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

CS1360

Incident date

August 9, 2017

Location

البجري, Al Barji and other areas, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.948086, 39.015225 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Summarising a 48 hour period, local sources said that 47 civilians were killed and 50 injured in alleged airstrikes on the city of Raqqa. Two of the eight sources specifically blamed the US-led Coalition for the civilian casualty incidents.

Activists told Smart News that “the city had been hit by more than 43 airstrikes, in addition to dozens of artillery and rocket-propelled grenades, in the past 48 hours, leading to the deaths and injuries. Most of the injuries were critical… Forty-seven civilians were killed and dozens injured, including women and children”. The severity of those injured was especially important to note in light of accounts of “deterioration of medical services”, the alleged “targeting of health centres”, and most recently the alleged “bombing of the national hospital”.

Al Raqqa Truth published a number of images reportedly showing “the massive destruction caused by aerial bombardment of Coalition aircraft and artillery shelling and by Kurdish units in different areas of the city of Raqqa”.

The same images were published by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently which said that they depicted destruction in the Al-Bajri neighbourhood. The source also alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

These are general civilian casualty numbers, and there is a possibility that this entry could include other civilian casualty events.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    47
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. RBSS posted pictures of destruction in the neighbourhood of Al Bajri (البجري), for which the coordinates are: 35.948086, 39.015225.   

  • Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 7th-8th the Coalition reported *Near Raqqah, 25 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 37 fighting positions, two command and control nodes, two weapons caches, two vehicles, and a weapons depot. *On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a mortar system, an anti-air artillery system, and a VBIED.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Wednesday 9 August – Typhoons demolished a Daesh-held building in Raqqa…A Typhoon flight saw action over Raqqa on Wednesday 9 August; the Syrian Democratic Forces reported coming under fire from a large building against which our aircraft conducted a successful attack using two Paveway IV guided bombs.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    47
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1389

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Location

Al Jazza'a, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.09129, 41.09085 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (other) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a major civilian casualty incident, between 15 and 41 people reportedly died following an alleged US-led Coalition strike on Al Jazza’a [or al-Helo] village. The civilians were leaving Asr prayer at the village mosque when they were hit, local media sources reported. According to Hasaka Rasd and multiple other sources, “the village was not controlled by any military faction and was located on a contact line between Islamic State and Kurdish units”.

The alleged strike resulted in significant material destruction as well as the loss of many lives, Baladi news reported, saying that the mosque was destroyed entirely. Those that died in this event were “buried in a mass grave” in the village, according to local reports.

Most sources put the death toll at 21, though Smart said that at least 15 had died.

According to Iuvmonline, as many as 41 had died. It reported: “Activists said on Twitter that coalition raids resulted in the deaths of 41 martyrs on the village of Jazaa in the south-eastern province of Hasaka, where coalition aircraft targeted air raids on the village mosque during the Asr prayer on Saturday, which led to dozens of injuries also”.

Some of the victims were named by local media. The majority of sources tracked blamed the US-led Coalition.

In July 2019, Human Rights Watch published the following report on this event: “On August 19, 2017, at about 3:45 p.m., a US-led coalition airstrike hit the only mosque in al-Helo village, 16 kilometers from the Iraqi border. Witnesses said they heard the plane before the strike and watched as the mosque was hit. They said the mosque, with mud walls, was struck once and destroyed, and the plane circled over the village for about a half hour afterward.

“The village is near an oil rig that ISIS controlled and guarded but was otherwise in a remote area. The strike completely destroyed the mosque, witnesses said, and killed at least 24 people inside for afternoon prayer. They said there were 21 civilians, whose names they provided, and 3 ISIS fighters who had guarded the rig.

“Most of the village’s inhabitants are from the al-Jazza` family. The father of one victim said that there was no fighting in the vicinity at the time, though media reports indicate that the village was on the front lines. Witnesses indicated that ISIS occupied a house on the village outskirts, where the three ISIS fighters, who were Syrian but not local, had stayed.

“Human Rights Watch visited the site on February 9 and observed damage consistent with the destruction of a single structure. Satellite imagery reviewed confirmed that a single building had been destroyed by the probable detonation of an air-dropped munition between about 10 a.m. on August 18 and 10 a.m. on August 20.

“The father of one of the civilians killed said: “Nothing was left. I could not even find my son’s body. No one escaped alive. I could have been in that mosque that day. It could have taken us all.”

“Residents said that many of the relatives of men killed in the strike – old men, widows, and children – have been unable to get jobs or provide for themselves without their heads of families. They have been forced to share accommodation and scarce resources.

“The official website of the coalition’s Operation Inherent Resolve says that the coalition carried out a civilian casualty assessment of the strike but concluded that the media reports submitted to the coalition contained insufficient information of the time, location, and details to assess their credibility. As well as Human Rights Watch can determine, no other military force was conducting airstrikes in the region at the time. Residents said that as of February 9 no official from the SDF or the US-led coalition had investigated or contacted them, and the families affected did not know how to file a claim. On May 29, the coalition told Human Rights Watch that based on information provided they would assess the allegations.”

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 at approximately 4:00 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Hajj Saleh Al-Daham
Adult male killed
Fahd Saleh Al - Daham
Age unknown male killed
Bandar Saleh Al - Daham
Age unknown male killed
Ahmed Saleh Al-Daham
Adult male Abu Sen killed

Family members (3)

Hamid Al - Mudhi
Age unknown male Killed with his son killed
Ali Al - Mudhhi's son
Two sons of Makhlef Al-Mudhi
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Hamid Al - Ahmad Al - Jamal
Age unknown male killed
Mohamed El - Jamal
Age unknown male Killed with his son killed

The victims were named as:

Eid Al-Raheel
Age unknown male killed
Haidar Al - Murshed Al - Doudieh
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 41
  • (3 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

While reports of the incident mention Jazaa ( الجزاع ) village in the Southeastern countryside, East of Shaddadi, in Hasakah governorate, we were unable to geolocate this location. However according to Human Rights Watch, which visited the scene, the location was in fact al-Helo village: “GPS Coordinates: 41°5’27″E 36°5’29″N (MGRS: 37SFV 88239 96098)”.

  • Midpoint of ISIS-controlled Al Hasakah, (35 km radius).

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Jazza’a village, near Shadadi, 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. (1248)

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 18th-19th , the Coalition reported: “Near Al Shadaddi, one strike destroyed a fighting position and an IED factory.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 41
  • (3 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1414

Incident date

August 25, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A civilian male was killed in alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Raqqa.

At present there is no further information on this incident: the entry will be updated when new details arise.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khalil Al-Faraj Shu’aib
Adult male nicknamed “Al Sayed” killed

Summary

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

Geolocation notes

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 25th-26th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, two logistics nodes, two command and control nodes, a VBIED, an ISIS UAS, a vehicle, and an ISIS headquarters; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It was additionally reported that “On Aug. 25, near Raqqah, Syria, 31 strikes engaged 18 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 11 fighting positions, two command and control nodes, five vehicles, and three heavy machine guns.” And that “On Aug. 25, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed a command and control node and two fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 25 August – Typhoons and Tornados attacked three terrorist positions in Raqqa, and three in Tal Afar…A mixed Typhoon and Tornado pair delivered three further Paveway attacks in Tal Afar on Friday 25 August, hitting two mortar teams and a Daesh-held building. Over Raqqa, our aircraft continued to support the Syrian Democratic Forces, and used Paveway IVs against two sniper positions and another terrorist strongpoint. The focus for RAF missions remained on Raqqa over the weekend.’

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For Aug 23rd-29th, France report 8 strikes in Iraq and 11 strikes in Syria, plus 46 artillery missions in Tal Afar, Iraq.(@EtatMajorFR)

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1442

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Location

23 Shubat Street, Centre, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.959404, 39.002381 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten civilians from one family, including six women and two children, were reported killed following airstrikes by the US-led Coalition according to local sources.

Reports said the strikes hit a residential building in the city of Raqqa in which the family were located, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named the victims.

Syrianpc said an unknown number of civilians were also injured in the bombing, they also attributed the incident to the US-led Coalition.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at nine including two children and three women, reporting that the victims died when “International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on 23 Shubat Street in center of Raqqa city, September 4, 2017.”

However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that at least 10 civilians were killed, “including 6 citizen women and including 8 members from at least of one family”.

Although initially Airwars reported that this incident occurred on September 4th 2017, it has since been uncovered by Amnesty on the ground researchers that the incident occurred on the 16th August.

The victims were all reported to have been killed “including six children, three women and one men – were killed when their home was destroyed by an airstrike.”

The sister of a victim – Haifa – “The air strike killed everybody; only my brother Ahmad survived because he had gone to watch news at the neighbours who had electricity.”

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

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. In response to an Airwars query, the US-led Coalition stated that “more information concerning the allegations would be necessary to facilitate a thorough investigation by CJTF-OIR”.

The incident occured at 19:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (10)

Abderrazzaq Sheikh al-Sheikh
57 years old male killed
Safa’ Abdelhadi al Aalas
55 years old female wife of Abderrazzaq killed
Mouna
39 years old female sister, teacher killed
Soumaya Abdelaziz Ibrahim
45 years old female Abderrazzak’s brother’s wife killed
Haifa Ahmad al-Sheikh
17 years old killed
Abdelrazzaq
18 years old male Haifa's child killed
Hana’
16 years old female Haifa's child killed
Ammar
14 years old male Haifa's child killed
Haya
9 years old Haifa's child killed
Douha
5 years old Haifa's child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (6 children3 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • Abdelrazzaq Al Sheikh, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Douha Al-Shiekh, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Haya Al-Sheikh, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Douha and Haya Al-Sheikh (daughters of Ahmad), killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • Via Amnesty International
  • Via Amnesty International
  • Via Amnesty International

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Initially reports of the incident mentioned that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a residential building in the city of Raqqa, most likely on the western end of February 23 street (شارع ٢٣ شباط), for which the coordinates are: 35.950149, 39.012816. IS propaganda mentions the neighbourhood of Al Firdous (فردوس). Amnesty field research pointed to the exact location of the building: 35.959404, 39.002381.

  • The neighbourhood of Al Firdous (فردوس) and February 23 street (شارع ٢٣ شباط) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV011784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 21 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positions, two pieces of ISIS communications infrastructure, two vehicles, a VBIED, a command and control node, and a logistics node.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, four strikes destroyed a VBIED and a fighting position and suppressed two fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions.” And also that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed nine fighting positions.” Plus “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed two command and control nodes, a logistics node, a fighting position and suppressed a fighting position.”

For September 4th - 5th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah , 23 strikes [2-3 British] seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, four oil stills, three oil trucks, two logistics nodes, and a command and control node; and suppressed two fighting positions" Plus "On Sept. 4, near Raqqah , one strike destroyed five fighting positions"

Additional Press Release for September 5th : Additional press release CJTFOIR on September 5th:

'CJTF-OIR transitions commanders in the mission to destroy ISIS

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, III Armored Corps Commanding General of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) from Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General, during a Sept. 5 ceremony here, which hosted an audience of hundreds of US and Coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.

Presiding over the transfer of authority of the Commanding General for US Central Command, Gen. Joseph L. Votel.

Veiled confidence that the III Corps team from Fort Hood, Texas will be ready to continue the fight to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

"When III Corps was here last, they were instrumental in increasing the pressure on ISIS and setting conditions by Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian opposition groups," Votel said. "Their hard work to the recapturing of Fallujah and the airfield at Qayyarah-posturing ISF to begin clearing Mosul, the ISIS stronghold in Iraq."

The III Armored Corps previously led the CJTF-OIR Coalition from Sept. 2015 to Aug. 2016.

Since redeploying just over a year ago, the Soldiers of the Armed Corps have gone to the forefront of the task of preparing for the mission.

"ISIS" brutality forces us to look deep into the heart of darkness. They condone the systematic murder of women and children, the enslavement of religious minorities, and the torture and execution of prisoners, "Funk said. "As a result of the magnificent work of this strong Coalition, real change is happening. ISIS is on the run. "

Airborne Corps' support to its partners in the achievement of major milestones in the campaign to ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Security Forces defeated ISIS in their capital of Mosul in Iraq, while Syria's Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Arab Coalition steadily made progress against ISIS's global capital in Raqqah, Syria.

Townsend Lauded Coalition Partners' Efforts in Iraq and Syria over the past year. Our Iraqi partners have liberated Mosul. Our Syrian partners are more than half of Raqqah. And the Iraqis have regained control of Tal Afar and the rest of Ninewah for good measure, "said Townsend. "I think it's all about you, we're able to partner with you."

Since its establishment in June 2014, CJTF-OIR - a global Coalition of more than 72 nations and organizations - has increased the capabilities of partner forces, and significantly degraded the ability of ISIS to plan, resource and execute attacks worldwide. Their collective accomplishments include:

* Trained and equipped nearly 115,000 Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and over 11,000 vetted-Syrian counter-ISIS forces.
* Recaptured over 82,000 square kilometers of territory previously held by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
* Set free over 5.5 million men, women and children in Iraq and Syria.
Conducted over 26,000 strikes against ISIS in support of partner forces in Iraq and Syria.

Funk shared his vision for the CJTF-OIR mission ahead.

"The very existence of ISIS poses a threat to the civilized world and our way of life. We must defeat them, and our collective effort WILL defeat them, "Funk said."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa , striking six Daesh positions including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper ... for the Syrian Democratic Forces in Daesh inside Raqqa . Our aircraft delivered six attacks with Paveway IV guided bombs against Daesh positions, often having to strike targets very close to the Syrian Democratic Forces, including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper teams.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (6 children3 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI844

Incident date

September 11, 2017

Location

Rawah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.461065, 41.9103527 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Yaqin reported civilians casualties following the bombardment of aircraft of the International Alliance on the areas of Rawah district, west of Anbar province.

There is only a single source for this incident, therefore information is presently limited.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the district of Rawa (راوه), for which the coordinates are:  34.461065, 41.9103527. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Rawah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SGU680195
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 11th – 12th the Coalition reported “Near Rawah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two ISIS-held buildings.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

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

CI854

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Location

القائم, Al Qaim, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.3957715, 40.9943684 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local press sources said that dozens of civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Qaem district, west of Anbar during a major offensive by ISF.

According to Yagein, residential neighbourhoods of the district were targeted resulting in the death of civilians. Yagein held the Coalition responsibly.

Anbar News said houses of the Al Bajda’an and the Al Boumhul clans were destroyed, in addition to the houses of the dear mum on Alhuli. The local outlet referred only to heavy shelling and did not specify a culprit.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Qaim (القائم), in the west of Anbar province, for which the coordinates are: 34.3957715, 40.9943684. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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 Qaiem, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 24th – 25th the Coalition reported no strikes in Al Qaim.

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
    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, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1549

Incident date

September 29, 2017

Location

Suwaydan Jazeera, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.904131, 40.601839 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported the death of one woman, displaced from Aleppo, in an airstrike on the home of Fayez Al Akla. Free Deir Ezzor said that members of the young woman’s family were also injured in the shelling.

According to Euphrates Post, the house of Fayez al-Akla had been turned into an ISIS prison. Sources said that the house was destroyed.

While Euphrates Post blamed the regime, the Shaam News Network said that Russia carried out strikes on Suwaydan Jazeera, leading to civilian casualties.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Local reports mention Suwaydan Jazeera (سویدان جزیرة) village, for which the coordinates are: 34.9013889, 40.5897222. Airwars geolocated the photograph included in a report by Euphrates Post of a damaged building, allegedly the house of Fayez Al Akla, to Al Karamah village (الكرامة), at: 34.904131, 40.601839

  • Airwars geolocated a photograph included in local reports of a damaged building to Al Karamah village (الكرامة), at: 34.904131, 40.601839

    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 Suwaydan Jazeerah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 28th-29th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, destroyed two fighting positions and a supply route; and damaged a fighting position.” And: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS staging area.“

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]