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

CI688

Incident date

May 4, 2017

Location

الرطبة, Ar Rutbah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.036997, 40.285862 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a previously unknown allegation, the Coalition denied involvement in an incident that they said was reported on social media. In their July 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition wrote: “May 4, 2017, near Ar Rutbah, Iraq, via social media report: No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties. The closest strike to the report of possible civilian casualties was 160 km away.“

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    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 Ar Rutbah, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties. The closest strike to the report of possible civilian casualties was 160 km away.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 3rd-4th, the Coalition reported no strikes in the area.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI700

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Location

الرفاعي, Mosul, Rifae, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3558497, 43.0937862 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A father and son were caught in a bombing in western Mosul, according to local reports.

Several sources, including Sawlf Ateka, reported that Dr. Nuri Saeed al-Rawaji was killed along with his son Omar in the Rifae neighborhood of western Mosul. Ajel Al Mosul blamed their deaths on Iraq security forces, as did Yaqein, which reported they were killed by “random” mortar fire. Some reports said that Omar was instead injured.

In addition, Sawef Ateka reported “The martyrdom of the national shooting team member and Nineveh Sports Club member Hamza Maan Ahmed Al Sufi, son of national team coach Maan Ahmed Sufi, due to the impact of a mortar.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Dr. Nuri Saeed al-Rawaji
Adult male Father killed
Omar
Adult male Son killed

The victims were named as:

Hamza Maan Ahmed Al Sufi
Adult male Member national shooting team, Son of Maan Ahmed Sufi killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (3 men)
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Hamza Maan Ahmed Al Sufi
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 Rifae, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 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 May 8th-9th: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 12 fighting positions, seven rocket-propelled grenade systems, four medium machine guns, three mortar systems, two VBIED facilitation areas, two front-end loaders, a sniper position, a weapons cache, an IED facility, a roadblock, a VBIED; damaged 13 ISIS supply routes, three fighting positions; and suppressed a mortar position.

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
    2 – 3
  • (3 men)
  • 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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS814

Incident date

May 13, 2017

Location

نزلة شحادة, Nazlat Shahada, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9395172, 38.9994049 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the area between the Two Bridges area in Raqqa.

No further details are currently available.

In September 2019 the Coalition announced that it had classed this allegation of civilian harm as non-credible. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted, “After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ 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
    Other
  • Stated location
    in Between Two Bridges, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV001772
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 26, 2019

  • May 13, 2017, in Between Two Bridges, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 12th-13th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions, a front-end loader, an ISIS crane, and a house-born improvised explosive device.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS837

Incident date

May 18, 2017

Location

سهلة البنات, Sahlab al Banat, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

An August 2017 Amnesty International report documented the death of three civilians as a result of three strikes on their one-storey house in Sahlat al Banat on the evening of May 18th.

Amnesty field researchers interviewed Hassan, a family member of the victims. “This strike killed the two boys as they were coming back into the house [having brought the car for their grandmother]. My brother was killed inside one of the rooms of the house. His body is still under the rubble”, he stated to the organization’s interviewers.

According to Hassan, two planes and two helicopters were flying above the village, targeting an ISIS vehicle that would wait next to civilian houses and fire in the air. According to the interviewee, the strikes never hit the vehicle: “They [the planes] hit many houses but they didn’t even hit the vehicle. It moved too quickly and they would strike five minutes too late.”

Osama Abdallah, who posted on the death of his grandfather that was killed in another raid of strikes on Sahlat al Banat on May 19th [S738], also made mention of his two cousins who “left on Thursday 18/5/2017 looking for a car to leave al Mashlab village in Raqqa. We haven’t heard anything from them since. The first is Izzedin Mohammad Abdallah al Najjar and the second is Abdel Rahman Ahmad Abdel Rahman Abdallah al Najjar. I call on all my friends in Raqqa and the surrounding area if anyone sees them or hears anything about them please let us know. Many thanks.”

One family, which was interviewed separate from Hassan, confirmed to the Amnesty researchers that Abd-al-Rahman Ahmed al-Abdulla, aged 20, and Ezzeldine Mohamed, aged 19, were killed in the multi-day raids, as well as Osama’s grandfather, Abd- al-Rahman al-Abdulla, aged 72.

 

Sources: Osama Abdallah [Arabic], [Archived], Amnesty International

Quality of reporting: Contested – unclear whether Coalition or SDF is responsible

Coalition position:

Summary: Coalition forces deliberately bombed pro-regime forces near At Tanf base in southern Syria.

In a statement, the Coalition said the forces “advanced will inside an established de-confliction zone northwest of At Tanf, Syria May 18” and posed “a threat to U.S. and partner forces at At Tanf.”

There were no reports of civilian casualties.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Izzedin Mohammad Abdallah al Najjar
19 years old male killed
Abdel Rahman Ahmad Abdel Rahman Abdallah al Najjar
20 years old male killed
Abd- al-Rahman al-Abdulla
72 years old male

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • 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 (3) [ 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
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Sahlat al-Banat, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV050809
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 26, 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 May 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed five fighting positions, three mortar systems, three vehicles, two ISIS fuel trucks, and an ISIS headquarters; and damaged an ISIS supply route.” It was additionally reported that “Near Raqqah, Syria, on May 17th, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two fighting positions and a supply cache; and damaged two ISIS supply routes and a fighting position.”
For May 18th-19th: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed four fighting positions, two tunnels, two VBIED facilities, a mortar system, a vehicle, a supply cache, an ISIS headquarters, a weapons cache, and a tactical vehicle; and damaged three fighting positions.” It was additionally reported that on May 18th “Near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed an ISIS headquarters, an ISIS-held building and an ISIS recruiting station.”May 18th 2017: Al Tanf, Homs governorate, Syria

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

"This week, Operation Chammal aircraft carried out 38 sorties, 30 of which were armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS), 2 refueling, and 6 intelligence gathering. Eight strikes were conducted in Iraq and Syria. They were all in support of ground operations, mainly in Mosul, but also near Tabqah and Palmyra in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 80 artillery strikes."

"CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie, après la prise de la ville de Tabqah et de son barrage, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) mènent des opérations de sécurisation de la zone, afin de la nettoyer des nombreux pièges et engins explosifs improvisés (IED) laissés par Daech, alors que la population revient dans la ville. Plus près de Raqqah, les FDS ont poursuivi leur progression vers la ville en s’emparant de plusieurs positions défensives occupées par Daech. En Irak, Daech poursuit ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement dans le pays. Celles-ci continuent de se concentrer contre les forces irakiennes dans l’Anbar. Dans la région de Mossoul, l’offensive des Forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) a été marquée par des gains territoriaux quotidiens. Au nord, la 9e division poursuit son avancée le long du Tigre. Les autres unités resserrent l’étau autour de la médina en continuant d’avancer depuis l’ouest. Les trois quarts de la ville sont désormais libérés, mais la progression des FSI est freinée par un réseau d’habitations toujours plus dense à mesure qu’elles se rapprochent de la Médina où Daech est toujours solidement retranché. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie désormais la 15e division irakienne, qui a repris en charge la sécurisation du secteur de Badush à la suite de la 9e division, profondément engagée dans les zones urbaines de Mossoul. Elle a réalisé 80 missions de tir en appui des unités irakiennes, essentiellement d’éclairement pour contrer ou interdire les actions de harcèlement et d’infiltration de Daech. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 38 sorties aériennes dont 30 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 2 de ravitaillement, et 6 de recueil de renseignements. 8 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. Elles ont toutes été conduites en appui des opérations au sol, principalement à Mossoul, mais également près de Tabqah et Palmyre en Syrie."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS859

Incident date

May 24, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah - Deir ez-Zor road, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.701487, 39.635664

Airwars assessment

A single source, the Euphrates Post, reported that “international coalition planes targeted a civilian car on al Shuweit -al Duweir road yesterday killing the driver instantly. He was displaced from the city of Deir Ezzor.”

No further details are currently available.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    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 Deir Ezzor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV575510
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 May 23rd-24th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed eight ISIS oil stills and destroyed two ISIS oil truck.
For May 24th-25th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 15 strikes [1 British] engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; and destroyed five fighting positions, four ISIS dump trucks, four vehicles, two artillery systems, a front-end loader, and a weapons cache." For May 24th it added that "Near Raqqah, Syria, May 24, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed six fighting positions, a mortar system, and a vehicle.’"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

"Wednesday 24 May – a Reaper attacked near Raqqa, whilst Tornados prosecuted four Daesh targets in Mosul…A Reaper, conducting surveillance south-west of Raqqa on Wednesday 24 May, kept watch on a small group of terrorists and was able to conduct a successful attack with a Hellfire missile. In Mosul, when advancing Iraqi security forces found themselves facing two buildings defended by a Daesh heavy machine-gun, a sniper team and at least one individual in a suicide-bomb vest, they called for assistance from a flight of Tornados. Our aircraft delivered a very precise simultaneous attack with two Paveway IVs which destroyed both terrorist strongpoints. The Tornados then hit a third terrorist position, again with a Paveway, whilst a second flight bombed a fourth position."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS885

Incident date

May 29, 2017

Location

الحسو, Hiso, Al-Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.18, 40.48167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eight members of one family were killed by Coalition strikes in Hasaka province, according to local sources.

SRG, Aleppo Media Center and several other outlets reported the death of 8 people following what was described as a Coalition bombardment. Step News said the fatalities were all from the same family, and the pro-regime site Alkhabarts said that three of them were children.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children)
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    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 Hiso, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFA332049
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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

No strikes were publicly reported in the area.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children)
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS909

Incident date

June 3, 2017

Location

مسبح الشراع, area behind al Shira' swimming pool, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.936066, 38.989464 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 20 civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on the area behind al Shira’ swimming pool in Raqqa, according to local media.

Euphrates Post, Mohab Naser and Step News Agency said 15 non-combatants died in Coalition raids on residential homes. LCCSY – also blaming the Coalition – put the death toll at 20.

Qasioun reported that the Coalition bombed five houses at the back of the swimming pool. It also put the death toll at 15.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 20
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    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
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV990768
    Military Grid Reference System

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 2nd-June 3rd the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 vehicles, five fighting positions, four tactical vehicles, two VBIEDs and an ammunition cache.” It also later added that on June 2nd “Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions.”
For June 3rd-4th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 16 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 17 fighting positions, three vehicles, and an ISIS excavator; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit." For June 3rd it added "Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units, destroyed 10 fighting positions, and damaged one ISIS-held building."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 20
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS935

Incident date

June 8, 2017

Location

مفرق الجزرة, Al Jazra junction, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.952778, 38.984722

Airwars assessment

An unspecified number of civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the corner of 16th street and al Jazra junction in Raqqa, according to local sources.

The Shaam News Network reported that “Coalition aircraft targeted several shops at the corner of the 16th Street in the neighborhood, destroying nearly 8 shops.”

RFS, blaming the Coalition, put the death toll at 15. However this appearerd to include the civilians killed at the nearby internet cafe (see above).

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (8) [ 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
  • Stated location
    near Al Jazra JuNtion, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV986787
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 June 7th-8th: “Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 fighting positions, three vehicles, two ISIS staging areas, an ISIS excavator, an ISIS weapons cache, and an ISIS training camp.”
It also added that “On June 7, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed six fighting positions and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” And that “On June 7, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS minefield.”

For June 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, nine strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, three vehicles and a mortar system.“

Summary

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

Sources (8) [ collapse]