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

CS339

Incident date

October 16, 2016

Location

بادية الباغوز, al Baghouz Desert, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.47446, 41.01115 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Airstrikes hit oil installation workers and fuel truck drivers, killing at least ten according to local reports.

Sound and Picture reported that in the “a number of oil workers working at refineries and fuel truck drivers killed in al Baghouz desert in the eastern countryside following raids by the international coalition.”

In February 2018, the Coalition conceded civilian harm in this incident. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “During a coalition attack that destroyed Daesh controlled trucks and fuel tankers it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Al Hall subsequently offered more detail, reporting that “ten civilian workers working on an Islamic State oil refinery (# Daesh) were killed yesterday evening, as a result of international coalition raid on an oil refinery.” A local resident named Salim Omar told them the target was an “electric oil refinery” belonging to ISIL and the strikes led “to its destruction and the killing of a dozen civilian workers, including drivers of large fuel trucks that were completely burned.” Al Hall reported that another refinery in the area was targeted, but no one was injured.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • A burning oil facility in the al Baghouz dsert after being hit in a Coalition strike October 16th 2016. At least 10 civilian workers reportedly died (via Sound and Vision)
  • Translation: a coalition plane targets with an air raid the village of al Baghouz in al Boukamal countryside and the columns of smoke are rising from the area that was targeted.
  • Translation: Deir Ezzor: a raid by a warplane on the town of al Baghouz in the countryside of the city of al Boukamal.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 34.4748637, 41.0112762

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Al Baghouz desert, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU847166
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 22, 2018

  • Oct. 16, 2016 near Al Baghouz desert, Syria via Airwars report. During a coalition attack that destroyed Daesh controlled trucks and fuel tankers it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 15th-16th the Coalition reported that “Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged an ISIL supply route.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 12
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS411

Incident date

December 11, 2016

Location

خشام, Khusham, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.35077, 40.36689 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to eleven civilians died in a Coalition airstrike which at the time was also blamed on Russia and the Assad regime. However the Coalition has confirmed striking oil installations and tankers in the vicinity on this date, and killing five drivers.

According to Ara News, “Unidentified warplanes shelling oil refineries in Badeyet Kisham killed 10 workers and wounded 15. The number of death is likely to rise due to the seriousness of some injuries.” Baladi News placed the initial death toll at 6, again citing unidentified warplanes.

The FSA and Daral Akhbar blamed Russia, while the Syrian Network said the regime was responsible, as did Syrian Newsdesk which reported: “Seven civilians were killed, including three children, and 15 others wounded yesterday evening, due to regime warplanes targeting with four raids the town of Khisham which is under the control of the organization of the Islamic state east of Deir al-Zour city.”

Shaam News initially blamed Russia, but later said the Coalition was responsible for 11 civilians killed. Syrian PC also reported that “Coalition warplanes carried out raids in Badeyet Al kisham oil fields and killed 11 civilians – most are drivers and civilians who work in the industry – and wounded dozens. The death toll is likely to rise due to serious injuries.”

Deir Ezzor 24 named three victims.

The Coalition noted in February 2017 that the incident was still being assessed. On March 4th it confirmed responsibility: “Dec. 11, 2016, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS oil tanker trucks it is assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired truck drivers vacated their vehicles and moved a safe distance away. Aircraft engaged targets and following munition release five of the drivers returned to their vehicles and were killed by munition’s impact.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Nour Al-Deen Sabah Al-Amash
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Ali Albadran
Age unknown male killed
Bassam Ramadan Al Saleh
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 11
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 35.3020098, 40.2914143

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV242128
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 4, 2017

  • Dec. 11, 2016, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS oil tanker trucks it is assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed. After warning shots were fired truck drivers vacated their vehicles and moved a safe distance away. Aircraft engaged targets and following munition release five of the drivers returned to their vehicles and were killed by munition’s impact.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For December 10th-11th 2016, the Coalition publicly reported that “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed five oil well heads, an oil storage tank, and an oil tanker truck.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 11
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS548

Incident date

March 3, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.833712, 38.546042 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 12 civilians were reported killed and four injured in an air raid which most sources blamed on the Coalition.

According to MicroSyria “Warplanes carried out two raids in Tabaqa which is under the control of ISIL and killed 5 civilians, and wounded others including women and children who were taken to hospitals.” Smart News also placed the death toll at five, with four injured. Al Quds placed the toll higher at 12 killed, while the Syrian Observatory reported 10 deaths: “Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented the death of at least 10 persons, including 5 citizen women and children under the age of 18.

Sources confirmed to the Observatory that they were recovered from under the rubble of buildings that were destroyed by warplanes believed to belong to the International Coalition in al-Tabaqa city which is located in the western countryside of al-Raqqah and controlled by the “Islamic State” organisation.

Other body parts were also found, but it is unknown whether they belong to other bodies or they are body pieces from the other corpses.”

In November 2017 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this allegation of civilian harm.

Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed a Daesh weapon storage facility, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

In April 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 12
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ 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:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Al Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV590656
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • March 3, 2017, near Al Tabqah, Syria via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed a Daesh weapon storage facility, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For March 2nd-March 3rd the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Ar Raqqah, one strike destroyed a weapons storage facility.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

[France reports that in the last week it carried out 29 sorties and 9 strikes destroying 12 ISIL targets. In Iraq, all 8 strikes were carried out in support of operations in Mosul. They targeted mortar positions and defensive positions in the city as well as in the outskirts of Badush. In Syria, in the Raqqah region, a Rafale patrol was engaged on a ground support mission to neutralize ISIL fighters leading an attack against the SDF.

Opération Chammal En Syrie le recul de Daech se poursuit. Après avoir dû se retirer d’Al Bab la semaine passée, l’organisation terroriste a perdu cette semaine le contrôle de la ville de Palmyre, tandis que la manœuvre d’isolement de Raqqah au Nord de l’Euphrate est sur le point de s’achever. En Irak, Daech tente d’entretenir l’insécurité en poursuivant sa campagne d’actions asymétriques, en particulier dans l’Anbar, dans une logique de dispersion des forces engagées contre elle. En périphérie de Mossoul Ouest, la manœuvre d’encerclement menée par les forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) progresse dans sa partie occidentale. Les combats qui ont lieu depuis le début de la semaine autour de la localité de Badush au Nord-Ouest de la ville en sont la conséquence. Dans la partie sud de Mossoul Ouest, les FSI poursuivent également leur progression dans le centre urbain et se trouvent désormais aux portes du centre historique. Avançant toujours le long du Tigre depuis l’aéroport, les combattants de la police fédérale et de l’ICTS sécurisent méthodiquement chaque quartier, faisant face à une défense féroce des combattants terroristes. Dans le même temps, Daech maintient ses actions de harcèlement contre la partie orientale de Mossoul, en réalisant des tirs de mortiers sporadiques et aveugles. Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 29 sorties aériennes dont 26 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), et 3 de recueil de renseignement. 9 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, elles ont permis la destruction de 12 objectifs. En Irak, les 8 frappes ont toutes été réalisées en appui des opérations sur Mossoul. Elles s’inscrivent dans le cadre de l’appui des troupes irakiennes engagées dans l’offensive visant à reprendre la partie ouest de Mossoul. Elles ont ciblé des positions de mortier et des positions défensives dans la ville de Mossoul elle-même, ainsi que dans la périphérie de Badush. En Syrie, dans la région de Raqqah, une patrouille de Rafale a été engagée en mission d’appui des troupes au sol pour neutraliser des combattants de Daech menant une attaque contre des forces démocratiques syriennes. Appui feu – Task Force Wagram Cette semaine, l’effort du détachement de la Task Force (TF) Wagram, désormais regroupée sur une même emprise au nord de Mossoul, s’est intensifié. Les appuis ont marqué l’effort au profit des troupes engagées au sol dans la région de Badush. 53 missions ont été réalisées cette semaine. Elles comprennent 22 actions de neutralisation, destruction ou harcèlement visant soit à détruire des positions défensives adverses, soit à empêcher tout mouvement des groupes de combattants de Daech. 31 missions d’éclairement ont également été effectuées afin d’entraver les tentatives d’infiltration de la part de groupes de combattants terroristes cherchant à mener des actions de harcèlement nocturne contre les FSI.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 12
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1136

Incident date

July 1, 2017

Location

الحصين, Hossain, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.96195, 39.76632 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A family of five or six, including three or four children, were killed following Coalition airstrikes on Al Hossain in Deir Ezzor, local sources reported. The event was later reported to be likely either a French or Belgian airstrike – though the United States subsequently accepted blame.

The Syrian Network initially put the death toll at six while claiming the event happened a day earlier: “Six civilians from the same family including 4 children and a woman, IDPs from Deir Ez-Zour, killed in International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on al Hussain village in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs, June 30, 2017.”

Thirteen sources alleged that the Coalition was responsible, whereas the remainder did not apportion blame.

In April 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event, noting: “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on a Daesh command structure. Regrettably, five civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strike locations.” The Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for this event accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The following month, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon excluded this event and thirteen others for 2017 and 2018, with two senior officials with close knowledge of the report confirming to Airwars that all non-US actions had been left out.

In March 2020, Airwars, Liberation and De Morgen published a joint investigation revealing that Belgium and France were refusing to accept responsibility for civilian harm in several events, most likely including this incident – despite all other allies ruling themselves out.

Asked to say whether its aircraft were responsible for officially declared civilian harm in up to nine incidents, the Belgian Ministry of Defence told Airwars by email: “For the year 2017, BAF [Belgian Armed Forces] was certainly not involved in all events. With regard to the other data given, BAF was no longer present in theatre. BAF completed its role at the end of 2017. Our conclusion is that all ROEs [rules of engagement] were respected as confirmed by our federal court.”

After confirming receipt from Airwars in June 2019 of details of possible French civilian casualty events, the defence ministry then ceased communication – refusing to answer all subsequent emails.

In May 2020, in its third annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon now appeared to be confirming that its forces had carried out this action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Ahmed Hussein al Hamad
Adult male killed
Bara’a Saleh Jadaan
Adult female killed
Hadil Ahmed Hussein al Hamad
Child male killed
Amina Ahmed Hussein al Hamad
Child female killed
Raweya Ahmed Hussein al Hamad
Child female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (3–4 children1 woman1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Rawia and Hadeel Al-Hamd in Al-Husain, killed in an alleged Coalition raid on Hossain, 1st July 2017. (via SN4HR)
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 35.961944, 39.767222

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Hossain, Dier ez Zor, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV691800
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019

  • July 1, 2017, near Hossain, Dier ez Zor, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on a Daesh command structure. Regrettably, five civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strike locations.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 30th-July 1st, the Coalition reported: ” Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed six ISIS oil tanks, three well heads and two oil trucks.” It additionally reported that “On June 30, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed four ISIS-held buildings, two command and control nodes and three oil stills.”

For July 1st-2nd: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed 20 ISIS oil storage barrels and six oil tankers.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 6
  • (3–4 children1 woman1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1753a

Incident date

May 23, 2018

Location

هجين, Near Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.69067, 40.85154 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Self-reporting by the US-led Coalition identified four civilians killed in a strike in the vicinity of Hajin in Deir Ezzor. Local reports at the time made no reference to civilian harm.

According to a Coalition report issued September 27th 2018, “May 23, 2018, near Hajin, Syria, via self-report. During a strike four civilians were unintentionally killed.” The co-ordinates for the event to within 100m were given as 34°41’26.4″N 40°51’05.5″E.

This incident was not tracked by Airwars researchers at the time. A subsequent search has identified a number of reports relating to heavy fighting in the village that day – though with no specific claims of civilian harm.

Shaam Media noted for example “The launch of six rockets from al Omar the oil field in the direction of the city of Hajin a few hours ago.” The Syrian Observatory reported “the International Coalition fired 12 missiles at least believed to be ground-to-ground, from Al-Omar Oilfield in the first round of shelling, while in the second round, they fired 8 missiles at east of the same kind, which caused material damage, without information about casualties.” It also reported clashes at Hajin and said 4 ISIS fighters had been killed in a strike.

On May 24th, Xeber News reported that “French and US troops have deployed alongside Syria’s democratic forces in the hills overlooking the town of Hajin and the headquarters of Radio Daesh in the countryside of Deir al-Zour, liberated by Syria’s democratic forces with the support and cooperation of French, US and British forces earlier.

“The correspondent of the site Xeber 24 reported  a military source from the countryside of Deir al-Zour saying that the preparation for the liberation of the town of Hijn from the hands of ISIS is underway after besieging from all sides by French and US forces along with the Syrian Democratic Forces overlooking the town. He pointed out that the level of coordination is very high between the French and US forces and Syria’s democratic forces and that coalition aircraft do not leave the skies of the region.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Shaam Media and other sources reported heavy Coalition shelling in the Hajin area for May 23rd

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Near Hajin
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU696403
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 27, 2018

  • “May 23, 2018, near Hajin, Syria, via self-report. During a strike four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 23rd 2018, the Coalition reported at the time that
“On May 23 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 30 engagements against Daesh targets.
Near Abu Kamal, 15 strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, destroyed four Daesh-held buildings, four Daesh fighting positions, one Daesh vehicle and two Daesh command and control centers.
Near Al Shadaddi, two strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, destroyed one Daesh anti-aircraft weapon, two Daesh fighting positions and two Daesh IED belts.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reported that between May 23rd and 29th, its Task Force Wagram conducted 11 artillery firing missions on the Euphrates Valley.

“La Task Force Wagram demeure engagée en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, 95 missions de tirs ont été réalisées, dont 11 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 23 au 29 mai).”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Incident Code

CS1751a

Incident date

May 15, 2018

Location

السوسة, near As Susah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.51851, 40.96319 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of four civilians near As Susah.

In its July 2018 report, the Coalition noted: “During a strike on Daesh IED facility, four civilians were unintentionally killed”.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near As Susah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU802214
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • May 15, 2018, near As Susah, Syria, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh IED facility, four civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Near Abu Kamal, eight strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, destroyed one
Daesh command and control center, one Daesh vehicle, one Daesh-held building
and one Daesh IED facility.
 Near Al Shadaddi, one strike destroyed four Daesh command and control centers.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS474

Incident date

February 4, 2017

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, First neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.83462, 38.54714 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were reported killed and other injured in a confirmed Coalition strike on al Tabaqa.

According to the Euphrates Post “four people were martyred including two children and two others injured following international coalition raids on al Tabaqa.”

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered reported major destruction in the town, noting that the strikes targeted the First neighbourhood [Al Hayy al Awwal].

In November 2017 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed one building being used as a Daesh headquarters, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians unintentionally injured.”

In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Destruction in al Tabaqa February 4th 2017, following a reported Coalition raid (via Ahmad al Shibli)
  • Translation: al Tabaqa - the total destruction of the court and the market behind the court in the First neighbourhood in raids by the international coalition on al tabaqa.

Geolocation notes

Airwars has identified the location of the First neighbourhood as: 35°51’00.0″N 38°33’12.0″E. Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 35.8295049, 38.5360909

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Tabqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV591657
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 30, 2017

  • Feb. 4, 2017, near Tabqah, Syria, via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed one building being used as a Daesh headquarters, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reported for February 3rd-4th 2017 that “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed 11 oil tanker trucks, six oil barrels, three oil refinement stills, two fighting positions, two tunnels, two vehicles, an ISIL headquarters, an oil storage tank and a command and control node; and damaged 16 supply routes.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1749

Incident date

May 11, 2018

Location

الحمادي, Al Hammadi, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.02223, 41.17403 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Coalition raids on the village of al Hammadi resulted in the deaths of up to eight civilians, including three children and five women. The US-led alliance later accepted responsibility for at least four deaths.

The village in the area of Abu Hamda is located close to the Iraqi-Syrian border and according to Al Khabour, is only the size of ten houses. In July 2018 the Coalition conceded killing four civilians in the event, noting: “During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Most sources shared a list identifying the victims of the strikes.

Hasaka Marsad confirmed the death of three children named as Qais, Ahmad and Maryam and included photos. According to the media outlet, the airstrike that hit the house of their grandfather was admitted by the Iraqi military. The report went on to say that “Baghdad” had “targeted one of the headquarters of the Islamic State.”

That report is however alone in identifying the Iraqi air force as the culprit. Most likely, Hasaka Marsad is basing this on a video tweeted by the Iraqi Defense Ministry allegedly showing an air strike by an F-16 on an ISIS HQ “in the area of Dashaisha”.

Although al Hammadi is located in this general area, a specific date or a more precise location of the strike is not mentioned in the video – making it difficult to asses whether or not this is related to this incident.Iraqi strikes within Syria were also considered Coalition actions by this time.

Ahmed Hammad al-Assaad, head of the Jabour clan in southern Hasaka, told Step News that the victims were from the same family who were in their house when they were targeted by the alleged Coalition strike. He stressed: “The situation is not safe for civilians, the final victim of all parties, and US aircraft bombed the homes of civilians who have nothing to do with or belong to any party…

“We want to stop the continuous indiscriminate shelling of innocent people and parents, and ask for accuracy if and should be bombed, civilians have become the easiest target for the coalition aircraft, whose goal is clear to all is the killing and displacement of the people of the region indiscriminate hit, and we call for opening ways to aid the wounded because of the closure by the forces Kurdish control of the region.”

Hassaka Youth Union posted photos and an al A’amaq propaganda video (which was also shared in a tweet by Iinews), allegedly showing destruction after the raids.

In July 2018 the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “May 11, 2018, near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria, via social media report. During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Maryam Al-Obaid
Adult female Wife of Ahmed Al Aziz Al-Hammadi killed
Sheikh Al Aziz
Adult male killed
Wife of Sheikh Al Aziz
Adult female pregnant killed
Rood Al Aziz
Age unknown killed
Fatima Al Aziz
Age unknown female killed
Qais Al Aziz
Child male killed
Ahmed Al Aziz
Child male killed
Maryam Al Aziz
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Scene of destruction at Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Scene of destruction at Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Photo of the destruction after an alleged Coalition bombardment on the village of Al Hammadi (via Hassaka Youth Union)
  • A recovered munition fragment from Hammadi, Syria, after a Coalition strike killed up to 8 civilians on May 11th 2018 (via Hassakah Youth)
  • Two of the children killed in a Coalition strike on Hammadi, May 11th 2018 (via al Hassakah Arabea)
  • The grandsons of Ahmed Aziz, killed in an alleged Iraqi airstrike on the village of Al Hamadi (via Hassaka Marsad)
  • Video of the aftermath of a Coalition strike which killed up to eight civilians.
  • Iraqi defence ministry video of a strike on al Hassakah governorate which may relate to this event.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

The coordinates given to Airwars by the Coalition in relation to this incident are: 36.02223, 41.17403 (Military Grid Reference System: 37SFV959886), defining an area of 100 m

  • Coordinates of 100 m area indicated by Coalition

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV959886
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2018

  • May 11, 2018, near al-Hamadi village, al-Hassakahh, Syria, via social media report. During a strike on Daesh-held building, four civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 11th, the Coalition reported that “On May 11 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of six engagements against Daesh targets.... Near Al Shadaddi, one strike engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed four Daesh-held buildings."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8
  • (3 children5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (27) [ collapse]