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

CI115

Incident date

September 27, 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

Local and medical sources said that 13 civilians were killed and up to six more injured after Coaliton planes struck their homes in the centre of Mosul, while three more civilians died after a shop was reportedly struck by the Coalition in the west of the city.

This report references the event in central Mosul.

NINA reported one local as saying some residents were trying to flee the city “for fear of being subjected to bombardment again“ after reports of a heavy aerial assault on the city. It also said that “The bombing led to the death of 13 civilians, and wounding six others were injured, in addition to major damage role and property”. A later report referenced 16 deaths – though this may also include the west Mosul allegation outlined in event CI115a.

In its monthly civilian harm assessment report for November 2019 – published on January 2nd 2020 – the Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’ while breaking it down into two incidents, noting:

”7. September 27, 2015, in Mosul, 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. 2836/CI115 38SLF294240

8. September 27, 2015, in Mosul, 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. 2837/CI115 38SLF294240″.

The Coalition provided geolocates, indicating to within 100 metres the area on which it had focused its assessment.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 16
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–6
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Archive image of Cubs of the Caliphate - ISIL's child soldiers (via al Mayadeen)

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2020

  • 7. September 27, 2015, in Mosul, 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. 2836/CI115 38SLF294240 8. September 27, 2015, in Mosul, 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. 2837/CI115 38SLF294240

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reported that for September 26th-27th 2015: “Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL armored vehicle, and suppressed an ISIL mortar position.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 16
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–6
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS269

Incident date

July 18, 2016

Location

التوخار كبير, Tokhar Kabir, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.6398429, 37.9810023 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to sixteen civilians including two or more children were reported killed in an alleged noon Coalition airstrike on Al Tokhar, a village near Manbij in northern Aleppo governorate.

In its own report on the event the Syrian Network noted: “Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted a residential house that is owned by Al Durj family in northwestern Al Toukhar village, affiliated to Manbej city in the eastern suburbs of Aleppo governorate, which resulted in the killing of 16 civilians – most of whom were from the same family – including two children. Al Toukhar village was under the control of ISIS on the day of the incident and it is now held by the Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces.”

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 (9)

Ali Mohammad Al Durj
Age unknown male killed
Hasan Ibrahim Al Durj
Age unknown male killed
Son of Hasan Ibrahim Al Durj
Child male killed
Son of Hasan Ibrahim Al Durj
Child male killed
Ahmad Ali Al Akhras Al Durj
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Hasan Ibrahim Al Durj
Child male killed
Hasan Mohammad Ali Al Durj
Age unknown male killed
Khalaf Mohammad Ali Al Durj
killed
Hussein Saad Ali Al Durj
Child male killed

Family members (2)

Aboud Shaikh Al Haji
Age unknown male killed
Khaled Shaikh Al Haji
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Bakkar Ali Bakkar Al Emiri
Age unknown male killed
Ahmad Hussein Al Hamid Al Emiri
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Abd Al Hmeidi
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 16
  • (2–4 children2 men)
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Translation: 5 people killed in coalition raids on al Tokhaz village north of Manbij.
  • Translation: activists: 8 martyrs including women and children in coalition raids on al Tokhaz village near Manbij in the Aleppo countryside.
  • Some of the victims killed in the alleged air strike (via Al Tokhar al Kabir)

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 17th-18th 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, 11 strikes struck eight separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed 22 ISIL fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 16
  • (2–4 children2 men)
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1725

Incident date

February 19, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin / Bahra, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Between 12 and 16 civilians, including 5 children and 6 women were allegedly killed and “dozens” wounded in a Coalition airstrike on the city of Hajin on February 19th. However some sources, like Deir Ezzor24, stated that the airstrike in fact took place in Al Bahra, a town near Hajin.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the victims were Internally Displaced Persons from Mouhasan, Deir Ezzor. This claim was supported by other local sources who reported that ten members of the Al-Khalaf Al-Saleh family, all IDPs from Mouhasan, were killed in the airstrike.

Deir Ezzor24 and Euphrates Post published a list with all known casualties. It is worth mentioning that an earlier report by Euphrates Post stated that Muhammad al-Da’as (number 14 on its casualty list) was a member of so-called Islamic State. His whole family was reported killed in the same airstrike and was included on the list as well.

The Syrian Network, among others, later reported that on that same day the Khdairin bakery in Hajin was additionally targeted by an airstrike, damaging the building severely.

It is worth mentioning that an earlier report by Euphrates Post stated that Muhammad al-Da’as (number 14 on the casualty list) was a member of so-called Islamic State. His whole family was killed in the same airstrike and was included on the list as well.

SN4HR, among others, later reported that on that same day, the Khdairin bakery in Hajin was targeted by an airstrike, damaging the building severely.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Khaled Al Khalaf Al Saleh Al Hussein
Age unknown male killed
Hanaa al Khalaf al Saleh al Hussein
Age unknown female killed
Rahaf Mahmoud al Khalaf al Saleh
Age unknown male killed
Lara Mahmoud t al Khalaf al Saleh
Age unknown female killed
Hala Khalaf Al Saleh Al Hussein
Age unknown female killed
Bakr
Age unknown male Son of Hana al Khalaf al Saleh killed
Ghafran
Age unknown female Daughter of Hana al Khalaf al Saleh killed
Name unknown

Family members (7)

Habiba Mohammad al-Da’as
Age unknown female killed
Tayba Mohammad al-Da’as
Age unknown female killed
Maryam Mohammed al-Da’as
Age unknown female killed
Hamza Mohammad al-Da’as
Age unknown male killed
Ahmed Mohammad al-Da’as
Age unknown male killed
Jabir al-Da’as
Adult male killed
Wife of Jaber al-Da’as
Adult female killed

The victims were named as:

Fatima Nasser Al Ali
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 16
  • (5 children6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Muhammad al-Da’as was described locally as a member of ISIS. However members of his immediate family had no known associations with the terror group (via Euphrates Post)

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 Hajin
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU676401
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • February 19, 2018, near Hajin, Syria, via Airwars. 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 February 19th, the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 19 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of 12 engagements against Daesh targets.
• Near Abu Kamal, seven strikes engaged four Daesh tactical units and destroyed a Daesh observation post, a weapons cache and a Daesh resupply vehicle and damaged a bulldozer and a mortar."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For February 14th-21st, the Netherlands reports its F16s attacked ISIS combatants near Abu Kamal, Syria. The jets supported ground troops in 9 missions, including in the Nineveh and Diyala provinces, Iraq. Only weapons deployed in one mission

‘Nederlandse F-16’s vielen ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen ISIS-strijders aan. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 14 tot en met 21 februari 2018. militairen kijken naar taxiënde F-16 De jachtvliegtuigen ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 1 missie werden wapens ingezet. Zij vertoonden zich ook in de Iraakse provincies Ninawa en Diyala. Nederland strijdt boven Irak en Oost-Syrië in coalitieverband tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Feb 14th-20th, France reports 28 air sorties. Two strikes were conducted: one in the area of ​​Abu Kamal in support of the SDF, the other in support of security operations in Iraq, northeast of Baghdad. Task Force Wagram carried out four shooting missions in support of the Iraqi Security Forces (2 interdiction missions and 2 illuminance missions).

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de : défaire les poches terroristes résiduelles en Syrie ; sécuriser les territoires récemment libérés en Irak. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leurs efforts contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine leur progression a été ralentie du fait des mauvaises conditions météorologiques compliquant l’appui aérien de la Coalition. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent sur l’ensemble du pays. Elles se concentrent dans la région des monts Hamrim mais aussi plus à l’ouest, dans le désert de Jazirah. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, quatre missions de tirs ont été réalisées au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes (2 missions d’interdiction et 2 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 14 au 20 février). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1622 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Cette semaine, l’activité aérienne a permis d’assurer des missions de renseignement et d’appui au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes et des forces démocratiques syriennes. Elle a donné lieu à 28 sorties aériennes (bilan du 14 au 20 février) au cours desquelles deux frappes ont été réalisées, une dans le secteur d’Abu Kamal en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes combattant les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate, l’autre en appui des opérations de sécurisation en Irak, au nord-est de Bagdad. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7790 sorties / 1439 frappes / 2227 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 16
  • (5 children6 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI324

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Sehab, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

An Iraqi security source who spoke with Airwars reported the deaths of 16 civilians spread among several families. The source said they were all in a house in a neighbourhood of eastern Mosul when it was hit by an airstrike at 7 PM on November 6th.

No additional details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

    • English
    • English
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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 5th-6th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, four strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units, a mortar system and a fighting position; destroyed four vehicles, three mortar systems, a VBIED, a command and control node, an artillery system, and a weapons cache; and damaged three tunnel systems and a vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

    • English
    • English

Incident Code

CS1736

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Location

الشفعة, Al Sha'afa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four families of Tajik nationality were reportedly killed as a result of airstrikes on the town of Al Sha’afa, according to local sources.

All reports stated that the non combatant victims were related to members of so-called Islamic State. Although the sources implied that women and children were harmed by the bombardments, no names, photos or other details were provided. Euphrates Post for example noted that “Four families of Tajik nationality [immigrants belonging to Daesh] were killed by air raids on the town of Al-Sha’afa yesterday.”

Reports from Baladi and Al Sharq Al Souri Agency identified the “International Coalition” as the culprit.

In addition, al Sharq al Souri noted the death in an airstrike that day of “Abu Osman al-Shami from al-Hisan village, one of Islamic State’s medical officials.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 16
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

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 March 6th, the Coalition reported: “On Mar. 6 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged two Daesh tactical units and destroyed a Daesh supply route, a front end loader and a staging facility.”

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 16
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1899

Incident date

February 11, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the final stages of the fight against ISIS in its last territorial stronghold in Al-Baghouz, alleged Coalition shelling killed at least 16 civilians in the evening of February 11th on the outskirts of the town, according to local sources.

Monitors reported that among the victims were seven children, eight women and one elderly man, according to the Syrian Observatory.

The Observatory also told AFP that most of the victims were family members of combatants who were struck as they tried to flee towards the Iraqi border.

No additional details are known at this time.

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

The incident occured between 6:00 pm and 11:59 pm local time.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16
  • (7 children8 women1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve launched a precision strike in support of Syrian Democratic Forces against an ISIS command and control facility, formerly used as a mosque in Baghouz Fawqani, Syria, on Feb. 11, 2019.

ISIS used the former mosque to direct attacks and employ vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices against CJTF-OIR and partner forces. Otherwise protected under the Geneva Convention, ISIS caused the mosque to lose its protected status afforded by the Law of Armed Conflict.

“This mosque lost its protected status when ISIS deliberately chose to use it as a command and control center,” said U.K. Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, CJTF-OIR deputy commander-strategy and information. “This strike on ISIS will further hasten their defeat in the MERV.”

Coalition Forces, comprising 74 partner nations and five international organizations, are deployed in support of CJTF-OIR, working by, with and through partner forces to bring about the enduring defeat of ISIS.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

From Feb 6th-12th, French MoD report 7 firing missions by Task Force Wagram on the Hajin area of Syria, from Iraqi territory. Additionally, French Rafales carried out 21 sorties and 6 airstrikes.

CHAMMALSITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATREOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les Forces démocratiques syriennes ont repris les opérations de reconquête de la poche de Hajin dans la nuit du 09 et 10 février. Elles sont appuyées par les tirs des forces aériennes de la Coalition, dont celles de l’opération Chammal, ainsi que par les tirs d’artillerie de la Task Force Wagram.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak. Les Forces de sécurité irakiennes, appuyées par la Coalition, maintiennent un rythme opérationnel élevé face à Daesh.ACTIVITE DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateDepuis le territoire irakien, la Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes engagées contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine.La TF Wagram a réalisé 7 missions de tir (1 mission d’éclairement, et 6 missions d’aveuglement – bilan du 06 au 12 février inclus).Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérationsLes aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes (bilan du 06 au 12 février inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 6 frappes au cours de cette période.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Monday 11 February – Typhoons supported the Syrian Democratic Forces east of Abu Kamal in Syria, striking two Daesh strong-points, including a heavy machine-gun position...As the Syrian Democratic Forces have continued their operations to clear the last small remaining pocket of Daesh-held territory that has been identified in eastern Syria, Royal Air Force aircraft have maintained daily armed reconnaissance support, delivering air attacks if needed by the SDF on the ground. On Monday 11 February, the SDF encountered two Daesh strong-points on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, across the river from Abu Kamal. These strong-points were directing fire, including from a heavy machine-gun, at close range against the SDF, so assistance was requested from two RAFTyphoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker. The Typhoons conducted an accurate simultaneous attack on both strong-points, hitting each with a Paveway IV guided bomb, and successfully eliminated the threat to the SDF.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16
  • (7 children8 women1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI584

Incident date

March 28, 2017

Location

17 تموز, Mosul, July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3667014, 43.0854607 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that four family houses were destroyed on top of their residents when airstrikes targeted an ‘ISIL headquarters’ in Hawi Al Kaneesa (Church) at west of Mosul.

Ninawa said that the houses fell on the heads of the four families living there. Nawar Nathim Ali said on Facebook there was news about civilian casualties but “now we are waiting for the details.”

Shafaaq reported that “the sources could not confirm the identity of the aircraft that carried out the air raid.” Only the Baghdad Press explicitly blamed the Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 16
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties. (1072)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 27th-28th: “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three mortar systems, two VBIEDs, a tactical vehicle, an artillery system, a VBIED facility, and a vehicle; damaged 11 supply routes; and suppressed four ISIS tactical units and two ISIS mortar teams.”

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 16
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI380

Incident date

December 29, 2016

Location

مستشفى ابن الاثير, Mosul, Ibn Al Athir Hospital, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.374064, 43.150146 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to several sources, at least 16 civilians killed following the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted the children’s hospital in Mosul. CENTCOM confirmed the incident the same day and announced an investigation.

A number of ISIL fighters were reported killed along with between five and 16 civilians when the Coalition targeted a vehicle at Ibn al-Athir hospital. An ISIL propaganda video showed significant damage to the hospital. One of the victims has since been named as a medic.

In a statement issued that day, CENTCOM noted: During operations to liberate Mosul on Dec. 29, a Coalition airstrike struck a van carrying ISIL fighters observed firing an SPG9/RPG recoilless rifle before loading the weapon in the van and driving off. The van was struck in what was later determined to be a hospital compound parking lot resulting in possible civilian casualties.

In its February 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted two events for December 29th – one of which had been dismissed, the other still under investigation. A senior official later confirmed to Airwars that this event remained under assessment.

A UN report on the protection of civilians in the context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: On 29 December 2016, an airstrike hit the parking area of the Ibn al-Atheer hospital in the Majmoua al- Thaqafiya neighbourhood of northeastern Mosul, reportedly killing seven civilians and wounding 14 others. The airstrike allegedly targeted a vehicle transporting ISIL militants. Reports were received that when ISIL took over al-Salam hospital of southeastern Mosul on 5 December, it evacuated the civilian patients from Ibn al-Atheer hospital and reserved the hospital only for the treatment of its militants. ISIL reportedly posted a video showing the effects of the airstrike online. UNAMI/OHCHR could not verify the authenticity of the video.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Anwar Mohammed Daoud.
Adult male via Haithem Yousif killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 16
  • (1–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–14
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • A picture of Anwar Mohammed Daoud, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Mosul, Dec 29th (via Haithem Yousif)
  • An image shows a destroyed armed vehicle following an alleged coalition strike on the hospital in Mosul (via Iraqyoon)
  • A photo shows the destruction inside the hospital after an alleged Coalition strike on Ibn Al-Atheer Hospital in Nineveh (via Iraqi Spring Media Center)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture shows an injured following the alleged airstrike on Ibn Al-Atheer Hospital in Nineveh (via Iraqi Spring Media Center)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture shows dead bodies on the floor following the alleged airstrike on Ibn Al-Atheer Hospital in Nineveh (via Iraqi Spring Media Center)
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For December 29th-30th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul four strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed 11 ISIL-held buildings, five supply caches, three tactical vehicles, two mortar systems, two fighting positions, two VBIEDs, a tunnel, an observation post, a research lab, a command and control node, an up-armored VBIED, two barges, and two artillery pieces; suppressed five mortar teams; and damaged 20 supply routes and two repeater towers.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 16
  • (1–3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–14
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]