine strikes consisting of nine engagements against ISIS targets.

Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication.
Near Al Shaddadi, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS vehicle and damaged a heavy weapon.
Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Thursday 2 November: Tornados conducted operations in the same area [Al Qaim], and successfully bombed a building in which a Daesh observation post was stationed, attempting to direct mortar fire against Iraqi ground forces.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1661 RS2672

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

هجين, Hajeen - al Zir area, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

One man died and his child was wounded in a casualty event in the al Zir area in Hajeen town, local media reported – though it was unclear whether the casualties were caused by an airstrike or a rocket. Additionally, sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia. 

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights pointed towards the Coalition.

Baladi, however, said “the town was hit by a number of rockets which killed a man and wounded others.”

The Our Bukamal Facebook page reported “the death of Turki Hamad Al Hawamah by shelling on Hajeen and the injury of his child”. It added that the shelling targeted “the house of Sawadi al-Habadi and the house of Khudair al-Salbi and the led to the injury of Ibn Khudair al-Salbi. The shelling also focused on the public street close to the shops of Al-Omair.”

Baladi News was the only source to attribute blame to Russian warplanes.

Euphrates Post published a video (see below), showing panic and screaming at the moment that warplanes reportedly struck. The voice over refers to “indiscriminate shelling”.

The incident occured at 12:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed
Son of Turki al-Hamad al-Hawam
Child male injured

Summary

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

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • "Indiscriminate shelling", footage showing panic and screaming from civilians as they attempt to run from the airstrikes which have targeted their homes. 2nd November 2017. (via Euphrates)
  • Turki Hamad Al-Hawam and his son, he was killed and his son injured in an alleged airstrike on the Al Zir area in Hajin on November 2nd 2017 (via Hajin and around Hajin Facebook post).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hajin (هجين) for which the coordinates are: 34.6897222, 40.83. Sources mention Al Zir (الزر) area, “the house of Sawadi al-Habadi and the house of Khudair al-Salbi and the led to the injury of Ibn Khudair al-Salbi. The shelling also focused on the public street close to the shops of Al-Omair.”

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

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1662 RS2673

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

المراشدة, Al Mrashda river crossing, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.492215, 40.918247 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to five civilians died in an airstrike on the al Mrashda river crossing in Deir Ezzor, local media said – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, Syrian regime or Russia were responsible.

According to Al Hall, the Coalition “targeted the water crossing in the town of Al Mrashda in rural Bu Kamal also, killing one man and three children and wounding four others, most of them in critical condition”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was “unknown” whether the planes belonged to the Coalition.

However, Baladi said that Russia was. It said that five people died and others were wounded. Alaraby also pointed towards Moscow.

But the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime, putting the death toll at four.

A number of other sources didn’t identify the warplanes that carried out the attack.

The incident was first reported on November 2, 2017 at 10:30 am by .

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult male from al-Safafneh killed
Child male from al-Safafneh killed

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Sulayman Taraki Al Khalaf Al-Dablan, killed in an alleged airstrike on the Al Mrashda river crossing on November 2nd 2017 (via Amin Al Mashhadani).

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a river crossing in the village of al Mrashda (المراشدة) for which the coordinates are: 34.5099691,40.9314306 The coordinates for the village’s main river crossing are: 34.492215,40.918247 Destroyed ferry and vehicles can be seen on a satellite image from Nov. 13, 2017 Airwars does not have the rights to publish the image.

  • Mrashda (المراشدة) village river crossing

    Date taken:
    May 21, 2011

    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

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1659 RS2670

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

السيال, Al Sayyal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.5713889, 40.9066667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several civilians – including a woman and a child – reportedly died in an airstrike on al Sayyal, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia.

Al Hall pointed towards the Coalition, putting the death toll at two with nine more wounded.

According to the Our Bukamal facebook page, “warplanes targeted the eastern town of Sayyal this morning targeting the homes of al A’war killed the wife of Mohammad al Abboud al A’war and his sister and a child”.

However, Baladi attributed the event to Russia, reporting the death of “a woman and her daughter”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 child1–2 women)
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Sayyal (السيال) for which the coordinates are: 34.5713889, 40.9066667

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

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

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 child1–2 women)
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1660 RS2671

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.7146658, 40.7555866 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 23 civilians, reportedly including two families, died and “a large number” more were injured in airstrikes on al Salhiya in Deir Ezzor, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime.

Euphrates Post reported “21 martyrs and a large number of wounded as a result of strikes that targeted the houses of civilians in the town of Salhiya in al Kamal countryside on Thursday noon. The raids targeted the municipality building and the house of Majid al-Issa and the house of Turki al-Qahayt and the shops of A’raj Al-Shamluk at the main road and the police station.” The source named the following victims but didn’t identify the warplanes responsible for their deaths.

15 people from two displaced families from outside the town of Salhiya were also included in the list of civilian casualties.

Reporting by the Syrian Network for Human Rights was confused. It issued two reports on November 6th. In the first, it blamed “suspected Russian warplanes” for the deaths of “at least 10 civilians, including 2 girls”. But a second report said that the child Fawaz Muammar Fawaz al-Madi was killed by a warplane belonging to the regime.

The Syrian Press Center, didn’t identify the warplane responsible, but also named the above victims plus 19 people “from two displaced families in the town of Salhiya”. The source went on to say “it is noteworthy that the forces of the regime and the militias began a military campaign in the south-east of the southern province of Deir Ezzor with Russian air cover to control the region.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights laid the blame with the Coalition, saying that the strikes killed “10 citizens at least including a man and his two child girls”. Al Hall, also reporting that the Coalition was responsible, provided some more detail reporting that “Abu Ayman al-Ali, an activist from the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour, told Al-Hal, that the international coalition ‘targeted civilian houses in the village of Salhiya in the countryside with more than 17 raids, killing 21 civilians, mostly women and children, including two families displaced from outside the village.’”

However, Baladi, Radio Al Kul and Al Araby al Jadid blamed Russia, with Al Araby al Jadid noting that “all the [21] dead belonged to three families, including two families were displaced earlier to the town”.

The incident was first reported on November 2, 2017 at 7:30 pm by .

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Adult male killed
Child female killed
Child female killed

The victims were named as:

Age unknown killed
Age unknown killed
Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed
Child The Martyrs of the city of Al-A’shara – Diralzur facebook page said that he died from shrapnel wounds. killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 23
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Fawaz Muammar Fawaz al-Madi from al-'Ashara, reportedly killed after being wounded by shrapnel. (via SN4HR)
  • Fawaz Muammar Fawaz al-Madi from al-'Ashara, reportedly killed after being wounded by shrapnel. (via The Martyrs of the City of Al A’shara)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Salhiya (الصالحية) for which the coordinates are: 34.7146658, 40.7555866

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

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

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 23
  • (3 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1658 RS2669

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Location

السكرية, Al Sukkariya, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.491136, 40.886135 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians – two women and two girls – died in an airstrike on the residential neighbourhood of al Sukkariya, local media reported. It was unclear who was responsible, though one source attributed the event to Russia.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “four citizen women including two girls were killed as a result of bombing by the warplanes on areas in Al-Sokkariyeh village in the countryside of Al-Bokamal city in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor during the past 24 hours”.

However, according to Baladi, Russia was responsible. It put the death toll at “two women and two children”.

Jisir TV didn’t say who carried out the strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 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, Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incidents mention residential houses in the village of Sukkariya (السكرية) for which the coordinates are: 34.491136, 40.886135

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

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

For November 2nd-3rd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS line of communication. Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS line of communication, a VBIED factory and an ISIS headquarters.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 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, Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]