US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

CS1498 RS2457

Incident date

September 16, 2017

Location

محكان, Mahkan, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.974444, 40.485556 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Nine to 19 civilians, including an “entire family,” died following airstrikes on Mahkan, about 45km southeast of Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to the US- led Coalition and others to Russian warplanes.

There were no reports of wounded.

According to Ortas, Coalition aircraft struck residential areas of the town, which resulted in damage to homes and property, Ortas put the death toll at 12.

Step News however reported that “Nine people from one family were killed in the town of Mahkan in the eastern countryside by coalition raids”.

In a subsequent report Geroun said 19 died, quoting an eyewitness who said “”among the victims of the town of Mahkan, a family consisting of a man, his wife and their seven children” died, the source added “it is difficult to reach the target location; because of the siege imposed by the [so-called Islamic State] organisation”.

Out of the sources obtained, four blamed the US-led Coalition and four sources suspected Russia. The aircraft were unidentified by all other sources. @DeirEzzor24 referred to “Al-Harbi” aircraft, though did not specify which faction was operating the planes. Shaam – which also said the warplane identity was unknown – claimed “two Bahri families” were among those killed.

Mohammed Ahmad Awad al-Bu’ali and his wife, Suqra Muhammad Eid al-Bu’ali, along with a number of their children and children in the neighbouring house, were documented killed by the Euphrates Post. Reportedly, the air raid occurred at dawn and targeted Mohammed Ahmad Awa al Bu’ali’s home.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Ahmed Eid Al-Bouali
Adult male killed
Soukra Mohammed Eid Al-Bouali.
Adult female wife killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 19
  • (7 children1 woman1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • "A picture of the children of Mohammed Al-Awad Al-Bawali, who were martyred for two days as a result of the bombing of their home in the town of Muqan in the eastern suburb of Deir Al-Azur", 16th September 2017. (via Syria 2014)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Mahkan, 16th September 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Mahkan, 16th September 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Mahkan, 16th September 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • News bulletin reporting on the alleged Russian and Coalition airstrikes on Mahkan, 16th September 2017. (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the village of Mahkan (محكان), of which the coordinates are: 34.974444, 40.485556. We were unable to verify the location further, but on satellite imagery available to Airwars from October 15, compared to September 7, 2017, a significant amount of traces of destruction and craters as a result of airstrikes can be seen throughout the town, which indicates it was being targeted during this period of time.

  • Traces of destruction and craters in the village of Makhan (محكان), marked in red, seen on satellite imagery of November 2, 2017

    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 Mahkan, Deir Ez Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU356712
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 15th – 16th the Coalition reported “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions.” It additionally added that “On Sept. 15, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions and a command and control node.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 19
  • (7 children1 woman1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI655

Incident date

April 20, 2017

Location

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, Al-Tanak, Zanjili, Farouk, Rifai, Old City and other neighborhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.336843, 43.117979 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that airstrikes of the Coalition and the Iraqi airforce on several neighbourhoods in Old Mosul, as well as artillery shelling, led to the deaths of 18 civilians. It was also reported that more than 41 civilians were injured.

Correspondences Team and Al Rafidain reported 17 dead and more than 30 wounded in Al-Tanak, Zanjili, Farouk and Rifai neighbourhoods in West Mosul.

Amnesty field investigators later interviewed survivors of the al Tanak event: “Amnesty International interviewed witnesses to an attack on a civilian house on Street 20 in al-Tenak neighbourhood on either 19 or 20 April 2017. One of the witnesses was “Mohamed”, the house owner.

He had escaped from the area the night before. He learned on the telephone the following day that IS had taken over the house he had abandoned and that, as a result, it had become the target of air strikes. The air strikes destroyed the house containing the IS fighters. It also destroyed an adjoining house with a family inside. The houses were struck three times; two strikes occurred in quick succession and a third was carried out a short time later while rescue efforts were ongoing.

Amnesty International also spoke to two other witnesses, one of whom “Hamza” described going to the scene: “We were still in al-Tenak neighbourhood. The two homes were adjoining each other. After the second bombing, my son Mohamed went to the scene and tried to pull the bodies out of the rubble. One of the occupants, Mohamed Diab, was only buried from the waist down. My son Mohamed put his arms under Mohamed Diab’s armpits and tried to pull him free. They succeeded and Mohamed Diab survived. He was the only survivor from the house. While my son and the other civil defence lads were trying to dig out the others the plane came around again and struck again [for a third time]. It killed one of the [civil defence] lads.”

The first two strikes killed the IS fighters but they also killed the entire family living next door. The third strike killed one of the first responders. Amnesty International is concerned that the choice of munitions in this attack resulted in the destruction of a house full of civilians, as well as the decision to launch a third strike, once the houses had already been destroyed. Based upon available information, there are reasons to suspect that the first two strikes may have been disproportionate. The third strike raises the possibility that rescuers and the injured may have been deliberately targeted.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 18
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–41
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (8) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 19th-20th: “Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed five VBIEDs, five front-end loaders, four mortar systems, a medium machine gun and a VBIED factory.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    17 – 18
  • Civilians reported injured
    30–41
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI615

Incident date

April 6, 2017

Location

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.350932, 43.111449 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that a mother and her two children were killed in an airstrike on her house in Zanjili neighbourhood, in West Mosul. Mosul Eye blamed the Coalition for the strike. Other sources did not report who was responsible.

See News (Facebook) put the death toll at 13, possibly also referring to other incidents in North Mosul. Journalists Around the World reported that at least 18 died in airstrikes and artillery shelling in West Mosul neighbourhoods that day.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 18
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–60
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The location of an airstrike that allegedly killed a mother and her two children (via Mosul Eye Facebook)
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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 5th-6th: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed five mortar systems, three VBIED factories, three ISIS-held buildings, two anti-air artillery systems, two supply caches, a tactical vehicle, a vehicle, and a weapons facility; damaged nine supply routes, and suppressed six ISIS mortar teams.”

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 18
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–60
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI201

Incident date

March 15, 2016

Location

باب لكش, Mosul, Bab Laksh, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.339738, 43.132406 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said at least four and as many as 13 civilians were killed and 25 injured including children and women after alliance jets struck residential apartments used by displaced people in the Alaymen district of eastern Mosul.

The National Iraqi News Agency reported: “residents said that international coalition aircraft bombed a residential compound belonging to the families of Mosul people which resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians, including three children and five women and wounding three women.“

In what may be the same or a separate Mosul incident that day, NRN News and the Islamic State-linked Al A’amaq reported four or five civilian deaths, after aircraft were said to have targeted the Gulf Commercial Bank in the Dara Lakshman area. Five civilians were also said to have been injured, while four Daesh fighters reportedly died.

In their February 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
    4 – 18
  • (3 children5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–30
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • NRN news identifies the sites of two alleged Coalition airstrikes on Mosul which reportedly killed civilians march 15th

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
    38SLF323232
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2020

  • March 15, 2016, in Bab Laksh, Iraq, 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. 2914/CI201 38SLF323232

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 14th-15th 2016 the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, four strikes [1 French] struck an ISIL training camp and two ISIL improvised explosive device factories and destroyed four ISIL assembly areas.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 18
  • (3 children5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–30
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI770

Incident date

June 18, 2017

Location

المشاهدة, Mosul, Meshada, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.344722, 43.121111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A field report by PBS Newshour found that 12 civilians – all members of one family – had died in a likely Coalition airstrike on Meshada.

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

The following is a transcript of the PBS report:

“JUDY WOODRUFF: One week ago, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi proclaimed victory over ISIS in Mosul. But reality on the ground is different, as the fight continues in parts of the Old City against ISIS holdouts. As special correspondent Marcia Biggs and videographer Alessandro Pavone report, the human toll of the fighting is becoming apparent. And it is horrific. A warning: Many viewers may find images and accounts in this story disturbing.

MARCIA BIGGS: This is what so-called liberated Mosul looks and sounds like, in a small pocket of the Old City, the war against ISIS seemingly ongoing. And this is the Old City from ground level, a scene of utter devastation, entire neighborhoods flattened by coalition airstrikes, leaving the few survivors to search for the remains of their loved ones. Bashar and Ali’s families were together in this house hit by an airstrike 28 days ago. Ali names the dead one by one.

ALI, Mosul Resident (through interpreter): My mother, three brothers, three sisters, my father, two sisters-in-law, two nieces.

MARCIA BIGGS: And you’re the only one left from your family.

ALI (through interpreter): Yes.

MARCIA BIGGS: Shu Bedak Tamel, what are you going to do now?

MAN (through interpreter): What can I do? I just want to take the bodies out and bury them.

MARCIA BIGGS: Mosul is the capital of Nineveh Province and it is the men of Nineveh’s civil defense unit that are responsible for pulling the dead out of the rubble.

They arrive with their crude tools, an ancient jackhammer, a broken sledgehammer, and when all else fails, they use their hands. One of the family members is adamant that the family is under this spot in a washroom. “Just open the hole,” this family member says. But trying to drill through over a foot of concrete proves impossible and one of the relatives finds another way into the house. So we enter the ruins in the dark.

So this was the washroom they were talking about. He’s saying there’s a baby inside.

In total, they are looking for 18 bodies. There were two families in the adjoining houses that night. Bashar lost six members of his family, including his wife and four children.

BASHAR, Mosul Resident (through interpreter): We tried to escape the day before, but ISIS shot at us. We ran back to the house and the army told us, stay inside. We will evacuate you when we make the area safe.

But the next morning, the airstrike hit our house. There were two bombs.

MARCIA BIGGS: Were you in the house when the explosion happened?

BASHAR (through interpreter): Yes, but I was near the front door of this house. I was the only one who didn’t get injured, along with my neighbor’s family. And my youngest daughter was rescued by the army. She’s still alive.

MARCIA BIGGS: The remnants of life that night are frozen in time. Food sits uneaten on the kitchen counter, but the clock still runs. Hours pass, then finally a breakthrough. It’s a skull. So they’re telling me they have no idea who that little girl was. There were six or seven little girls in that room, and the body is so decomposed, all there is, is a skull. The search for remains lasts all day, with relatives waiting nervously. “God protect them,” this one says.

They found four bodies out of 18, 14 left to go. The smell of death is unbearable. For the members of Mosul’s civil defense, it’s an ordinary day. The day before, they pulled 19 bodies from the rubble. Rabih Mishaal Mohamed is a sergeant with the unit, all of whom are working without pay.

RABIH MISHAAL MOHAMED, Nineveh Civil Defense (through interpreter): The hardest part is when you see a child under the rubble because he is innocent, he is a child. He has nothing to do with the army or ISIS or anyone.

MARCIA BIGGS: Why do you do this?

RABIH MISHAAL MOHAMED (through interpreter): It is very difficult for us, but they are like family, our brothers our fathers, mothers, friends. If we don’t take their bodies out, who will come and do that? So we withstand it. We have to withstand it.

MARCIA BIGGS: Withstand it, they must. It’s a scene that will play out again and again in the days to come, a tiny sliver of comfort to the families, who are clinging to what little they can find.”

Coalition officials told Airwars that Iraqi strikes had ceased on the inner city by about this period, making this most likely a US strike.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18
  • (7 children)
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • As family members look on, Mosul civil defence search for the bodies of 18 civilians killed in a likely Coalition airstrike June 18th 2017 (Image via PBS Newshour)
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 Al Meshada neighborhood, Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF314238
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 29, 2019

  • Jun. 18, 2017, near Al Meshada neighborhood, Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a supply cache and an artillery system.” It was additionally reported that “On June 17, near Mosul, Iraq, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 22 vehicles, two command and control nodes, a VBIED, and an artillery system; and damaged five ISIS supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18
  • (7 children)
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI140

Incident date

November 16, 2015

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Between 7 and 12 civilians were reported killed following an alleged Coalition strike on the Directorate of Agriculture in Mosul. A further 28 to 39 people were reported injured. The incident took place in the Al Faisaliah area of eastern Mosul, and according to reports, most if not all of those killed had no links to Daesh. An ISIL propaganda video showed some victims in their vehicles, with others including children taken to a local hospital.

In a separate event, five to eight civilian prisoners and three Daesh guards were reported killed and a further 30 people injured, after the Coalition allegedly bombed a detention facility at government offices in Badush, to the west of the city. One eyewitness told a Daesh film crew that there were two strikes at the location: “While I was sitting inside my home taking breakfast at 9.30 am [inside the mosque compound] I heard the sound of planes and the first missile hit this place. The smoke and dust was very heavy. Then the second missile hit again the same place at 10 a.m and you can see the destruction which resulted of this bombing.”

One victim has since been named as Saad Abu Mohammed, a local surveyor.

Major General Abdullah al-Jubouri, commander of Iraq Army operations in Nineveh, later urged the international coalition to exercise greater precision in hitting targets.

In July 2017, the Coalition classed the event as non credible on grounds of no strikes in the near vicinity: “Nov. 16, 2015, near Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.”

However, given that the Coalition declared strikes in Mosul on the day, Airwars is seeking additional information – and has now classed this event as contested.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Saad Abu Mohammed
Adult male Surveyor killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 18
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    28–39
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Missile fragment reportedly found at scene of a lethal Mosul airstrike, November 16 2015 (via NRN)
  • One of 40 vehicles destroyed in an alleged Coalition strike at Mosul which killed up to 17 civilians (via NRN)
  • Another image of the aftermath of the attack (via Shabkt Alami Nineveh)
  • Another image of the aftermath of the attack (via Shabkt Alami Nineveh)
  • Another image of the aftermath of the attack (via Shabkt Alami Nineveh)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    One of the people supposedly killed in the strike (via Shabkt Alami Nineveh)
  • Saad Abu Mohammed (via Mosul Kadema)
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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition has confirmed a single strike at Mosul for November 16th-17th 2015: “Near Mosul, one strike struck an ISIL weapons cache.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 18
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    28–39
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS749

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Location

شارع فلسطين, Tabaqah, Palestine Street, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.831667, 38.546944 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eighteen civilians including 11 children and three women, died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Filastin Palestine Street, Al Tabaqa.

There is, however, uncertainty about the date ofthe incident: Mohab Nasser puts it at April 28th and eyewitnesses told Human Rights Watch that the attack happened in late April. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reports the date as May 3rd and the Violations Documentation Center lists the victims date of death as May 5th.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, 18 martyrs from the family of Abdul Razzaq al Sanani died after their home in Filastin street was targeted. The Syrian Network for Human Rights also pointed towards the Coalition, putting the death toll at 18 including 11 children and three women. Qasioun and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights were among other sources blaming the Coalition.

The Violations Documentation Center named 18 victims of a Coalitionstrike. It gave the date of death as May 5th: Abd al-Jalil Mohammad Dalo adult, male; Salha Ahmad Dalo – adult, male; Amineh Abd al-Jalil Dalo, female; Mohammad Abd al-Jalil Dalo – child, male; Shahed Abdal-Jalil Dalo child, female; Hamzeh Abdal-Jalil Dalo child, male; Ahed Abd al-Jalil Dalo child, male; Khaled Mohammad Abd al-Jalil Dalo – adult male; Amina Ahmad Dalo – adult, female; Mohammad Khaled Dalo – adult, male; Amineh Khaled Dalo – child, female; Fatima Khaled Dalo female; Omer Khaled Dalo child, male; Reem Khaled Dalo – child female; Ayoush Abd al-Jalil Dalo – adult female; Abd al-Razzaqal-Merei Sinani male; Bayan Abd al-Razzaqal-Merei child, female; Rawan Abd al-Razzaq al-Merei child, female. The victims were also named by Mohan Nasser and Raqqa is Being SlaughteredSilently.

In a September 2017 report following a field study, Human Rights Watch noted the following: Likely in late April, CJTF airstrikes struck a house in an eastern neighborhood of Tabqa, near Palestine Street, reportedly killing 18 members of the Dalo family. Two residents who said they lived on the street where the house was struck told Human  Rights Watch that there was heavy fighting between SDF and ISIS in the area at the time of the strike. Neither could remember the exact date but indicated that SDF forces were trying to advance from the east and ISIS fighters were moving between houses in their neighborhood and firing at the advancing forces. Muhammad, the owner of the house that came under attack, told Human Rights Watch that he was not present at the time of the attack – he had left the house as fighting approached the area – but that he gave his keys to his neighbors, the Dalo family, as his house had thicker walls and still had water.

Local residents told Human Rights Watch that one munition hit a narrow street in front ofthe house and killed an ISIS fighter. A second munition hit the house where the Dalo family had sought refuge killing all 18 members of the family, including 3 women and 11 children. Human Rights Watch found in the rubble ofthe house remnants of an air-launched Hellfire missile with a Commercial and Government Entity Code (or CAGE) – a unique identifier assigned to suppliers to various government or defense agencies – corresponding to Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC in Rocket Center, West Virginia. Alliant is a well-known supplier of warheads and rocket motors to Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the Hellfire missile.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (15)

Abdel Jalil Mohammad Dillo
48 years old male killed
Saliha Ahmad Dillo
44 years old female killed
Amina Abdel Jalil Dillo
13 years old female killed
Mohammad Abdel Jalil Dillo
11 years old male killed
Shahad Abdel Jalil Dillo
9 years old female killed
Hamza Abdel Jalil Dillo
5 years old male killed
A’had Abdel Jalil Dillo
7 years old male killed
Khaled Mohammad Abdel Jalil Dillo
46 years old male killed
Aamina Ahmad Dillo
38 years old female killed
Mohammad Khaled Dillo
19 years old male killed
Ameena Khaled Dillo
17 years old female killed
Faima Khaled Dillo
13 years old female killed
Omar Khaled Dillo
5 years old male killed
Rim Khaled Dillo
7 years old female killed
Ayyoush Abdel Jalil Dillo
50 years old female killed

Family members (3)

Abdel Razzaq al Mir’i “Al Sanani”
50 years old male killed
Bayan Abdel Razzaq al Mir’i
17 years old male killed
Rawan Abdel Razzaq al Mir’i
13 years old female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18
  • (11 children3 women)
  • 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 (11) [ 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
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility. (1401)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For April 27th-28th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed a command and control node and a front-end loader.”
For April 28th-29th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a front-end loader" and "Near Tabqah, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions and four vehicles"

The Coalition later reported: "Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria April 28 that closed within the last 24 hours.
Near Tabqah, Syria, on April 28, four strikes destroyed three fighting positions and a VBIED.”

For May 2nd - 3rd the Coalition reported: "Near Tabqah, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 12 fighting positions, an ISIS supply route, and a tactical vehicle; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

For May 3rd-4th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, one strike destroyed a command and control node" and "Near Tabqah, 18 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, four vehicles, two tactical vehicles, a VBIED; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For May 4th: CHAMMAL OPERATION ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION In Syria the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue their progress against Daesh. In the region of Raqqah they have proceeded this week to secure territorial gains made the previous week in the north of the city, neutralizing several pockets of resistance still occupied by terrorist fighters. Further west, the SDS continue to expand their controlled areas, gradually tightening those held by Daesh on the town of Tabqah and its dam. In Iraq, Daesh is still trying to maintain an atmosphere of insecurity in the Anbar and the Tiger Valley in order to divert the Iraqi military effort from Mosul. In the region of Mosul, the situation has changed little this week with the exception of a breakthrough in the south-west of the city. With unfavorable weather conditions, the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) marked an operational pause to regenerate their potential, while maintaining pressure on the Medina neighborhood. To the north-west, on the outskirts of the city, the 9th Division is still engaged in security actions of its control zone centered around Badush, and is still under attack by terrorist groups. Further south, in the city of Mosul, the ICTS and the FEDPOL maintained their position in and around the medina by repelling several attempts by Daesh fighters. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMMAL FORCE Fire support - TF Wagram The Task Force (TF) Wagram continued this week its shooting missions in support of the 9th Iraqi Division engaged in the Badush region. The 29 illumination and interdiction missions carried out in support of Iraqi units contributed to the security of the Iraqi zone control system in the face of harassing actions by Daesh groups seeking to infiltrate. Air support to the Levant This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal made 40 sorties, including 30 for armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS), 2 for air command and control, 5 for refueling, and 3 for intelligence gathering. 3 strikes were carried out by French planes in Iraq and Syria, in support of ongoing operations in Mosul and Tabqah, as well as in the Anbar Valley. '

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) poursuivent leurs avancées contre Daech. Dans la région de Raqqah elles ont procédé cette semaine à la sécurisation des gains territoriaux réalisés la semaine précédente au Nord de la ville, en neutralisant plusieurs poches de résistances encore occupées par les combattants terroristes. Plus à l’Ouest les FDS continuent d’étendre leurs zones contrôlées, resserrant progressivement celles tenues par Daech sur la ville de Tabqah et son barrage. En Irak, Daech cherche toujours à entretenir une atmosphère d’insécurité dans l’Anbar et dans la vallée du Tigre afin de détourner l’effort militaire irakien de Mossoul. Dans la région de Mossoul, la situation a peu évolué cette semaine à l’exception d’une avancée dans le sud-ouest de la ville. Avec une météo peu favorable aux opérations, les Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) ont marqué une pause opérationnelle pour régénérer leur potentiel, tout en maintenant la pression sur le quartier de la Médina. Au nord-ouest, sur les abords de la ville, la 9e division est toujours engagée dans des actions de sécurisation de sa zone de contrôle centrée autour de Badush, et qui fait toujours l’objet de tentative d’infiltrations de groupes terroristes. Plus au sud, dans la ville de Mossoul, l’ICTS et les FEDPOL ont maintenu leur position dans et autour de la médina en repoussant plusieurs tentatives de sorties des combattants de Daech. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions de tir en appui de la 9e division irakienne engagée dans la région de Badush. Les 29 missions d’éclairement et d’interdiction réalisées en appui des unités irakiennes ont contribué à la sûreté du dispositif de contrôle de zone irakien face à des actions de harcèlement menées par des groupes de Daech cherchant à s’infiltrer. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 40 sorties aériennes dont 30 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 2 de commandement et de contrôle aérien, 5 de ravitaillement, et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 3 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, en appui des opérations en cours à Mossoul et Tabqah, ainsi que dans la vallée de l’Anbar.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

'Chammal: diversity and complementarity of the support pillar Updated: 28/04/2017 On April 23, a French A400M landed for the first time in Iraq. This first logistical link to Baghdad and Erbil is an opportunity to return to the diversity and complementarity of the means of the "support pillar" of Operation CHAMMAL. Chammal: diversity and complementarity of the pillar support These French resources, engaged in the Inherent Resolve interallied operation, have been operating in the Levant from different areas of influence to all the facades of the theater with optimized effects. They make it possible to sustain and last: the logistic support by air to the air bases and the support points in the Levant makes it possible to respond, by its flexibility, to the impromptu needs: repair of a M88 engine of Rafale, electronic bench of an AWACS, Atlantic optronic ball 2 ... Now relying on A400M flights to Iraqi airports, the armed forces are once again reinforcing their reactivity and the support of the three deployed Task Forces (Narvik, Monsabert, Wagram). They make it possible to assess the situation autonomously and to share the information gathered: for the reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence acquisition missions, the Atlantic 2 sensors and the Rafale RECO NG nacelle cameras confirm their high performance. The endurance of the vectors, the diversity of the sensors and the analytical capacities of the French personnel contribute to the good development of the "situational awareness" (Situation Awarness). They make it possible to respond to requests for support from local security forces or to strike Daech in depth on its hotspots. Chammal: diversity and complementarity of the pillar support After a rigorous targeting process and strong national control, the French armies contribute significantly to coalition strikes in various forms: Prepared strikes in the depths of the Iraqi or Syrian theater, targeting targets of vital importance for Daesh as a booby traps factory or illegal trafficking sites, sources of funding for terrorists. SCALP cruise missiles are regularly used for this purpose. By strikes in support of the local security forces: either on demand, on all lines of contact thanks to the Rafale fighters, punctually thanks to the Atlantic 2, or permanently but on a more restricted area, in direct support surrounding units using CAESAR guns. They enable the detection, control and surveillance of allied air movements thanks to the power of the E-3F (AWACS) weapon system deployed in Qatar, high value added aircraft (HVAA) that exceeds regularly the ten hours of flight after a refueling flight. Most of these assets have increased endurance thanks to the C135-FR air-to-air refueler deployed in the United Arab Emirates. The "Dean" of these abilities CHAMMAL continues to contribute to a commitment in the duration of the different effectors on the zone of combat. The complementarity of the French capabilities deployed in the Levant allows to multiply and combine the effects to ensure the effectiveness of support in the fight against Daesh. This diversity illustrates the commitment and strong involvement of the CHAMMAL forces in the coalition. '

‘Chammal : diversité et complémentarité du pilier appui Ajoutez aux favoris Partager Mise à jour : 28/04/2017 Le 23 avril dernier, un A400M français atterrissait pour la première fois en Irak. Cette première liaison logistique vers Bagdad et Erbil est l’occasion de revenir sur la diversité et la complémentarité des moyens du « pilier appui » de l’opération CHAMMAL. Chammal : diversité et complémentarité du pilier appui Ces moyens français, engagés au sein de l’opération interalliée Inherent Resolve, agissent au Levant depuis différentes emprises vers l’ensemble des façades du théâtre avec des effets optimisés. Ils permettent de soutenir et de durer : le soutien logistique par voie aérienne vers les bases aériennes et les points d’appui au Levant permet de répondre, par sa flexibilité, aux besoins impromptus : dépannage d’un moteur M88 de Rafale, banc électronique d’un AWACS, boule optronique de l’Atlantique 2… En s’appuyant désormais sur des vols A400M vers les aéroports irakiens, les armées renforcent à nouveau leur réactivité et le soutien des trois Task Forces déployées (Narvik, Monsabert, Wagram). Ils permettent d’apprécier la situation de manière autonome et de partager les informations recueillies : pour les missions de reconnaissance, de surveillance, d’acquisition du renseignement, les capteurs de l’Atlantique 2 et les caméras de la nacelle RECO NG des Rafale confirment leurs hautes performances. L’endurance des vecteurs, la diversité des capteurs et les capacités d’analyse du personnel français participent au bon développement de la « connaissance de situation » (Situation Awarness). Ils permettent de répondre aux demandes d’appui des forces de sécurité locales ou de frapper Daech en profondeur sur ses points névralgiques. Chammal : diversité et complémentarité du pilier appui Après un processus de ciblage rigoureux et forts d’un contrôle national intransigeant, les armées françaises contribuent de manière significative aux frappes de la coalition sous diverses formes : Par des frappes préparées, dans la profondeur du théâtre irakien ou syrien, en visant des objectifs d’importance vitale pour Daech comme une usine de véhicules piégés ou des sites de trafics illégaux, sources de financement pour les terroristes. Les missiles de croisière SCALP sont régulièrement utilisés à cet effet. Par des frappes en appui des forces locales de sécurité : soit à la demande, sur l’ensemble des lignes de contact grâce aux chasseurs Rafale, ponctuellement grâce à l’Atlantique 2, soit en permanence mais sur une zone plus restreinte, en appui direct des unités environnantes grâce aux canons CAESAR. Ils permettent la détection, le contrôle et la surveillance de l’ensemble des mouvements aériens alliés grâce à la puissance du système d’armes de l’E-3F (AWACS) déployé au Qatar, aéronef à haute valeur ajoutée (HVAA) qui dépasse régulièrement les dix heures de vol après un ravitaillement en vol. Car la plupart de ces moyens disposent d’une endurance accrue grâce au ravitailleur en vol C135-FR déployé au Emirats-Arabes-Unis. Le « doyen » de ces capacités CHAMMAL continue de contribuer à un engagement dans la durée des différents effecteurs sur la zone de combat. La complémentarité des capacités françaises déployées au Levant permet de démultiplier et de combiner les effets pour assurer l’efficacité des appuis dans la lutte engagée contre Daech. Cette diversité illustre bien l’engagement et la forte implication des forces CHAMMAL au sein de la coalition.’

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • An Inherent Resolve Spokesperson briefs reporters, May 4th (via CJTF Operation Inherent Resolve)

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18
  • (11 children3 women)
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI463

Incident date

February 17, 2017

Location

مدينة الطب, Mosul, Medical City Hospital, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3570248, 43.116703 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several sources claimed that civilians died in a Coalition airstrike on a medical complex in western Mosul. While Iraqi Spring and Raedlay spoke of 18 dead and 47 wounded, News of Iraq reported the death of a child in a video.

The Coalition confirmed to have carried out the strike, but did not state any civilian casualties. It stated in a press release issued on February 18th:

“With the approval of the government of Iraq, Coalition forces struck an ISIS command and control headquarters and propaganda facility in Western Mosul on Feb. 17. The five-story Bab Sinjar administration facility was located in the Al Jumhuri medical community complex. ISIS continues to ignore the Law of Armed Conflict and uses protected sites such as hospitals, schools, and mosques to try and shield themselves from Coalition airstrikes.

In this instance, the Coalition was able to determine through intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts that ISIS did not use the building for any medical purposes and that civilians were no longer accessing the site. The intelligence showed that its sole function was as a military command and control facility for ISIS to oversee its operations against the people of Iraq.

Coalition forces comply with the Law of Armed Conflict, work diligently to be precise in our airstrikes, and take all feasible precautions during the planning and execution of air strikes to reduce the risk of harm to civilians. The air strikes conducted against legitimate ISIS military targets are just one of the ways the Coalition continues to work by, with, and through its Iraqi partners to defeat ISIS in Iraq.”

However Iraqi Spring Media Centre and Raedlay (Facebook) later reported “the killing of 18 civilians and wounding 47 others, including women and children, after coalition airstrikes on Medicine # city of Mosul in the right side of the city.” The source for the claim appeared to be so-called Islamic State.

Alrafidain Channel posted a video (GRAPHIC) showing the aftermath of the strike. News of Iraq posted the same video, saying: “watch a child dying from the effects of the bombing of the international Coalition on the Medical City Hospital in the right side of the city of Mosul”.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    47
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Islamic State claims 18 civilians ded and 47 are injured in a confirmed Coalition strike on a hospital complex, February 17th 2017
  • Video showing the afterath of the alleged attack

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Confirmed event [see above]

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    47
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]