US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

CS1288

Incident date

July 28, 2017

Location

بلدة الطيبة, Al Tayba, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.0052619, 40.4581082 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to nine civilians, many from the same family, died in airstrikes which reportedly hit civilian homes in Al Tayba, according to local media. While most sources pointed towards the Coalition, a number did not identify the warplanes responsible, while one report alleged that the Assad regime was to blame.

7al provided the most detail on the event, reporting: “Abu Ayman al-Ali, an activist from Deir al-Zour, told al-Haal website that ‘Coalition aircraft targeted the municipality of Taybeh, located at the eastern entrance of the town of Al-Mayadeen, with more than three raids, which focused on civilian homes in the center of the town during Friday prayers,killing five of them [ie civilians] and wounding more than 18 others, many of whom were left in a critical condition. Much property was also destroyed.’”

According to Russia Today – who blamed the Coalition – seven people from the Al-Atish family died, including five children.

Death counts varied. Alaraby put the number at four, Baladi and eight (also pointing towards the Coalition) and Qasioun at nine, with dozens more wounded.

Al Jazeera said that eight people died in “unidentified airstrikes” which destroyed “several civilian homes”, while Euphrates Post reported that the house of Mejar Mohammed Al – Atish was “completely destroyed”.

However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights was alone in blaming the Assad regime, reporting that “three children and a woman from the same family were killed when Syrian regime warplanes fired missiles on Al Tayba”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

The daughter of Bandar Mohammed Al-Atish
Child female some sources named son killed
The wife of Mejar Mohammed Al – Atish
Adult female killed
Daughter of of Mejar Mohammed Al-Atish 1
Child female killed
Daughter of of Mejar Mohammed Al-Atish 2
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (3–4 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    18–36
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Taybah, July 28th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Taybah, July 28th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on Taybah, July 28th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)

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 July 28th-29th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed an ISIS headquarters, an oil storage vehicle, and a well-head.” It additionally reported that “On July 28, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, one strike destroyed four ISIS oil stills.”

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (3–4 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    18–36
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1315

Incident date

August 1, 2017

Location

حي التوسعية, Al Tawwassoui'ya neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Eleven members of the same family died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on their home in Raqqa’s Al Tawwassoui’ya neighbourhood, according to local media.

AlRaqqa Ahlna, Sohaeb Al Haskwi and Haska Rasd reported the deaths of 10 civilians, naming 3.

However, the majority of sources put the death toll at 12: Haitham Khaldun Sheikh Makhlaf, along with 11 members of his family – “mostly women and children”.

The incident was first reported on August 1, 2017 at 5:30 pm by @freedom_Raqqa1.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Hammadi al Makhlaf
Adult male killed
Wife of Hammadi al Makhlaf
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Haitham Khaldun Sheikh Makhlaf
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 14
  • (2 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 (21) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Haitham Khaldun Sheikh Makhlaf, killed along with 11 members of his family in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 1st August 2017. (via @freedom_Raqqa1)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Tawwassoui’ya (حي التوسعية) in the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the coordinates are: 35.9633318, 38.9806321. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

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 August 1st-2nd: “Near Raqqah, seven strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions, two ISIS headquarters, an IED, an ammunition cache, and a fuel supply point.” It additionally added that “On Aug. 1, near Raqqah, Syria, 17 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, two ammunition caches, and a VBIED factory; and damaged a fighting position.” And that “On Aug. 1, near Raqqah, Syria, 17 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units, destroyed two staging areas and an ISIS headquarters; and damaged a VBIED factory.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 14
  • (2 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 (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1343

Incident date

August 7, 2017

Location

al Wadi street, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.948509, 39.01324 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian, Mr. Abed Mahal al-Attiyah, was named as killed by a mortar shell which reportedly fell on his as he left evening prayers at al Hamza mosque, according to local media.

Airwars understands that the SDF are using mortars in Raqqa, therefore they can’t be ruled out as the culprit.

Additionally, a report by Deir Ezzor24 said that the mortar was fired by “the organisation”, suggesting that IS may have been to blame.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abed Mahal al-Attiyah
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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The martyrdom of Mr. Abed Mahal al-Attiyah yesterday after he left the evening prayer at Al-Hamzah Mosque in Al-Wadi Street, as a result of the fall of a mortar shell in the area (via DNP)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Al Wadi street (الوادي) and Al Hamza mosque (الحمزة) in the city of Raqqa. Airwars was unable to locate a mosque in Al Wadi street (الوادي), however, a possible location for the Al Hamza mosque (الحمزة) is: 35.958994, 39.010043. The coordinates for Al Wadi street (الوادي) are: 35.948509, 39.01324.

  • Al Wadi street (الوادي) and a possible location for Al Hamza mosque (الحمزة) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2019 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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • 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

  • 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 August 5th-6th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed 19 fighting positions, five ISIS-held buildings, three IED factories, an ISIS communications tower and a UAS launch site.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 5, near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and a heavy machine gun.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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
Official source

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.

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1373

Incident date

August 15, 2017

Location

Baladi Stadium and Muawiya School District, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.958608, 39.003568 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between six and ten people were reported killed including 2 or more children, in an “aerial bombardment” on the city of Raqqa. At present nearly all of the sources allege that the US-led Coalition was responsible for the incident.

Significant material destruction was caused to the Baladi Stadium area and the School District of Muawiya in the city of Raqqa, local sources said.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that the bombardment by “International Coalition warplanes” had left “several people injured” and that because of this the death toll may increase.

The citizen journalist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, identified two of the civilians killed.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Renim Al-Khalif
Child female killed
Abdul Wahab Al-Khalif
Adult male killed with two of grand children killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 10
  • (2 children1 man)
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (14) [ collapse]

  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilians that have been killed in airstrikes on Raqqa, and material destruction of the area, Aug 15th (via RBSS)
  • Renim Al-Khalif (via RBSS)
  • Abdul Wahab Al-Khalif (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the School District of Muawiya (for which the coordinates are: 35.961024, 39.002031) and the Baladi Stadium (35.956943, 39.005857). Based on images published by media (as seen above) Airwars was able to establish the coordinates for the damaged building in the first image (35.955831, 39.004828) and the building on fire (35.956667, 39.007594). Damage to the first building can be seen on satellite imagery between August 13 and August 19, 2017.

  • Geolocated media by Airwars near the Baladi Stadium and Muawiya School district

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

  • Damage to building seen on satellite imagery (left: August 13, 2017; right: August 19, 2017)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 14th-15th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 27 strikes engaged 19 ISIS tactical units; and destroyed 59 fighting positions, two heavy machine guns, a mortar system, an IED, and a logistics node.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 14, near Raqqah, Syria, 32 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 18 fighting positions, three IEDs, three heavy machine guns, three command and control nodes, a logistics node, an anti-aircraft artillery system, and an IED factory.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Aug 9-15th, France report 2 strikes in Raqqah, Syria – and 13 artillery missions in Mosul.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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
    6 – 10
  • (2 children1 man)
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1428

Incident date

August 28, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

One young male civilian was killed in an alleged US-led Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to local media.

The date of the event and his death was unclear, though reporting on August 31st, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently said he died “a few days ago”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Fahed Al Shuaibi
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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]

  • Fahad Shuaibi, killed in an alleged Coalition raid on Raqqa, 28th August 2017. (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes

Airwars has insufficient information to geolocate the incident beyond Raqqa city. The assessment summary uses genetic coordinates for Raqqa: 35.9505639, 39.0094148.

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
Official source

For August 28th – 29th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed nine fighting positions, a logistics node and a VBIED.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 28, near Raqqah, Syria, 46 strikes engaged 32 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 37 fighting positions, two VBIEDs, a UAS, and a command and control node.” And that “On Aug. 28, near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Monday 28 August – Typhoons hit three terrorist-held buildings in Raqqa, whilst Tornados and Typhoons struck ten positions north of Tal Afar…Raqqa operations continued on Monday 28 August, when Typhoons hit three more terrorist-held buildings. In Iraq, Iraqi forces engaged Daesh forces positioned several miles north of Tal Afar, and our aircraft provide close air support, conducting attacks on ten buildings occupied by the extremists.’

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For Aug 23rd-29th, France report 8 strikes in Iraq and 11 strikes in Syria, plus 46 artillery missions in Tal Afar, Iraq.(@EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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

CS1454

Incident date

September 8, 2017

Location

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 from Deir Ezzor was reportedly killed in Raqqa, following airstrikes of the US-led Coalition.

All known sources held the Coalition responsible for the attack. No additional details are available at present.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Walid Khalif al-Mousa
Age unknown male killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Walid Khalaf al-Mousa (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the 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
    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 September 7th – 8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes destroyed 11 ISIS fighting positions and a command and control node and suppressed three fighting positions.” It was additionally reported that “On Sept. 7, near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 15 fighting positions, 15 vehicles, four VBIEDs and suppressed four fighting positions.”

For September 8th - 9th, the Coalition reported: For September 8th – 9th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 40 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 24 fighting positions, four logistics node, two vehicles, an ISIS communication line, a mortar system, a command and control node and suppressed four fighting positions.” It was additionally reported that “On Sept. 8, near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 15 vehicles, six logistics nodes, four fighting positions, and an IED; and suppressed three fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

'Thursday 7 September - Tornados destroyed a truck, a fuel depot and a terrorist accommodation block in northern Iraq, while Typhoons attacked a machine-gun team in Raqqa ... On Thursday 7 September, Tornados patrolled over northern Iraq . A couple of miles north-east of Hawijah , a truck carrying a group of extremists was successfully targeted using a Brimstone missile. Our aircraft were then tasked with the destruction of a fuel depot near Sharqat where Daesh had been spotted refueling truck-bombs, as well. Both were struck with Paveway IVs. Over Raqqa , Typhoons flew further to the Syrian Democratic Forces, successfully bombing a light machine-gun position. '

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

'Friday 8 September - has Reaper killed two terrorists setting up an ambush north-east of Dayr az Zawr in Syria , and eliminated Reviews another group in a small building nearby ... A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft Conducted armed reconnaissance over a Largely desert area Some twenty miles North-East Dayr Az Zawr on Friday 8 September. Two terrorists were tracked on a motorcycle as they gathered weapons and headed out to an apparent ambush position. They were both killed by a single Hellfire missile. Not far away, another small group of terrorists were seen entering a small building, and also eliminated with a Hellfire.

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1480

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Location

IDP camp near Jadid Akeidat, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.254309, 40.355344 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A major civilian casualty incident allegedly took place at an IDP camp near Jadid Akeidat, Eastern Deir Ezzor countryside. Al Yaqeen reported about 100 displaced people were killed, mostly women and children, following an alleged aerial bombardment by the US-led Coalition at the camp (pictured). However this was contested – with Euphrates Post asserting that this news was in fact propaganda put out by the so-called Islamic State organization.

Activists quoted in the Syrian Mirror described a “massacre of about 120 civilians, including 100 children”, the death tolls were reiterated by Jisrtv – both blamed the US-led Coalition.

Activists shared concern “about the increase in the number due to the injuries of varying degrees of danger, in light of the weakness of medical services and the shortage of medicines and medical staff” with Shaam News, they also posted pictures which showed the wounded and “significant physical destruction in the targeted area’”. According to Shaam “Al-Assad and his Russian ally planes fly with the International Coalition aircraft to bomb areas under the control of the Islamic State in Deir al-Ghazal countryside, which are full of civilians. None of the planes have taken any notice of the lives of children, women and the elderly”.

Sadaalsham News did not identify a culprit, and referred only to “unknown military aircraft”, however it cited Step News Agency which quoted a source “close to Daesh”, which attributed blame to the US-led Coalition. @abazeid89 blamed both the US-led Coalition and Russia for the massacre, and posted a graphic photograph of a girl bloodied following the raid.

RFS Media Office said Moscow was responsible, asserting that “Russian warplanes” carried out the “horrific massacre” on the IDP camps in Deir Ezzor city’s countryside.

A later report from Euphrates Post revealed a significant discrepancy with reporting and said the incident did not happen. According to the Post the Al-A’amaq agency, the media wing of so-called Islamic State, “broadcast a video showing children victims’ bodies it claimed to have died as a result of the bombing of the international coalition aircraft on a camp near the village of Jadid Akeidat rural Deir Ezzor East”. However the Post “ found that the children martyrs were killed as a result of the bombing by Russian warplanes on the town of Khisham on Thursday morning and that the children’s pictures belong to the children of Fadil Mohammed Al Khamis, who are displaced from the village of Al Bou Amro and they are in the town of Khasham”. Euphrates Post claimed “There is also no camp in the village of Jadid Akidat or near it. There were no raids on the town of Jadid Akeidat yesterday. What Al A’amaq broadcast were the victims or the massacres in al mayadeen, Bokdors and Khisham”

Two named children were killed in the town of Khasham, according to Euphrates Post, and reported by al a’amaq as having been killed in the alleged Jadid Akeidate camp.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Amal Fadel Mohammed al Khamis
Child reported killed by IS at the camp, however killed in Khasham according to Euphrates Post killed
Walaa Mohammed al Khamis
Child reported killed by IS at the camp, however killed in Khasham, Euphrates Post killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    100 – 120
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The camp near the village of "Jadid Akeidat" (via Al Yaqeen news agency)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic stills from a video post by A'amaq Agency, September 14th (via Shaam)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A little girl covered in blood, likely killed following airstrikes. The source alleged she was killed in the camp near the village of Jadid Akidat however it is unclear whether the reports are so-called Islamic State propaganda, September 14th (via @abazeid89)
  • The children of Fadil Mohammed Al Khamis alleged killed by A'amaq Agency. According to Euphrates post they were killed in Khasham town, not the camp, the source reported the camp does not exist. September 14th (via Euphrates Post)
  • A row of children killed in alleged airstrikes on an IDP camp near Jadid Akeidad. The incident, initially reported by A'amaq was disounted by Euphrates Post as so-called Islamic State propaganda. September 14th (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention an IDP camp near the town of Jadid Akeidat (جدید عكیدات). Airwars was unable to locate an IDP camp or individual tents/structures of IDPs near this town on satellite image before or after the alleged incident. The coordinates for the town of Jadid Akeidat (جدید عكیدات) are: 35.254309, 40.355344

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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Jadid Akeidat, al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU324762
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 13th-14th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, nine strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two tactical vehicles, an ISIS fuel station and a fighting position " and, “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS headquarters.“

For September 14th-15th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two vehicles", and "On Sept. 14, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria six strikes destroyed an ISIS UAS, a fighting position, an ISIS supply route and suppressed three fighting positions"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Wednesday 13 September – a Reaper twice engaged terrorists on foot, as well as a truck-bomb, whilst Tornados and Typhoons struck a Daesh building, all near Dayr az Zawr…On Wednesday 13 September, another Reaper continued patrolling near Dayr az Zawr. It used two Hellfire missiles to attack terrorists spotted on foot, then employed a third missile to destroy an armoured truck-bomb positioned next to a main road. A mixed Tornado and Typhoon pair meanwhile targeted a group of Daesh in a building nearby, scoring a direct hit with a Brimstone.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    100 – 120
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1510

Incident date

September 18, 2017

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two to three people were killed and others wounded following airstrikes on Al Sha’afa village, Deir Ezzor governorate, according to local media. It was not wholly clear whether civilians or ISIS members died in the event. Moreover there was some discrepancy regarding the location within the village.

According to Al Araby, the international Coalition targeted a car, resulting in two civilian casualties. Furat Post, cited in All4syria, alleged the car belonged to ISIS, and was struck in a series of raids which targeted ISIS vehicles. The source said “a number or civilians” were “dead and wounded”.

According to Qasioun, “all passengers” of the vehicle died, though the report did not assert whether they were civilians or combatants.

Shaam News suspected all who died were members of ISIS. RFS suspected three civilians were killed and others wounded in Al Sha’afa village. However, it alleged the location of the strike was a house in the centre of town rather than a vehicle.

The Syrian Observatory said “two citizens were killed as a result of targeting by warplanes yesterday after midnight, to areas in Al-Sha’fa village in Deir Ezzor countryside”.

It was not clear from sources which party carried out the raids. Al Araby, Qasioun, Shaam and Baladi blamed the Coalition, whereas All4syria, RFS and SOHR referred to “warplanes” or unknown “aircraft”. The majority of sources located the incident at the vehicle, with only RFS referring to a “civilian house”.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Sha’afa (الشعفة), Deir ez-Zor governorate, for which the coordinates are: 34.57888, 40.93441.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Sha’fah, Syria
    Nearest population center

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
Official source

For September 17th – 18th the Coalition reported “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a VBIED and an ISIS headquarters.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]