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

CI805

Incident date

July 9, 2017

Location

الميدان في موصل القديمة, Al Meydan, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.335556, 43.125 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Omar al Halbusi, an Iraqi blogger, claimed that roughly 100 civilians were killed and 220 others were injured in alleged artillery bombardment by the Coalition and the Iraqi government on the Al Meydan area of Old Mosul in the two days prior to July 9th.

Ninawa Media Center added that 30 families which made up roughly 100 people – comprising of children, the elderly and the wounded – were also besieged in the Al Meydan area of the city and have had no access to food or water for three days. It said most of them were wounded.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    100
  • Civilians reported injured
    100–220
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (2) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed 21 fighting positions, six IEDs, four medium machine guns, three staging areas, two rocket-propelled grenade systems, and a VBIED facility; and damaged six fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On July 8, near Mosul, Iraq, one strike engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a heavy machine gun, a fighting position, a medium machine gun, and a sniper 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
    100
  • Civilians reported injured
    100–220
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI837

Incident date

September 2, 2017

Location

U'boor district of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.398889, 41.095833 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single report from Yaqein claimed the US-led Coalition had conducted an intensive aerial bombardment resulting in 200 civilians killed and injured within a 48 hour period. The specifics of the civilian casualties, including the toll and identity is currently unknown.

Yaqein described indiscriminate bombing by the warplanes of the international coalition aircraft, asserting that the military operation happened under the pretext of liberation. The source also claimed that significant material destruction had taken place in the province.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    50 – 100
  • Civilians reported injured
    50–100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the area of U’boor (حي العبور), near the town of Al Karabilah. The coordinates for the U’boor area (حي العبور) are: 34.398889, 41.095833

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-Uboor neighborhood, Anbar, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 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 September 1st – 2nd the Coalition reported “Near Al Qaim, three strikes destroyed two ISIS fuel storage sites, an ISIS-held building, a front-end loader, a weapons storage area and an excavator.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    50 – 100
  • Civilians reported injured
    50–100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1908

Incident date

March 13, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.44758, 40.95342 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that an alleged Coalition airstrike struck Al-Baghouz camp on the night of March 13th. Sources reported varying numbers of civilian deaths.

Several sources reported that up to 100 civilians were killed in the airstrike. One source, Christian Turner, tweeted that 20 civilians were killed. All sources reported that most of the victims were women and children.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition deemed this incident credible and assessed that “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on ISIS terrorists in a camp. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.”

Three victims were identified, one of whom seems to have been involved with ISIS. Baladi News reported that Mu’adh Muhammad al-Ali al-Daham was one of the most prominent journalists of ISIS. “He covered several battles during the organization’s control over large areas in the area. He also described many executions and releases carried out by the organization in the cities of al-Boukamal and al-Mayadin.” His nickname was “Abu Amer Zer” and he was reported to be the eldest brother of the military commander in “the organization” that Deir Ezzor 24 referred to as “Abu Dajana Abu Daqana”.

The second victim identified is a French child. A tweet by @Idriss Sihamedi reads that “This French child is seriously injured. He is between life and death in Syria. He claims someone named “Marianne” may be his grandmother” and calls for people to search for his family back home in France. According to a tweet by @annakkachi, his mother was killed in the bombing.

No other details are known at this time.

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 incident occured around midnight.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult female killed
Child male killed

The victims were named as:

Adult male Reportedly one of the most prominent journalists of ISIS killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 100
  • (2–3 children2–3 women1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Video depicting violent clashes in Al Baghouz on March 13th 2017 (via AJA).
  • Tweet from @IdrissSihamedi that reads: "This French child is seriously injured he is between life and death in Syria. He claims some "Marianne" may be his grandmother. Thank you for sharing to find his family in France or to proceed with his identification in emergency!"

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to 34.447579, 40.953426 to the nearest city.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU7945513515
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Mar. 13, 2019, near al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on ISIS terrorists in a camp. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike. 2682/CS1908 37SFU7945513515

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

"Between March 10 - 23 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 250 strikes consisting of 398 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 193 strikes consisting of 338 engagements, engaged 346 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 104 vehicles, 63 supply routes, 39 fighting positions, 31 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, nine tactical vehicles, six fuel tankers, four weapons caches, two command and control nodes, one tunnel, one tanker for petroleum oil and lubricants, one mortar system, and one checkpoint."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For March 13th-19th, France report that Task Force Wagram did not carry out any artillery missions. Aircraft carried out 57 sorties and there was one strike. It also provides a review of the four years of training of TF Narvik and Monsabert

CHAMMALSITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTREOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiquessyriennes, appuyés par la coalition, pour reconquérir le réduit de Baghouz continuent. Les combats sont intenses, la progression effective, mais lente, en raison de l’évacuation de nombreux civils, et de l’imbrication des combattants et des non combattants.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak, et reste sous contrôle des Forces de sécurité intérieures qui poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué depuis la semaine dernière. Le groupe aéronaval participe toujours à l’opération Chammal : une frappe aérienne a été réalisée par ses Rafale cette semaine en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes.En parallèle, le groupement naval est intégré, en soutien associé, à l’opération Sea Gardian, opération maritime de l’OTAN qui accomplit actuellement trois tâches de sûreté maritime en Méditerranée : la constitution de capacités de sûreté maritime, la connaissance de la situation maritime, et la lutte contre le terrorisme.Enfin, la frégate britannique HMS Duncan a rejoint le groupe aéronaval cette semaine.Bilan des quatre ans de formation des TF Narvik et MonsabertDepuis mars 2015, en complément de l’appui feu aux troupes engagées au sol contre Daech, la France a déployé à Bagdad des militaires dont la mission est d’améliorer les capacités de commandement et les savoir-faire des troupes irakiennes. Deux Task Force (TF), Narvik et Monsabert, aux périmètres différents, ont été mises en place pour assurer cette mission.La TF Narvik prend part à la formation des forces spéciales de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS), dans des domaines d’expertise immédiatement exploitables dans la lutte contre Daech : le combat en zone urbaine, le renseignement, le tir aux armes collectives et armes lourdes, la lutte contre les engins explosifs ou le sauvetage au combat.Les premiers mandats proposaient des instructions générales et spécialisées aux jeunes recrues et aux soldats expérimentés. L’ICTS est progressivement devenue autonome dans ces domaines et la TF Narvik porte désormais ses efforts sur la formation des cadres et des opérateurs spécialisés tout en perfectionnant à travers des stages dédiés des bataillons opérationnels de l’ICTS.Au bilan, la TF Narvik a formé plus de 8000 soldats et 300 instructeurs, et a mené des stages de perfectionnement au profit de plus de 3000 soldats, ce qui représente 25 % des actions de formation menées par la coalition pour l’ICTS.De son côté, la TF Monsabert fournit assistance et conseil (Advise and Assist — A2) à l’État-major et aux soldats de la 6e division d’infanterie, responsable notamment de la sécurisation de Bagdad.Dans le cadre de son partenariat avec la 6e division, la TF Monsabert a formé depuis sa création plus de 3300 soldats irakiens, et plus de 1700 formateurs.En constante évolution pour répondre aux besoins de ses partenaires irakiens, la TF Monsabert a récemment mis en place des cycles d’évaluation des savoir-faire fondamentaux des soldats de la 6e division. Plus de 4000 soldats irakiens ont déjà été passés au crible, permettant aux experts de la TF et au commandement de la 6è division de disposer d’une appréciation globale du niveau des différents régiments.Enfin, depuis 6 mois, dans le cadre de son partenariat avec l’école d’artillerie irakienne la TF Monsabert a formé 330 officiers et sous-officiers irakiens.Depuis quatre ans, ce sont au bilan plus de 20 000 soldats irakiens qui ont bénéficié de l’expertise de 1400 instructeurs français qui se sont relayés au sein de l’opération Chammal, dispensant 150 stages et participant à plus de 200 missions de conseil et d’appui.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram n’a pas réalisé de missions de tir, depuis le territoire irakien, cette semaine (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus).Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus)Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis, et projetés depuis le groupe aéronaval poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 57 sorties aériennes (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 01 frappe cette semaine, réalisée par les aéronefs du groupe aeronaval.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 100
  • (2–3 children2–3 women1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1859

Incident date

November 28, 2018

Location

الكشمة, Al Kashma, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6205556, 40.9386111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a building which appeared to be in use as a Daesh prison at dawn on Wedneday November 28th. Reports on the number of civilian casualties varied widely between six and 100 civilians.

RT reported that six civilians died in the attack, whereas other sources such as Baladi News and Horrya News reported on a significant toll of 100 civilians deaths.

A media activist by the name of Zine El Abidine from Deir Ezzor told Baladi News that all the prisoners who died in the aerial bombardment were civilians from Deir Ezzor governorate, who were captured by the organization in previous years. However other sources reported that among the victims were ISIS fighters and SDF fighters as well.  

An ISIS propaganda featured interviews (whether coerced or not is unclear) with a number of men in military uniforms who the terror group said were captured SDF fighters. One said “I am military, the coalition hit us to get rid of us,” while another said “I am from the SDF military police. The Coalition hit us while we were detained by the Islamic State.”

In a Facebook post, Manarat al Furat reported that as many six ISIS fighters were killed in the attack. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on a much higher number of IS fighters killed in the attack, claiming that among the victims were 10 civilian prisoners and as many as 16 members of ISIS, while the identity of three others remained unknown.

Euphrates Post added that among the killed ISIS fighters were four leaders of the Islamic State named asn Abu Osama al-Gharib, Abu Hafs al-Dahmani, Abu Musab al-Sahrawi and Abu Yaqoub al-Maqdisi, “the former governor of research in the organization”. Euphrates Post further reported that a number of civilian detainees and SDF held prisoners were killed in the attack as well. 

As many as 50 people were also wounded in the event, according to the Official Al Shaafa Facebook page.

Some sources variously attributed this event to the towns of Sha’afa and Hajin. However most cited the al Kashma area, including ISIS’s propaganda wing Al A’amaq.

The incident occured around dawn.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 100
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Image from a video posted originating from ISIS's propaganda arm, showing injured males in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on an ISIS-held prison in Al Kashma.
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image from a video posted by Jisr TV showing the body of one of the victims of the alleged Coalition airstrike on an IS-held prison in Al Kashma.
  • Image from a video posted by Jisr TV showing one of the men who was injured by the alleged Coalition airstrike on an IS-held prison in Al Kashma.
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    GRAPHIC Image from a video posted by Jisr TV showing the body of one of the victims of the alleged Coalition airstrike on an IS-held prison in Al Kashma.
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    GRAPHIC One of the victims of the alleged Coalition airstrike on an IS-held prison in Al Kashma (image by Bukamalna posted on December 2nd, 2018).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 28th 2018, the US-led Coalition publicly reported the following: "On Nov. 28 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes consisting of 15 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 12 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed one supply route, two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, three vehicles, two fighting positions, two command and control centers and three pieces of heavy equipment."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 28th-Dec 4th, the Dutch MoD reported that its F-16's supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 7 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting vehicles, logistical places and ISIS fighters.

In het overzicht van 28 Nov- 4 Dec laat MinDef weten tijdens 9 missies F-16's te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Bij 7 missies boven Deir al Zour in Syrie werden wapens ingezet. Voertuigen, logistieke plaatsen en IS-strijders zijn geraakt.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 100
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1294

Incident date

July 28, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Multiple reports said that 99 civilians died and approximately 120 had been wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa within the last 72 hours. These numbers, however, are general numbers and Airwars has not, so far, been able to break them down to specific locations.

Al Hasaka Rasd, @raassaf77, @freedom_raqqa1, @mogthdarqqat, @alksndr111, @Mohamma26725093 produced carbon copies of the same report giving these figures.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, “there were nearly 100 martyrs and hundreds wounded in days by daily massacres in the city of Raqqa by the Coalition and the SDF.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 99
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–120
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (7) [ 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 information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

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

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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

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
    0 – 99
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–120
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI363

Incident date

December 7, 2016

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Multiple neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34585235, 43.09857692 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Nearly 100 civilians were killed or wounded in Mosul due to airstrikes and artillery bombardment, according to a local source.

Iraqi Spring Media Center reported the deaths of 98 civilians in Mosul during the preceding 48 hours due to aerial and artillery bombardment targeting residential areas.

In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016, the Coalition officials said the event was presently assessed as Not credible.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    98
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • The report contained insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For December 6th-7th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed a VBIED facility and an excavator, damaged three supply routes, and suppressed two tactical units.” For December 7th-8th, the Coalition has not yet released a strike report.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    98
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI654

Incident date

April 19, 2017

Location

الثورة, Mosul: Thawra neighbourhood, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34325, 43.09785 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple sources reported that more than 90 civilians died in a major incident in Al Thawra (Revolution) neighbourhood in Old Mosul. As Reuters noted, “Dozens of civilians were killed on Saturday by air strikes targeting homes in the Thawra district on the western side of Mosul, a neighborhood declared by Iraqi forces restored overnight by the Islamic state, local residents said.”

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this allegation of civilian harm – though conceded just one death. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh fighting position. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.” This was later declared by the Pentagon to have been a US action.

Local Facebook group Sawlf Ateka reported that fatalities had resulted from actions by several belligerents: “The bodies of civilians fill the streets of Al-Thawra district, on the right side of Mosul.” They allegedly died after sniper attacks, “terrorist attacks, or because of the indiscriminate bombardment of mortars, artillery and aerial bombardment by the security forces.”

Sources reported to Al Jazeera that “there are dozens of civilians under the rubble, [and] no one knows whether they were alive or dead because Iraqi forces prevented anyone from reaching these areas.”

Iraq Newspaper cited a senior official of the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior’s Rapid Response Force, who spoke of a “total destruction of more than 30 houses in the Thawra neighbourhood, including houses belonging to the region’s dignitaries.”

Abdel Wahab Talal Hadidi and his father died after an airstrike was carried out in front of their house

It was also reported that Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud El Sheikh Issa, a neurologist in the Al-Thawra neighborhood, also died together with his father and son.

Mosul News Now (local Facebook group) named Ahmed Shiite Aida Abu Doaa as one of the victims. He reportedly was Director of Accreditation Company Asia Cell and Sales Manager of North Sale Company. Local comparisons were made to of the “massacre” to the major incident in New Mosul neighbourhood, on March 17th-18th.

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

In May 2020 in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon said this had been a US action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Abdel Wahab Talal Hadidi
Adult male killed
Father of Abdel Wahab Talal Hadidi
Adult male killed

Family members (3)

Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud El Sheikh Issa
Adult male killed
Father of Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud El Sheikh Issa
Adult male killed
Son of Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud El Sheikh Issa
Child male killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Shiite Aida Abu Doaa
Adult male Director of Accreditation Company Asia Cell and Sales Manager of North Sale Company killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    90
  • (1 child3 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (21) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Abdel Wahab Talal Hadidi and his father allegedly died after an airstrike hit their neighbourhood in Old Mosul, on April 19th (via Sawl Ateka Facebook)
  • Dr. Mohammed al-Sheikh Issa, who used to be a neurologist, allegedly died in airstrikes on Old Mosul, together with his father and son (via Sawlf Ateka)
  • Ahmed Shit Aida Abu Doaa, reportedly died after airstrikes and shelling hit Revolution neighbourhood (via Mosul News Now)
  • Video showing the aftermath of the strikes
  • A second video showing the aftermath
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwas had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 36.34389,43.103399. In June 2019 the Coalition released the MGRS as 38SLF293237.

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:

  • 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
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Al Thawra, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF293237
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 29, 2019
  • Jul 7, 2017
  • April 19, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via social media report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

  • Apr. 19, 2017, near Al Thawra, Iraq, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh fighting position. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For April 18th-19th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, eight strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units, destroyed 11 fighting positions, six rocket-propelled grenade systems, five anti-air artillery systems, four medium machine guns, four VBIEDs, a weapons cache, a front-end loader, an ISIS vehicle, a command and control node; and suppressed four fighting positions, four ISIS supply routes and four ISIS tactical units.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    90
  • (1 child3 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attacker
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI858

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Location

Al Qaim, plaster factory, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.257855, 41.213365 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two sources alleged the US-led Coalition conducted air raids on Al Qaim west of Anbar province, resulting in 87 civilians killed. However, there was some confusion about the status of the vehicles reportedly struck.

Local sources who spoke to Yaqein said aircraft targeted an area near the plaster factory in the province. It initially alleged the strikes destroyed 20-24 cars that belonged to so-called Islamic State. However, a later Yaqein report said the vehicles were civilian. The agency also added that the raids took place on the desert area of Qaem, and also referred to the location of strikes “near the Teacher area south of Qaim district.”

Both sources blamed the US-led Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    87
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the area around a plaster factory in the West of Anbar province, for which the coordinates are: 34.257855, 41.213365. Reports also refer to the teachers area south of the Al Qaim (القائم) district.

  • The plaster factory south of the town of Al Qaem (القائم)

    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 al Qaiem, Iraq
    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

For September 27th – 28th the Coalition reported “Near Al Qaim, three strikes destroyed two weapons caches and an ISIS headquarters.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    87
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]