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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US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
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Belligerent Assessment
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Incident Code

CS1129

Incident date

June 30, 2017

Location

عكيرشي, `Ukayrishah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.85817, 39.126332 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilian males were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on `Ukayrishah to the south of Raqqa, local sources reported.

Two sources, Baladi News and @24Raqqa, reported that the village was struck by an unmanned drone that was targeting an ISIL vehicle which was fleeing a nearby battle in Afnan. A number of sources said that the strikes hit “Petrol Road”.

Nine of the ten sources who reported the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Taher Al Rahmoun
Adult male killed
Abdulqader al Hamoud
Adult male killed
Abdul-Razzaq al Ibrahim
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • 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 (10) [ 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 Ukayrishah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV119680
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 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 30th-July 1st: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units, three fighting positions, three vehicles, a tactical vehicle and a mortar system.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 30 June – Tornados and Typhoons destroyed a truck-bomb and a Daesh-held building in Raqqa…The RAF is continuing to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian casualties. Royal Air Force Tornados and Typhoons provided close air support to Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) pushing into Raqqa on Friday 30 June. The Typhoons worked closely with a coalition surveillance aircraft which had spotted a large truck-bomb. A direct hit from a Paveway IV removed the threat. A Tornado pair meanwhile bombed a Daesh-held building in the south-east of the city.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1155

Incident date

July 4, 2017

Location

رطلة, Ratlah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.882222, 39.048611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A woman was reportedly killed during the SDF’s invasion of Ratla, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported.

However no further details were given.

In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • 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
    Other
  • Stated location
    near Ratlah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV043712
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • July 4, 2017, near Ratlah, Syria via Airwars report. After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, three mortar systems, two sections of wall, two vehicles, an anti-air artillery system, a heavy machine gun, and an explosives cache; damaged five ISIS supply routes; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

It additionally reported that “On July 3, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; and destroyed 10 fighting positions, a VBIED, an anti-air artillery system, and a UAS launch site; damaged 25 fighting positions; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

And that “On July 3, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed eight ISIS fighting positions and a VBIED factory and damaged 10 fighting positions.”

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1182

Incident date

July 10, 2017

Location

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Dream Mall, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.026911, 40.450805 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least three civilians, including two children, were reported killed and dozens more injured in airstrikes on Al Mayadin, but it was contested who was responsible.

Euphrates Post described the incident as a “massacre” and reported that “scores” of people were killed, but was the only source to suggest more than three people were killed.

It alleged that Russia was responsible, as did the IS media agency A’amaq, which published a graphic video showing the aftermath of the event.

Other sources, including Sharqiya Voice, Smart News Agency and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights alleged that the Coalition was responsible. Jisr TV said that dozens of non-combatants were wounded.

However, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, it was unclear whether Russian or Coalition planes were responsible.

Some sources said the strikes were in the vicinity of the Nuri al Sa’id hospital and Shari’ya Mosque whereas some reported the strikes were near the Ali school, the Zubadayah school, the Dream Mall and Khan Alkhouf. It is a possibility they were referring to different incidents.

To add to the confusion, a report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed “regime warplane missiles” for three deaths including one child.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • Moments after the Coalition airstrike hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Sharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the Coalition airstrike hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian in the aftermath of the Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An inured child in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • An inured civilian in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit Al Mayadin: Dream Mall, 10th July 2017. (via Euphrates post)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU323770
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 24, 2020

  • July 10, 2017, in Al Mayadin, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3120/CS1182 37SFU323770

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 10th-11th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed 39 ISIS oil barrels, 28 oil storage tanks, 16 oil stills, and five oil trucks.“

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–36
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1240

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Location

الجميلي, Ar Raqqah: Jumaili neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.957808, 39.000868 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A father and a son were reported killed in the Al Jumeila neighbourhood of Raqqa, with sources indicating that Coalition artillery fire was likely responsible.

Four sources – Raqqa Ahluna, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, Baladi News and @Soheb1700 – alleged that SDF artillery fire was responsible. However Airwars is aware that the SDF does not have access to artillery fire, meaning that if this munition was indeed used, the Coalition would be responsible.

Two additional sources – the Syrian Press Center and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently – supported that claim as they alleged that Coalition artillery fire had caused the deaths.

@24Raqqa claimed SDF mortar fire was responsible, however it was the only source to do so.

Graphic images shared by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently of the aftermath of the attack showed the deceased son.

Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” corroborated Airwars initial findings suggesting that both “Ahmad Abdallah Aattoura, 50, and his 13-year-old son were killed by an airstrike”. They added it occurred as they stood outside their home.

Mustafa, an eye witness, told Amnesty field researchers that “Ahmad and his son were standing outside their home by the door when the street was shelled and they were both killed.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ahmed Atoura
50 years old male killed
His son Mohammed Ahmed Atoura
13 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Mohammad Attora killed along with his father Ahmad in alleged artillery shelling of Raqqa's al Jumaili neighbourhood, July 20th 2017. (via SN4HR)
  • Ahmed Attoura, killed in in allaged artillery shelling of Raqqa's al Jumaili neighbourhood, July 20th 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohammad Attora killed along with his father Ahmad in alleged artillery shelling of Raqqa's al Jumaili neighbourhood, July 20th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The site of the strike, 19th July 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • The site of the strike, 19th July 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • The site of the strike, 19th July 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • The site of the strike, 19th July 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • The site of the strike, 19th July 2017. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Airstrike hit by the door of victims home, building located opposite Jamileh building,  which is south side by Tannur. Google Earth shows 2017/07/07-2017/07/19 only slight damage, however by 2017/08/13-2017/08/19 there is more damage to the building.

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

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 20th-21st: “Near Raqqah, 16 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 13 fighting positions, two pipelines, and an oil tank; and damaged a supply route and an ISIS railway.” It additionally reported that “On July 20, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions and a tunnel entrance.” And that “On July 20, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Thursday 20 July – Typhoons bombed a terrorist position in Raqqa; Tornados and Typhoons attacked terrorists on a Tigris island and destroyed their boat and vehicle transport…Update: air strikes against Daesh – GOV.UK Operations over Raqqa continued on Thursday 20 July, when a Typhoon mission assisted SDF engaged in combat with a group of extremists firing from a building; this was hit with a single Paveway IV which eliminated the threat to the SDF. In northern Iraq, coalition surveillance aircraft had located a number of terrorists on a wooded island in the Tigris, several miles south of Qayyarah, along with their transport – a boat and two vehicles – on the riverbanks. Two Tornados bombed the terrorists on the island with a pair of Paveway IVs, whilst a mixed Tornado and Typhoon pair destroyed the boat and vehicles with Brimstone missiles.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1272

Incident date

July 25, 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

One woman died in an alleged Coalition air or artillery strike on Raqqa, local media reported.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, A civilian female was killed after Coalition warplanes allegedly “fired missiles” into the city of Raqqa,

However, Lwaa Usod Al Kalamon referred to her as “a daughter of the city of Palmyra”. He also noted that husband Ahmad ali Taha was killed a few days later along with his brother in a strike on Raqqa.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hayat Mohammed Obaid al Taha
Adult female was said to be displaced from Tadmur city in the east of Homs governorate killed

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    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
  • Sep 27, 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 July 25th-26th: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, four observation points, three sniper positions, two command and control nodes, two supply caches, two mortar systems, a VBIED, an ISIS communication tower, a front-end loader, an ammunition cache, a tactical vehicle, and a heavy machine gun; and suppressed a supply route.” It additionally reported that “On July 25, near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five mortar positions, a VBIED storage facility, a VBIED, and ISIS equipment.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI818

Incident date

July 30, 2017

Location

الحويجة, Hawija, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.3240179, 43.77335 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local press sources said that 10 civilians from the same family were killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit their house in the Hawija district on Sunday 30th July.

Kawsar Agency and Team of Correspondents said that the family died as a result of US shelling on their home.

According to Team of Correspondents, the ten victims were mostly children, while Iraqi Spring Media Centre said most of the dead were women and children.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (2–6 children2 women)
  • 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]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a residential building in the city of Hawija (الحويجه). Due to limited information and satellite imagery available, Airwars was unable to verify the location of this building. The generic coordinates of the city of Hawija (الحويجه) are: 35.325244, 43.767258.

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 Hawija, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE8832609514
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017

  • 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 July 29th-30th, the Coalition reported: “Near Al Huwayjah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (2–6 children2 women)
  • 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

CS1328

Incident date

August 4, 2017

Location

منطقة جمعية المهندسين, Jamiat al Muhandissen area in Orme al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.116944, 36.908611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported the explosion of a car bomb in “the second village of engineers” killing members of Haiat Tahrir al Sham [formerly Al Qaeda/ Al Nusra] and up to four civilians, as well as wounding others.

According to @Elghad , “The Syrian Observatory, based in Britain, said that a car bomb exploded near the headquarters of the editor of the Levant in the Al Mouhandeseen countryside.

The Observatory said that preliminary reports indicated the killing of two members of the Liberation of the Sham and wounding others.

A media unit of the group confirmed the explosion, saying that a number of its members were killed and wounded.”

There was only one allegation against Coalition warplanes, from the Step News Agency. It reported: “Thirteen members of Haiat Tahrir al Sham [formerly Al Nusra] and a number of civilians were killed and wounded when the Coalition’s international air force targeted them in the area of the Society of Engineers [or Jamiaat al Muhandissen] in Orme al-Kubra, west of Aleppo.”

The incident was first reported on August 19, 2017 at 8:17 am by @Akhbr .

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports mention the area of Jamiat al Muhandissen (منطقة جمعية المهندسين) in Orme al Kubra (أورم الكبرى), western Aleppo governorate, for which the coordinates are: 36.116944, 36.908611    

  • The area of Jamiat al Muhandissen (منطقة جمعية المهندسين)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Orme al Kubra, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCV117989
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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

The Coalition has not publicly reported any strikes in Aleppo governorate for August 3rd-4th.

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1357

Incident date

August 9, 2017

Location

الرقة, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Eleven civilians were reported killed and “dozens” injured following alleged US-led Coalition attacks on the city of Raqqa – though these were general numbers for civilian casualties and there was the possibility that the figure could include other casualty events.

Local sources described the event as an “aerial bombardment” in which the Coalition “launched raids in conjunction with artillery shelling” by the SDF.

Airwars understands that only the US-led Coalition has access to artillery in Raqqa.

See also S1185a.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 11
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident only mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available, Airwars was unable to verify the location further.

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
Official source

For August 8th-9th, The Coalition reported *Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 20 fighting positions, an IED, ISIS engineering equipment, a logistics node, and a command and control node.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 8, near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, three command and control nodes, an IED, 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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 11
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]