Israeli Military in Syria & the Gaza Strip

Israeli Military in Syria & the Gaza Strip

A child uses his mobile device in the ruins of a building in Beit Lahia, Gaza Strip on May 26th 2021. © Mohamed Zaanoun

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Incident Code

CS1216 RS2346

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Location

الكشكية, Al Kashkiya, school building, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.8225805, 40.6799993 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Seven civilians were killed – including five civilians believed to be from one family – and a number of others were injured in airstrikes on the village of Al Kashkiya in eastern Deir Ezzor.  However it was contested as to who was responsible.

Four sources – Radio al Kul, Micro News, Smart News Agency and Syrian Network for Human Rights – alleged that the Coalition was responsible meanwhile @Syria7ra blamed Russia and Al Jazeera alleged that the Syrian government was responsible. Five sources did not make any claims as to who was to blame.

A number of sources reported that the strikes took place near the village’s middle school and a number of images were shared which showed the level of destruction.

Other sources reported that the family home was deliberately “targeted”  by warplanes.

With regards to civilian casualties, some sources were able to identify some of the victims however they conflicted in their accounts.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (9)

Khalaf al Kalashat
Adult male named by Euphrates Post killed
Wife of Khalaf al Kalashat
Adult female named by Euphrates Post killed
Child of Khalaf al Kalashat 1
Child named by Euphrates Post killed
Child of Khalaf al Kalashat 2
named by Euphrates Post killed
Child of Khalaf al Kalashat 3
Child named by Euphrates Post killed
Khalaf al Shihada
Adult female named by @Syria7ra, mother of Khalaf killed
Sister in law of Khalaf al Kalashat
Adult female named by @Syria7ra killed
Shihade Mekhlef al-Kalshat
Adult male named by VDC killed
A male relative
Adult male named by VDC killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Deir Ezzor is being exterminated)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Deir Ezzor is being exterminated)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Deir Ezzor is being exterminated)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Deir Ezzor is being exterminated)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via @syria7ra)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via @syria7ra)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via @syria7ra)
  • The aftermath of an alleged airstrike which targeted a school, Al Kashkiya: school building, killing an entire family, 17th July 2017. (via @syria7ra)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Kashkiya, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU364465
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 17th-18th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes destroyed 12 ISIS oil refinement stills, four well-heads, and two oil storage tanks.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 9
  • (1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2344

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unspecified number of civilians died and were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hajin, according to sources on the ground.

The Euphrates Post reported: “”A launched air raids targeting Hajin village this morning [July 16th] with rockets targeting a house near the house of Hamadi al-Shawish. Another missile landed in front of the house of Mahdi al-Jamala. There was material damage”.

According to the Smart News Agency, “activists pointed out that a number of civilians were killed and injured, without specifying the exact figures”.

The incident occured at approximately 8:00 am local time.

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Hajin, July 16th (via Newsaahal2050)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Hajin, July 16th (via Newsaahal2050)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1210

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, multiple neighbourhoods, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Seven civilians died and two others were injured, in addition to the death of four members of IS, in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to the Smart News Agency.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 16th-17th: “Near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 18 fighting positions, two VBIED factories and a mortar system.” It additionally reported that “On July 16, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, three ISIS communication towers, and a vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘ Sunday 16 July – in Raqqa, a Reaper killed terrorists armed with rocket-propelled grenades, whilst Tornados and Typhoons dealt with three sniper teams and three other defended positions… In the course of surveillance over Raqqa on Sunday 16 July, a Reaper delivered a Hellfire missile attack which killed a small group of terrorists armed with rocket-propelled grenades, who had been firing on the Syrian Democratic Forces from a rooftop. Tornados and Typhoons were also very active over the city, and used a Brimstone missile to attack one terrorist firing point, and Paveway IVs to deal with three sniper teams and two other positions defended by Daesh extremists. Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said: "Mosul may have been freed from the brutal grip of Daesh, but the battle against this dangerous death-cult is far from over. Over the weekend the RAF repeatedly struck Daesh targets in Raqqa, their Syrian stronghold, with precision and purpose. It is key that we maintain momentum in the campaign to remove Daesh from Syria and the remaining towns across Iraq, both to stop the spread of a poisonous ideology and to help keep us safe at home."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS2345

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

حزة , Hazza, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.52034, 36.36494 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as four children died and dozens more civilians were reported wounded in an airstrike on Hazza, according to sources on the ground. Most reports blamed the Assad regime, though there was also an allegation against Russia.

According to Akhbaralaan, “Activists said that the warplanes of the Assad forces fired several rockets on residential neighborhoods in the town of Haza on the outskirts of Zamalka, leaving four dead, including three children and a number of wounded”.

Aladeyehnews reported that “a medical source said four children were killed and more than a dozen others injured”.

@HadiAlabdallah put the death toll at five.

Jobar attributed the civilian harm to Russia.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 5
  • (3–4 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Translation: '5 martyrs, all of them children and dozens of wounded civilians as a result of the bombing of the Syrian warplanes on the areas of "Ein Tarma, Hazza, Zamalka" in Gouta # East Damascus'
  • Images of children wounded in airstrikes reportedly carried out by the Assad regime on Hazza, July 16th 2017.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Translation: 'A child injured in the aerial bombardment of the Assad forces on the town of Haza in the suburb of Damascus, in which three other children were killed.'

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
    4 – 5
  • (3–4 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1211 RS2342

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, multiple locations, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.016667, 40.444167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 11 and 14 civilians – including several women and children – were killed and dozens others were wounded in airstrikes on Al Mayadin. However it was contested as to who was responsible. Sources either blamed Russia, the Syrian regime or the US-led Coalition. More than five sources made no claims with regards to responsibility. However, some also reported “unknown warplanes”.

Ahmad Shibli, blaming the Coalition, published a series of graphic images showing casualties from the strikes.

A number of local sources said the airstrikes struck the Tkeit Al Rawi Street, the children’s hospital, the Quail market, the Al Rawi hospice, the Al Samn Market and the Al Sharq hospital (though some of those locations may be overlapping) and Euphrates Post shared images which documented the extensive damage.

Sources reported that the Al Shaher family were trapped under the rubble. Additionally, many other sources reported that there were many wounded civilians, most critical, because the airstrikes “targeted” residential buildings.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mahdi al Misnad
Age unknown female killed
Hussein al Misnad
Age unknown female killed

Family members (4)

Mohammed Hasan al Hamid al Shaker
male killed
Daughter of Hassan Shaker
Child female killed
Daughter of Marwan Shaker
Child female killed
Wissam Atallah Shaker
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Fadel al Jawer
Age unknown killed
Ali al Khalouf al Awaid
Age unknown killed
Samer Fawzi al-Humaidi
Age unknown seriously injured in his body while he was near the Al Jeash Street "Al Samna Market" injured
Bint Hassan Shaker
Age unknown killed
Haj Mahidi al-Musnad Abu Jaber
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 14
  • (1–3 children1–2 women1 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, Unknown

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The exacr moment the airstrike hit Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Free Deir Ezzor Facebook)
  • The exacr moment the airstrike hit Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Free Deir Ezzor Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured civilian following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)
  • A civilian casualty is pulled from the rubble following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)
  • The aftermath of an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Ahmad Shibli)
  • Samer Fawzi al-Humaidi, one of the survivors from the airstrikes was seriously injured and was found near the Al Jeash Street "Al Samna Market". (via Al Mayadeen Today)
  • Haj Mahidi al-Musnad Abu Jaber, killed in an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via AhrarDeirezzor)
  • Either Mahidi Al-Musnad Abu Jaber and Hussein Al-Musnad Abu Saleh, who were both killed in an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Abo Sa’ed Al Husainy)
  • Either Mahidi Al-Musnad Abu Jaber and Hussein Al-Musnad Abu Saleh, who were both killed in an airstrike on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, July 16th 2017. (via Abo Sa’ed Al Husainy)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 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 July 16th-17th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit, destroyed three weapons caches, two staging areas, and a well-head.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

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

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 14
  • (1–3 children1–2 women1 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, Unknown

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1212 RS2343

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

الصبحة, Al Subha, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.2970537, 40.2363968 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three to six civilians died in airstrikes on al Subha village, local media reported, though it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “five people were martyred and three of them were charred, as a result of shelling by aircraft. It’s not known whether it was Russian or affiliated with the International coalition”.

Ahmad al Shibli blamed the Coalition and put the death toll at six.

Euphrates Post reported that warplanes carried out strikes on “civilian houses in the vicinity of Al-Iman Mosque and the school in al-Subha town.” It said four civilians died and named two. In a later report, however, Euphrates Post pointed towards Russia and named a further (child) victim.

A report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Syrian regime for firing missiles on Al-Iman Mosque.

However, in confused reporting, SN4HR later said that the Coalition had struck a high school for girls in al Subha.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ayman Ali Al – Othman al Khalaf
Age unknown killed
Anwar Sameeh Hussein Al-Kalash
Age unknown killed

Family members (3)

Khalaf al-Shihade
Age unknown killed
Mother of Khalaf al-Shihade
Adult female killed
Family member of Khalaf al-Shihade
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Saleh Al-Hamarat
Child male killed
Shihade Mekhlef al-Kalshat
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohammed Saleh Al-Hamarat, killed in an airstrike on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Deir Ezzor24)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Deir Ezzor24)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Deir Ezzor24)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Eurphates Post)
  • Civilians begin to clean up in the aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Eurphates Post)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Eurphates Post)
  • The aftermath of the alleged airstrikes on Al Subha, July 16th 2017. (via Eurphates Post)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Subha, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV121070
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 16th-17th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit, destroyed three weapons caches, two staging areas, and a well-head.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

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

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1213

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Al Hal market, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9498881, 39.0213561 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between seven and 12 members of the Salah Al-Mana family were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, all of whom were reportedly civilians. Syrian Network for Human Rights added that the victims were IDP’s from Mehaimda village in Deir Ez-Zour and were killed by missiles fired on Raqqa city.

Local sources identified seven members of the family, including two women.

Q_Alenzy was the only source that put the death toll higher and claimed that 12 members of the family were killed in the Coalition raid.

According to Free Deir Ezzor Facebook page, “The mother, along with one of her boys and one of her girls survived the raid.” Euphrates Post added that two surviving family members were wounded.

All sources blamed the US-led Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (9)

Madiha Salah Al-Mana
Adult female killed
Jihan Salah Al-Mana
Adult female killed
Ahmed Salah Al-Mana
Age unknown killed
Mahmoud Salah Al-Mana
Age unknown killed
Abdul Rahman Salah Al-Mana
Age unknown killed
Salah Al-Mana
Age unknown killed
Maryam Issa Al-Mane
Age unknown female injured
Mohammed and Abdullah Salah Al-Mane
male injured
Ali Al Jarou
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 12
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Victims of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Ar Raqqah: Al Hal market, 16th July 2017. (via Free deir Ezzor facebook)
  • Victims of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Ar Raqqah: Al Hal market, 16th July 2017. (via Free deir Ezzor 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV019783
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 16th-17th: “Near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 18 fighting positions, two VBIED factories and a mortar system.” It additionally reported that “On July 16, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, three ISIS communication towers, and a vehicle.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For July 12th-18th, France report 11 strikes: 7 in Syria (6 in Raqqa) and 4 in Iraq. There were 26 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014 France has carried out 1322 strikes, with 2090 targets destroyed and 6812 air sorties. Additionally, they’ve carried out 1310 artillery missions.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah désormais encerclée, Daech défend fermement les quartiers sous son contrôle en s’appuyant sur un usage intensif de pièges dont le terrain est littéralement saturé pour ralentir la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Cette stratégie impose aux FDS de déminer, pas à pas, chaque rue et chaque maison, sous la menace permanente de tireurs isolés entre autres tactiques adverses. Leur progression reste donc très lente. En Irak, Alors que les opérations de sécurisation de Mossoul se poursuivent, la principale zone de combat se situe désormais à l’Ouest de la ville dans le secteur de Tall Afar. Depuis cette localité, Daech mène des actions de harcèlement par des tirs directs et indirects contre les positions des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) à proximité. L’effort aérien de la coalition s’y porte donc tout en s’accompagnant d’un engagement plus large sur l’ensemble des autres territoires encore sous le contrôle de l’organisation terroriste. Daech poursuit notamment ses actions de harcèlement depuis la poche de Hawijah et dans l’Anbar, région dans laquelle elle dispose de nombreux camps et caches d’armes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 02 de ravitaillement en vol après le déploiement récent d’un C135. La moitié des frappes françaises (6 sur les 11 frappes) a été réalisée dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, les missions de reconnaissance française ou alliée permettant d’en réaliser autant sur le reste du théâtre afin de préparer les manœuvres futures ou de peser sur les réseaux terroristes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 26 missions de tir dont 17 de harcèlement et 09 d’éclairement. Le bilan global de CHAMMAL depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1322 frappes, 2090 objectifs détruits et 6812 sorties aériennes réalisées. 1310 missions d’artillerie complètent cet engagement cinétique de la France au Levant.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘ Sunday 16 July – in Raqqa, a Reaper killed terrorists armed with rocket-propelled grenades, whilst Tornados and Typhoons dealt with three sniper teams and three other defended positions… In the course of surveillance over Raqqa on Sunday 16 July, a Reaper delivered a Hellfire missile attack which killed a small group of terrorists armed with rocket-propelled grenades, who had been firing on the Syrian Democratic Forces from a rooftop. Tornados and Typhoons were also very active over the city, and used a Brimstone missile to attack one terrorist firing point, and Paveway IVs to deal with three sniper teams and two other positions defended by Daesh extremists. Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said: "Mosul may have been freed from the brutal grip of Daesh, but the battle against this dangerous death-cult is far from over. Over the weekend the RAF repeatedly struck Daesh targets in Raqqa, their Syrian stronghold, with precision and purpose. It is key that we maintain momentum in the campaign to remove Daesh from Syria and the remaining towns across Iraq, both to stop the spread of a poisonous ideology and to help keep us safe at home."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 12
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1214a

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah: Nazlet Al-Shehada, area of Dara’iya , Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.944558, 38.990043 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, 12 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition artillery strikes in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty.

Field notes suggested that 11 civilians were killed on the interior of Ali Jandal’s house – the site which was struck – and one civilian was killed on the exterior. Nine women,  three children and one man (who was outside) were killed, and others were injured.

Researchers did not note the name of the street, however did report it was only a few roads away from Dara’iya.

The report states “Artillery shells smashed into the home of the Jandal family, killing 12 women and children who were sitting together and a young man who was passing outside. Only a six-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy survived, both severely injured.” The children who were injured were, Dalal’s daughter Mariam, 6 and a half and Yousef, 10, grandson of Yazi (son of daughter) who received an abdomen injury.

Yazi’s husband and Dalal’s husband were in other houses just across the road, with male neighbours therefore survived the strike.

Subhi,  a survivor of the strike whose wife and three daughters were killed, was interviewed by Amnesty. He stated “I was at home with other neighbours and the women and children were at the house across the road which was bombed. It was a massacre. Why bomb civilians?”

The incident occured at 21:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Dalal Subhi al-Mansour
24 years old female killed
Jamila Subhi Hammud al-Mansour
8 years old female Dalal's daughter killed
Islam
3 years old female Dalal's daughter killed
Ritaj
7 months years old female Dalal's daughter

Family members (2)

Yazi AbdNasser Gaoud (Ka’oud)
55 years old female killed
Khulud al-Mansour
13 years old female daughter of Yazi killed

Family members (2)

AbdalQader AbdRahman al-Mansour
3 years old male child of of Fadila killed
Jawaher AbdRahman al-Mansour
2 years old female child of of Fadila killed

Family members (3)

Asma Jamous
45 years old female killed
Houda Jamous
42 years old female sister of Asma killed
Zahra al-Jandal
55 years old female sister of Asma killed

The victims were named as:

Abderrahman Ibn AbdlKarim al-Abdallah
26 years old male killed in same strike just outside the house while rescuing other injured killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (6 children5 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • AbdalQader & Jawaher AbdRahman al-Mansour (children of Fadila), killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Abdelqader Abderrahman, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Abderrahman Ibn Abdel Karhim Al Abdallah, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Abderrahman Ibn Abdel Karhim Al Abdallah, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Islam, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Jamila killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Jawaher and Abdelqader Aberrahman al Mansour killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Jawaher Abderrahman al Mansour killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Khulud al Mansour killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Khulud al Mansour killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)
  • Yazi al Abdal Nasser Groud, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on July 16th 2017, Raqqa. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Not yet assessed.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (6 children5 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition