US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS609

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.84633, 38.54376 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major casualty incident, between 44 and 56 named civilians reportedly died and up to 55 others were wounded in a Coalition airstrike on an automated bakery in the Al Thani neighbourhood of Tabaqa, according to local sources.

The US-led alliance later conceded seven deaths in the event. Their September 2018 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS fighting position, seven civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Step News reported that the Coalition carried out more than 25 airstrikes in Tabaqa since dawn, targeting “the first neighborhood and the second neighborhood and the automated oven and the city market”. Radio Akul, also blaming the Coalition, put the death toll at 27.

However, according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, 37 civilians died with 52 more wounded.

Other sources said that a local market was hit as well as the bakery. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 13 were killed but that the number was likely to rise. According to Syrian News Desk, “The raids focused on the main market behind the bakery building, causing heavy damage to four residential buildings and the burning of cars and shops.”

A local source told the Smart news agency that the Coalition carried out “four raids on an automatic bakery in the city, killing the owner of the bakery, the employees and dozens of civilians who were nearby.” Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently – also attributing the event to the Coalition – produced a number of reports naming victims as well as publishing graphic images of the strike’s aftermath. According to Euphrates Post, in addition to targeting the bakery, the Coalition “also targeted one of Daesh’s HQ near the Assyrian church in the city.”

Human Rights Watch published a major field investigation into the event in September, which concluded that a 5pm strike on GPS co-ordinates 35.845879, 38.540913 had killed at least 44 civilians. Multiple witnesses and survivors spoke with HRW, with some indicating that the aircraft responsible may have been a B-52 bomber. The international NGO published a casualty list featuring 44 victims.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed

Family members (6)

Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Child female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed

Family members (2)

14 years old male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
13 years old male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed

Family members (2)

Child male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed

Family members (2)

Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed

Family members (2)

Shahade Al-Abed
Child killed
Ibrahim Al-Abed
Child male killed

Family members (3)

Salah Ahmad al Omar
Age unknown killed
Walid Ahmad al Omar
Age unknown killed
Hussein Ahmad al Omar
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

42 years old female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
40 years old female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult female named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Adult male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
32 years old male named by VDC, as victims at Al Tabaqa of international Coalition actions, from Palmyra killed
Ibrahim AleiwiIssa
Age unknown male killed
Mariam – the mother of Mohammad al Masri
50 years old female killed
Raed A’beid
Age unknown killed
Ahmad Al Abed
Age unknown male killed
Udai Hasan Khleif
10 years old killed
Fayez Mohammed Al-Abdullah
Age unknown killed
Ammar Kahat
Age unknown killed
Mayada Kashash
Age unknown female killed
Ahmad Abdul-Hay Al-juneidi
Age unknown male killed
Ismaeil Hussein Haj A’ref
Age unknown killed
Lina Hasan Hajja
Age unknown female killed
Mustafa Rajab Abdo
13 years old male killed
Peipers Al-Hasan
Child killed
Mohammed Alewi
Age unknown male killed
Khadija Ibrahim
Age unknown female killed
Faryal Dibo
Age unknown female killed
Mansour Al-Haji
Age unknown killed
Mohammed Jamil Asad
Age unknown male killed
Manar al-Hussein
Age unknown killed
Ahmad Faraj al Nazal
Age unknown killed
Abu Hamdo al Hajji
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Mahmoud Zahhab
Age unknown male killed
Su'ad Taje
12 years old female killed
Hadeel Rabih
16 years old female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    44 – 56
  • (14 children9–10 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–55
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (83) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (48) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via Alhiwarchannel)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via Syrian newsdesk)
  • Q-Alenzy documenting 20 initial names of civilian casualties. (via Q-Alenzy)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments before the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments before the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian casualty found in the rubble after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • Moments after the alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via Asharqiya voice)
  • Peipers Al-Hasan, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The child Udday Hasan Khalif, 10 years old, killed in an alleged coalition raid yesterday on al Thani neighbourhood bakery in al tabaqa.
  • Mohammad Aleiwi, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Muhannad Barko, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Ez al-Deen Sahari, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Ez al-Deen Sahari, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Abd al-Jabbar Sahari, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Ali Hamid al-Bakri, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Hamid al-Bakri, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Hasan Kassab, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Haytham Khalouf, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd march 2017. (via VDC)
  • Ahmad al Abd, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Ahmad Mahmoud Zahhab, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Abu Hamdo al Hajji, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Ahmad Faraj al Nazal, killed in a Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a civilian casualty in the aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqah, 22nd March 2017. (via RBSS)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    7
  • Stated location
    near al-Thani, Tabaqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV588670
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 27, 2018
  • March 22, 2017, near al-Thani, Tabaqa, Syria, via Airwars report. During a strike on an ISIS fighting position, seven civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 22nd-23rd: “Near Ar Raqqah, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed two tactical vehicles, a fighting position, and a heavy transport equipment piece; and damaged four supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    44 – 56
  • (14 children9–10 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–55
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (83) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1583 RS2590

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Location

البوكمال الباغوز , Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.467345, 40.932505 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In what has been described as a “massacre” between seven and 55 civilians died, and “dozens” were left injured, following suspected airstrikes on the Al Bagouz water crossing, between Bagouz village and Abu Kamal city, on the northern bank of the Euphrates river. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes, with some alleging the US-led Coalition were to blame, others blamed Russia and SN4HR even blamed the Syrian regime.

Despite this, nearly all sources blamed Russia. Activists told Smart “Russian-made warplanes” conducted the attacks, Jisr TV referred to “Russian occupation aircraft”. Baqras did not apportion blame, though provided a list of three of the victims.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed blame to the Syrian Regime, and documented “at least 7” killed following “warplane missiles”. Baladi totalled nine killed, as did Smart, which both cited Russia as responsible. Most other sources put the death toll between 17 and 35, Euphrates Post however put the death toll as high as 55.

Sources estimated that between 100 and 150 civilians were killed over the series of strikes on river crossings in that vicinity.

Many of the bodies were unidentified according to VDC, due to burns and decapitation.

Local media reported that it was difficult to rescue civilians trapped in the rubble due to the intensity of the fire.

It is unclear from the sources who was responsible, however the Coalition did confirm strikes in the vicinity of Abu Kamal that day.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 55
  • (7 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (63) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • Barakat Abdul Hamid Ibrahim, killed in Russian and Coalition airstrikes on Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via Euphrates)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian casualties in the aftermath of an airstrike on Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via@kmal961)
  • Rivers run with blood in aftermath of an airstrike on Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via@MGhorab3)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via Muhaned al Weka’a)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via Haijin al Maheba)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via Haijin al Maheba)
  • The exact moment an airstrike hit Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via @wassilaoulmi)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via Syria direct News)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via Syria direct News)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via Sound and picture)
    The aftermath of an airstrike in eastern Syria in October 2017
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, 4th October 2017. (via Sound and picture)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Huweija al Khanafer water crossing (حویجة الخنافر) between the villages Al Bukamal (البوكمال) and Al Baghouz (الباغوز). The coordinates for this crossing are: 34.467345, 40.932505.

  • The Huweija al Khanafer water crossing (حویجة الخنافر) between Al Bukamal (البوكمال) and Al Baghouz (الباغوز)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • 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 Haweij al Khanafer, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 4th – 5th the Coalition reported No strikes near Al Bukamal.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 55
  • (7 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (63) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1840

Incident date

November 17, 2018

Location

قرية ابوالحسن(البقعان جزيرة)ة , Abo Al Hassan (al-Buqa'an Jazeera), East of Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 53 civilians were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike with “heavy shelling” on the village of Abo Al Hassan, east of Hajin in the Deir Ezzor governorate, according to locals.

Sources claimed that the death toll would rise due to the difficulty in getting civilians out of the rubble. This was reportedly due to the raids targeting residential homes, thereby displacing “hundreds of families”. All sources blamed the International Coalition for the airstrikes.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least 15 civilians were killed, including five children and two women.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that out of 36 civilians allegedly killed, 17 were children and 12 were women. The Observatory was the only source which claimed these casualties were members of families of Daesh fighters. Amnesty International re-reported the same figures later on.

Free Deir Ezzor Radio added that the number of deaths as a result of the airstrike had risen to  53 after the later recovery of six new bodies from the rubble, including two children  and the death of two people who died from their injuries. In a further post, it reported the names of victims who belonged to one family.

Boukamal Live claimed that over the preceding 24 hours, over 100 civilians were killed at the hands of the Coalition in Deir Ezzor governorate.

In response to these reports, the US-led alliance published the following statement:

“SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 17, 2018 —

Multiple open source reports today falsely claimed that Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve strikes near Hajin, Syria, resulted in the deaths of civilians.

CJTF-OIR conducted a total of 19 strikes in the Hajin area between the hours of 11:00 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 Eastern European Time. These strikes were in support of ground operations against ISIS targets in the Middle Euphrates River Valley. CJTF-OIR validated these targets as legitimate ISIS targets and assessed them to be free of civilian presence at the time of the strikes. CJTF-OIR’s initial assessment following the strikes is that there was no evidence of civilians near the strikes.

CJTF-OIR detected a total of ten additional strikes in the same area of Hajin that did not originate from the Coalition or partner forces. These strikes were neither coordinated with nor approved by CJTF-OIR. CJTF-OIR calls on all other actors to cease uncoordinated fires across the Euphrates.

CJTF-OIR deliberately selects targets and uses stringent precautions to avoid injuring or killing innocent civilians in its operations to defeat ISIS. CJTF-OIR takes allegations of civilian casualties seriously and investigate each one thoroughly.”

In the second of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that 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.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mohammed Mahmoud Tawfiq Taj Al Deen
Adult male killed
Abdul Hadi Sheikh Dib
Age unknown male killed
Abdul Karim Abass
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 53
  • (17 children12 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 (45) [ 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
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU741359
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Nov. 17, 2018, in Abu Al-Hasan, Syria, via Syrian Observatory for Human Rights report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 2633 37SFU741359

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 17th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 17 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 37 strikes consisting of 53 engagements against ISIS targets.
]Near Hajin, 37 strikes engaged five tactical units and destroyed 15 buildings, seven supply routes, seven staging areas, four fighting positons, two weapons caches, one media cell, and one tunnel.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

France report that from Nov 14th – 20th, Task Force Wagram conducted 64 firing missions – 47 ‘lighting’, 17 ‘destruction’. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties but there were no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Appuyées par la coalition, les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent. Evitant le contact, Daech tente d’alimenter un sentiment d’insécurité par des actions clandestines ciblant indistinctement les FSI ou la population irakienne. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 64 missions de tir (47 éclairement, 17 destruction – bilan du 14 au 20 novembre inclus).’ Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2165 missions de tirs.'

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 14th-20th 2018, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16’s supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 10 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting IS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 14 t/m 20 November laat MinDef weten F-16’s te hebben ingezet tijdens 10 missies ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Bij 3 werden wapens ingezet, boven Deir al Zour in Syrie. Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities van IS zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 53
  • (17 children12 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 (45) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1928

Incident date

August 31, 2019

Location

كفرجالس, Kafr Jalis, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.977803, 36.643374 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an airstrike confirmed by CENTCOM, US forces struck what it reported to be an Al-Qaeda command center in northern Idlib. Local sources reported that the US strike struck a military headquarters belonging to “Ansar Al-Tawhid” in the town of Kafr Nabil, but added that civilian houses were struck nearby as well, resulting in a number of deaths and wounded.

The US Central Command under the Pentagon reported that US forces had struck an al-Qaeda facility north of Idlib in Syria on Saturday. According to Lieutenant Colonel Earl, “the operation targeted al-Qaeda leaders in Syria responsible for attacks that threaten American citizens, our partners and innocent civilians,” Brown, the head of media operations at the Central Command, told Reuters in an e-mailed statement.

However, local sources claimed that children and women from the families of members of ISIS living in the area were killed in the attack as well. According to Syria TV, 23 people were identified, including four people under the age of 18 and seven unidentified bodies. According to Alaraby, the children and women were family members of the terror organisation.

Step News Agency reported that 14 members of ISIS were killed and more than 23 were wounded. In addition, the source reported that a civilian by the name of Ahmed Youssef Yassou was killed when rocket shelling hit his farm.

The Syrian Human Rights Committee reported that 29 people were killed, 22 wounded and one person went missing; 21 year old Khaled al-Sha’ban. The source identified the names of 22 victims. It further stated that the seven unidentified bodies were saved for forensic medicine.

Baladi estimated a total death toll of 30 people, most of whom were buried under the rubble, while Alquds reported on a total of 51 dead.

Russia accused the US of “endangering” a ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib province by carrying out the airstrike.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The incident occured at approximately 3:00 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Youssef Yassouf
65 years old male killed
Abdul Rahman Qandah
19 years old killed
Samir Ahmed Mohammed Ali
22 years old killed
Musa Ja'ma
21 years old killed
Suleiman Khaled Khatib
15 years old killed
Basil Al Khalaf
Age unknown killed
Khalid Mohammed Fadl
17 years old killed
Muath Samir Fadel
16 years old killed
Abdul Salam Sayah
12 years old killed
Amjad al-Abrash
24 years old killed
Yacoub Ibrahim al-Rahman
20 years old killed
Omar Mohammed Aldani
Age unknown killed
Ibrahim Mutasim Parish
21 years old killed
Abdul Hamid Satouf Al-Satouf
12 years old killed
Mohammed Omar Yehia Hababa
12 years old killed
Ibrahim Mahmoud Mohammed Ali
21 years old killed
Nizar al-Shami
20 years old killed
Yasser Khaddour
23 years old killed
Khaled Abu Khattab
Age unknown killed
Nasser Abu Abdul Majeed
Age unknown killed
Huthayfa Abu Abdul Hakim
Age unknown killed
Aref Hamjou
15 years old killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    22 – 29
  • (6 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    22
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    14–51
  • Belligerents reported injured
    23

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 35.97781, 36.64317

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Kafr Jalis, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SBV8750684056
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Aug. 31, 2019, near Kafr Jalis, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2776/CS1928 37SBV8750684056

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    22 – 29
  • (6 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    22
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    14–51
  • Belligerents reported injured
    23

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1405

Incident date

August 22, 2017

Location

الملاهي, near Malahi (amusement park), Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.958095, 39.006309 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A major civilian casualty event in which 40 to 50 or more people reportedly died, and between 60 and 100 people injured, followed US-led Coalition airstrikes in conjunction with artillery shelling, alleged local sources.

The offensive targeted the Malahi (Amusement Park) district of Raqqa City and obliterated a four-storey residential building, where more than 40 civilians were said to be inside. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, amongst others, said that seven entire families were victims of the attack. Sources described a “crusade of coalition aircraft and artillery #SDF”. Airwars understands that only the Coalition have access to artillery in Raqqa.

Subsequent reports labelled the incident a “horrific massacre” in which “mostly women and children” were killed. Both Smart and Micro News did not mention the US-led Coalition explicitly, but referred to “warplanes” and “artillery” that targeted residential buildings in a collaborative operation. All other sources cited the US-led Coalition directly.

In their first assessment of this event in October 2017, the Coalition deemed this event non-credible, reporting that “The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.” In their second assessment in March 2022, the Coalition kept this even classified as non-credible, with the reasoning that “After review of all available evidence 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

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    40 – 50
  • Civilians reported injured
    60–100
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa's Malahi neighbourhood, August 22nd 2017. (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a four-storey residential building next to the Amusement Park (حديقة الملاهي) in the city of Raqqah. Airwars geolocated the image shared by RBSS of this building to these exact coordinates: 35.958095, 39.006309. Damage to this building can be seen on satellite imagery between August 21 and 25, 2017.  Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 35.95808, 39.00630

  • Damage seen on satellite imagery to the building in the image shared by RBSS (left: August 19, 2017; right: August 25, 2017)

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location, Other
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV0056879299
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Oct 27, 2017
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

  • Aug. 22, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2771/CS1405 37SEV0056879299

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 22nd – 23rd the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 26 fighting positions, an ISIS headquarters, a command and control node, and ISIS engineering equipment.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 22, near Raqqah, Syria, 27 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 27 fighting positions, three IEDs, two command and control nodes, a logistics node, and ISIS engineering equipment.” And that “On Aug. 22, near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and an ISIS headquarters.” It also later noted that “On Aug. 22, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For Aug 16-22, France report 5 strikes in Iraq and 2 in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 60 artillery missions. (@EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    40 – 50
  • Civilians reported injured
    60–100
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1396

Incident date

August 20, 2017

Location

دوار النعيم, Naim roundabout, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95447, 39.009392 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major civilian casualty event, between 23 and 50 civilians were reported killed and dozens injured in the Bedo neighborhood of Raqqa, local media reported.

However, in May 2019 the Coalition announced that it had classed the civilian harm allegations as non-credible, noting “after a 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.”

In the main, sources estimate the death toll at “more than 40”. However, a Tweet by @Q_Alenezy suggested that there could be “more than 50” dead, as people were still trapped under rubble.

The incident was described by some sources, including Step News Agency, as “one of the largest massacres since the start of the battle”. Nearly all sources tracked held the US-led Coalition responsible for the airstrikes and the subsequent loss of civilian life.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at 23. However, most other sources said that up to 40 civilians had died – mostly women and children. Sound and Picture said that 42 had been killed.

Activists that spoke to Smart News said “the bombing targeted a residential building in the Bedu neighbourhood, near Na’im roundabout, which the organization used as a platform for executions, and that bodies were still under the rubble”. The death toll, sources said, is likely to rise due to the people still trapped under the destroyed buildings.

Local residents were able to save three people who were next to the building, according to a correspondent cited in Sound and Picture.

The Euphrates Post published a series of photographs of the homes destroyed; the houses of Musa al Mashhadani, Khalil al-Mahbash and Fadel Moussa and Darda.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

30 years years old male injured
26 years years old male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23 – 50
  • 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 (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa's Bedo neighbourhood, Aug 20th (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa's Bedo neighbourhood, Aug 20th (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa's Bedo neighbourhood, Aug 20th (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa's Bedo neighbourhood, Aug 20th (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa's Bedo neighbourhood, Aug 20th (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention multiple locations around the Al Naim roundabout (دوار النعيم), for which the coordinates are: 35.95447, 39.009392. The video posted by Euphrates Post shows damage to buildings at the following coordinates: 35.957969, 39.007720.

  • Damage to a building in the Badou neighbourhood (left: August 19, 2017; right: August 25, 2017)

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Badou (البدو)

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Stated location
    near al-Bado neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV006792
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019
  • Aug. 20, 2017, near al-Bado neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. After a 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

For August 19th-20th: “Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions.” It additionally added that “On Aug. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, 36 strikes engaged 22 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 29 fighting positions and seven command and control nodes.” That “On Aug. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed five fighting positions, an IED, and a command and control node.” And that “On Aug. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Aug 16-22, France report 5 strikes in Iraq and 2 in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 60 artillery missions.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    23 – 50
  • 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 (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1834

Incident date

November 13, 2018

Location

الكشمة و الشعفة, Al Kashma and Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.595168, 40.937231 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Alleged Coalition airstrikes targeted Al Kashma and Al Sha’afa in what was described as “a new massacre of dozens of civilians” according to local media. Between 20 and 50 civilians were reported to have died as a result of “25 raids” on both locations on November 13th. According to Orient News, both Al Kashma and Al Sha’afa were under IS control at the time but included a large number of displaced families.

There were varying reports on the number of civilians; the official Al Sha’afa Facebook page claimed all casualties resulting these strikes were civilian, whereas The Euphrates Exiles Facebook claimed all casualties were ISIS members and their families.

The majority of sources reported on 35 civilian fatalities, of whom most were reported to be women and children.

The death toll was estimated to be higher by @Kalmuqdad Qasioun, placing it at 50 civilian deaths.

According to Jisr TV, “British General Christopher Ghika, deputy commander of the Joint Task Force of the US-led International Alliance Against State Regime, said they were investigating allegations of civilian deaths in raids by the Syrian alliance in Deir al-Zour.” 

The statement was made in video conference at the Pentagon, which reviewed operations against state organization in Syria and Iraq on Tuesday. According to the official transcript, when asked about 20 civilian deaths General Ghika commented: “I think that we have to be particularly aware of people who put stories like this into the information space, knowing that they’re not true. And then we all run off on them. So these are unsubstantiated at this stage. We will investigate them, as we investigate every allegation of civilian casualties.”

In its October 2020 monthly civilian casualty review, the US-led Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, asserting that “This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 50
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • According to the Euphrates Exiles Facebook page this banner reads: while waiting for big ground operations to begin, SDF, coalition and the regime are together carrying out strikes on the last pocket of IS in the countryside of Deir Ezzor.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes on the village of Al Kashma (الكشمة) and Al Sha’afa (الشعفة). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for a point between these two locations are: 34.595168, 40.937231.

  • Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes on the village of Al Kashma (الكشمة) and Al Sha’afa (الشعفة).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

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, Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    al Kashma and Al Shaafa, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 29, 2020
  • 7. Nov. 10, 2018, al Kashma and Al Shaafa, Syria, via Airwars report. This report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3228/CS1834 No grid location specified

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 13th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 13 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 24 strikes consisting of 45 engagements against an ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 24 strikes engaged two tactical units and destroyed three buildings, five supply routes, six weapons caches, one tunnel, one fighting position, two command and control centers, three staging areas, and two observation points. 

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20 – 50
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1312

Incident date

August 1, 2017

Location

حارة البوسرايا, Al Bousraya area, Mo'ataz street, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95483, 39.01382 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major casualty incident, between 10 and 50 civilians died, including entire families, and dozens more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike in the Al Bousraya area of Raqqa, according to local sources. Since further research was conducted by Amnesty it appears only 16 civilians were living in the building which was struck.

Reports said that the strike hit a civilian home/building which contained 50 civilians. According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, nearly all 50 people were killed, including two children. The source said that IS had gathered the civilians inside the building.

Rt.ararabic put the death toll at nine. However the majority of sources placed it much higher. Al Raqqa Truth said 15 died and dozens more were wounded, while Sharqiya voice and Zamanalwasl put the figure at 20, blaming the Coalition.

According to Sound and Picture, “initial reports indicated the death and wounding of approximately 50 civilians”, including entire families. It said most of the victims were women and children.

Muheet added that “according to data from social media sites, the shelling focused on one of the neighbourhood’s houses, which housed more than 50 people, including children and women from one family”.

@freedom_Raqqa1, also attributing the event to the Coalition, put the death toll at 50 non-combatants, though this appears to have merged death and injury numbers.

In field research done by Amnesty, it appears that “A Coalition airstrike destroyed a four-storey building at 3 am, killing 10 of the 16 residents in their sleep. Two of the victims, Hammada and Sabah Hamzawi, had lost their 13-year-old daughter in an artillery strike on their home a month earlier.”

An airstrike hit Shaban al Assad Building on the night of 1st August at 3am in the morning. The building was according to Amnesty a four storey building, with shops on the ground floor. The building was empty, apart from 16 people. Ten were killed and six survived. IS had a medical point 50m in front of building that was hit.

An engineer that Amnesty researchers met whilst in Raqqa said that IS used to land a toy drone on the roof of the store.

A relative of the victims, Amer Hamzawi, told Amnesty in a testimony that “My uncle and aunt were still mourning the loss of their daughter and then they suffered the same unjust fate”.

Ammar Al-Abidi, a survivor of the strike told researchers “I spent six hours under the rubble waiting to be rescued. I don’t wish this even on my worst enemy.”

According to Ammar, six others survied. Amar, his three sisters, Faisal al Ajaj and the house owner’s brother, Abdalla al Assad.

IS had – according to the survivor – expelled the Hamzawis from their home elsewhere in the city and forced them to live in the building that suffered the airstrike, along with the other occupants killed in the strike.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

52 years old male interviewees father killed
44 years old female interviewees mother killed
5 years old female interviewees sister killed
75-80 years old female grandmother, father’s mother killed

Family members (2)

“Ibrahim al-Kaba” (Abu Muhannad)
Adult male killed
Wife of “Ibrahim al-Kaba” (Abu Muhannad)
Adult female killed

Family members (4)

Faisal al A’jaji
Age unknown male Ahmad al Shibli named the following who he said were recovered from the rubble some days later killed
Ahmad al A’jaji
Age unknown male Ahmad al Shibli named the following who he said were recovered from the rubble some days later killed
Manar al A’jaji
Age unknown female Ahmad al Shibli named the following who he said were recovered from the rubble some days later killed
Manal al A’jaji
Age unknown female Ahmad al Shibli named the following who he said were recovered from the rubble some days later killed

Family members (3)

60s years old male father of the family, widower killed
25-30 years old female daughter killed
25-30 years old female daughter killed

Family members (2)

60-70 years old male killed
60-70 years old female wife of Mohamed killed

The victims were named as:

39 years old female econd interviewee and survivor’s mother killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 50
  • (2 children2–6 women2–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Hamada Al-Saeed Al-Hamzawi, killed with three members of his family in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a civilian home in Raqqa's Al-Busraiya neighbourhood, August 1st 2017. (via @AbuMuaazalraqqa)
  • Ibrahim Al-Kaba Abu Muhannad, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 1st August 2017, Ar Raqqah: Al Bousraya, Mo'ataz street. (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Ibrahim Al-Kaba Abu Muhannad, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on 1st August 2017, Ar Raqqah: Al Bousraya, Mo'ataz street. (via Mohammad othman)
  • Fatima Hammada Mohammed Hamzawi (via Amnesty International)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al-Bousraya (البوسرايا), for which the coordinates are: 35.9475952, 39.0150905. Other reports mention Mo’ataz street as a possible location, for which the coordinates are: 35.948333, 39.016389. Field research conducted by Amnesty International in November 2017 points out that the exact location of the strike is at these coordinates: 35.95483, 39.01382. The incident was first reported at 7:56 pm local time by Sound and Picture (صوت و صورة) in a Facebook post. Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 35.95483, 39.01382

  • The building that was destroyed just before the strike on June 2, 2017

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

  • The building that was destroyed after the strike on July 6, 2017

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV0124678938
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • 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.

  • Aug. 1, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Amnesty International report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2709/CS1312 37SEV0124678938

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 50
  • (2 children2–6 women2–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (42) [ collapse]