US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Syria
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Incident Code

CS1385

Incident date

August 18, 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

Local media sources reported on the death of up to 46 civilians and 60 others wounded following suspected Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa over the previous 48 hours.

According to a report by the Thiqa Agency the “shelling focused on civilian homes and residential neighbourhoods”. These are general numbers and it is likely that they will encompass other civilian casualty reports that Airwars has documented.

Again reporting general numbers, the Syrian Observatory said on August 21st that “the number of people who were killed by bombing by warplanes of the International Coalition in areas in the city of Al-Raqqah has increased to 39 people at least, including 11 children and 9 citizen women”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    39 – 46
  • (3–11 children2–9 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    60
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • # Raqqa 46 martyrs and more than 60 wounded by the bombing of the international coalition aircraft on the city of Raqqa during the past two days
  • 46 people were killed and 60 injured in the rubble, which was besieged by coalition forces during the day and yesterday, according to a medical source from inside the city

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident solely mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 35,9505639, 39,0094148. 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 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
  • Jul 26, 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 17th-18th: “Near Raqqah, 18 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 29 fighting positions, three ISIS communication lines and two logistics nodes.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 17, near Raqqah, Syria, 19 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positions, four command and control nodes, two IEDs, and a heavy machine gun.” And that “On Aug. 17, near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed a fighting position.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 18 August – Tornados destroyed a booby-trapped building in eastern Syria, Typhoons and Tornados dealt with a sniper team in Raqqa…On Friday 18 August, Tornados were tasked with the destruction of a heavily booby-trapped building discovered in eastern Syria, south of Al Hasakah, which was too dangerous to approach. The building was destroyed with a Paveway which safely detonated the concealed explosives. Over Raqqa, a mixed pair of aircraft silenced a sniper firing on the Syrian Democratic Forces.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the past week, (11th-18th) France conducted 27 sorties, including 22 armed reconnaissance and ground support (CAS), 1 refueling outlet and 4 intelligence gathering sorties by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrols. Two strikes were carried out in the Raqqah region of Syria. They helped support the Syrian democratic forces in their offensive to retake the city.

‘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 il y a 15 jours, s’est achevée en fin de semaine dernière. Elle a permis de réaliser la jonction des fronts est et ouest. Depuis, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont relancé une offensive vers le centre de la ville mais elles font face à une défense acharnée des combattants de Daech. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations dans l’objectif de libérer, à terme, le nord de l’Irak. Actuellement, elles focalisent leur effort sur l’encerclement de la ville de Tall Afar. Les combattants de l’organisation terroriste réalisent un travail de valorisation de leurs positions défensives pour se préparer aux combats à venir alors que les populations tentent de fuir la ville. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Les soldats de l’opération Chammal poursuive leur mission d’appui au profit des unités irakiennes engagées contre Daech. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 27 sorties aériennes dont 22 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), 1 sortie de ravitaillement ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Raqqah en Syrie. Elles ont permis d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes dans leur offensive pour reprendre la ville. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 13 missions de tir en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar. En particulier, les artilleurs ont fourni des feux de harcèlement et d’éclairement pour interdire aux combattants de Daech de mener des actions au sol ou de réaliser des tirs indirects contre les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1330 frappes, 2102 objectifs détruits et 6946 sorties. ‘

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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    39 – 46
  • (3–11 children2–9 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    60
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1565

Incident date

October 2, 2017

Location

التوسعية, Al Tawassiya, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9633318, 38.9806321 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that 16 to 45 people were killed in a mass civilian casualty incident on al Tawassi’ya neighbourhood, Raqqah city. Some reports said that a shelter in the Traffic park area had been struck, while others said two buildings were hit.

The lowest overall death toll of “at least 19” came from the Syrian Network for Human Rights; the second highest was 40 killed, including women and children, documented by Raqqa Post. All other sources documented 45 deaths. Every source blamed the US-led Coalition for the attack.

The Euphrates Post reported that 16 civilians from one family died in a “massacre” reportedly carried out by the Coalition on a “residential building” in al Tawassi’ya.

The airstrikes reportedly targeted buildings in an area in which civilians were situated according to Amir al-Abbad, an Al Jazeera correspondent.

Further detail was provided by @Q_Alensy who alleged that two buildings in the neighbourhood, west of Baladi Stadium were targeted by the Coalition resulting in the loss of civilian life. UNOCHA noted in a later report that “On 2 October, an airstrike hit a water well located in the outskirts of the Al-Tawassoiya area in the north of Ar-Raqqa city, reportedly killing 45 civilians.”

On February 13th, Reporters without Borders stated “a number of bodies” were recovered from the Al Tawassi’ya neighbourhood, near Al-Ansar mosque. After a query from an Airwars researcher, the local source confirmed that over 45 civilians had been killed. The organization later sent Airwars photos of the bodies that had been pulled from under the rubble.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    19 – 45
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Photos of bodies pulled from al Tawassouiya neighbourhood (via Reporters Without Borders)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Tawwasiya (التوسعیة), for which generic coordinates are: 35.9633318, 38.9806321. Reports also mention strikes on residential buildings close to the Traffic park, near the Al Ansar mosque (الأنصار), for which the coordinates are: 35.959724, 39.001615.

  • Airstrikes struck residential buildings close to the Traffic park near the Al-Ansar mosque (الأنصار)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 October 1st – 2nd the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed 16 fighting positions, 11 vehicles; and disrupted two supply routes.” It additionally added that “Near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    19 – 45
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS037

Incident date

December 26, 2014

Location

الباب, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.3709658, 37.5179666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An internal CENTCOM review reported unnamed open sources as claiming civilian casualties had occurred as a result of Coalition airstrikes. A provisional review found that there had been no international airstrikes in the vicinity of the city on that date.

Airwars researchers later identified coverage from the time of Assad regime attacks on Aleppo on December 26th, which caused between 4 and 45 civilian deaths.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 45
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

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
    a:1:{i:0;s:24:"insufficient_information";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Aleppo, Syria.
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2015

  • Open sources. No coalition strikes in Aleppo City during relevant time period.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 45
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1481 RS2439

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Location

الميادين, Al-Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

In what has been described as a massacre, between five and 45 civilians were killed and 14 to 90 were injured in alleged Russian, Syrian regime or Coalition airstrikes on the city of Al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor, described by local sources as the “most important stronghold for Daesh in the region”.

An initial report from Sharqiya Voice said a Russian warplane attacked the city, “shelling…civilian houses on the waterfront”, and killing five people and injuring more than 14. Reportedly, the Russian warplane earlier targeted the village of Bokros Tahtani which also resulted in civilian casualties. Other reports blamed a Russian missile launch.

Al Mayadeen Gathering in Exile documented 10 killed and 90 wounded following the strikes. The Russians supposedly fired seven cruise missiles in the raid and targeted “the post office and the convalescence center, Court Street and al Balou’m roundabout” according to the source. A later report from Euphrates Post noted the “National Hospital”, and the “Internet Lounge close to Fisherman’s Wharf” were targeted. It too blamed Russia.

A brother and sister were documented as two of the victims by Euphrates Post. Abou Ali wrote on Facebook that his uncle  was also killed in the attack. News of his death came after reports of “a large number of families…still under the rubble”, by @olay6663. Shbab then listed an additional four men suspected killed:

According to Smart, “The Russian Defense Ministry announced Thursday that it was targeting south-east of the eastern city of Deir al-Zour with Caliber missiles from its submarines in the Mediterranean Sea – without specifying the locations”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights initially reported “whether they belong to Russia or the the regime in still unknown” regarding the identity of aircraft. However a subsequent report said some sources alleged Russian responsibity whilst others blamed the Coalition. A third report on the incident by the Observatory alleged Russia conducted the strikes on Mayadeen.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the regime.

Later reports by Euphrates Post documented the death of another civilian, reportedly killed after injuries sustained as a result of the airstrikes on Al Mayadeen. Khader Sa’id al-Nizhan was also documented killed in Bokros, however further correspondence with Euphrates Post confirmed the location as Al Mayadin.

Euphrates Post similarly had confusing reportage on the incident. When reporting on all the incidents in a general sense, they blamed both Russia and the Coalition, however when reporting on the incident individually they blamed Russia.

In addition to this, Almanar TV reported that, “Four people were killed and 65 others injured when the International coalition aircraft bombed the town of Al-Mayadin in the south-eastern Deir Al-Zour countryside.” However, Airwars researchers have suggested that this source is Hezbullah propaganda, therefore unreliable.

The raids struck Al Inaash Centre, a vicinity near the mosque Almshouh, the vicinity of the Noue Al Saeed hospital and the beginning of Al Jaish street, according to Marsad Al Hasaka.

Most sources agreed that “more than 10” people were killed in these strikes, but al-Jazeera put that figure at 45.

Euphrates Post reported that the airstrikes hit the  ‘Convalescence Center, the National Hospital and the Internet Lounge near the Fisherman’s Wharf.’ Other sources reported that a number of civilian houses near the sea were also hit.

Alaraby reported that “On Sunday, rescue teams and civilians retrieved three bodies of a man, a child and a girl from the rubble of their house in the town of Mayadim in the eastern suburb of Deir al-Zour. The death toll was not immediately clear as a result of the destruction of the target house completely over its residents. An elderly woman was also killed by a rocket from the same plane that targeted a second house in the town of Al-Mayadeen, while an unknown child is still under the rubble.”

Women and children were among the slain. Al-Mayadeen’s Gathering In Exile reported that seven cruise missiles were fired allegedly by a Russian warship, which contributed to the civilian casualties. Smart News reported that the Russian Defense Ministry that two submarines in Mediterranean had targeted “locations” of the “Islamic State” in the south-eastern Deir Ezzor, without specifying the location.

Al-Mayadeen was the most important stronghold of the Islamic State in the region, according to Zaman al Wasl.

Al Jazeera tweeted that the aftermath saw a large displacement of people towards the surrounding areas of the Badia.

It must be noted that the body of Ismail Mahmood al-Ibrahim was reportedly trapped under he rubble for a few days before it was recovered. Some sources report he was killed on the 14th, and others on the 17th as a result.

The incident occured at 07:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Bashar Ahmad al-Jaber
Child male killed
Nermin Ahmed Al-Jaber
Child female killed

The victims were named as:

Mawafaq Saleh Al Ali Al Hanan
Age unknown male killed
Hamed Al - Saleh Al - Hamad Abu Bassam
Age unknown male killed
Salah Ibrahim Al - Alash
Age unknown male killed
Saleh Khalif Al Arouk Abu Bandar
Age unknown male killed
Yasser Nizar Al - Aswad
Age unknown male killed
Ismail Mahmood al-Ibrahim's
Child male killed
Khalidiya Mohammed Jalal Al-Shahatha
Age unknown female killed
Wife of Mari al-Hammadi
Age unknown female killed
Maha Okab al - Arab
Child female killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 45
  • (2–3 children1 woman6 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–90
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (64) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (25) [ collapse]

  • The destruction caused by airstrikes in Al-Mayadeen on September 14th 2017. (via Sound and Picture)
  • The destruction caused by airstrikes in Al-Mayadeen on September 14th 2017. (via Sound and Picture)
  • The destruction caused by airstrikes in Al-Mayadeen on September 14th 2017. (via Sound and Picture)
  • The destruction caused by airstrikes in Al-Mayadeen on September 14th 2017. (via Sound and Picture)
  • A man struggles through the rubble of a building that was hit by airstrikes on al-Mayadeen on September 14th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • Destroyed vehicles on the side of the road in the wake of the airstrikes on al-Mayadeen on September 14th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The town of al-Mayadeen was hit by airstrikes on September 14th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • A destroyed vehicle in al-Mayadeen following airstrikes on September 14th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 14th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • Nermin Ahmed Al-Jaber was one of the victims killed in airstrikes on al-Mayadeen on September 14th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • Nermin Ahmed Al-Jaber and Bashar Ahmad al-Jaber were among the victims killed in airstrikes on al-Mayadeen on September 14th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • An image of the destruction caused by airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on Sempteber 14th 2017. (via ISIS Livemap)
  • An image of Al-Haji Salah Ibrahim Al-Alash was posted on Facebook by his nephew Abu Ali, identifying him as one of the victims killed in airstrikes on al-Mayadeen on September 14th 2017. (via Abu Ali's Facebook post)
  • An image of the destruction caused by airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 14th 2017. (via Marsad Al Hasaka)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded child due to airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 14th 2017. (via Marsad Al Hasaka)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 14th 2017. (via Marsad Al Hasaka)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 14th 2017. (via Marsad Al Hasaka)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded child due to airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 14th 2017. (via Marsad Al Hasaka)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded child due to airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 14th 2017. (via Marsad Al Hasaka)
  • The aftermath of airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 14th 2017. (via Marsad Al Hasaka)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded child due to airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 14th 2017. (via Marsad Al Hasaka)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a wounded child due to airstrikes on al-Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor governorate on September 14th 2017. (via Alemyavena)
  • The child before her arm was decapitated. (via Alemyavena)
  • Ismail Mahmood al-Ibrahim's body was trapped under the rubble for 29 hours. (via Alemyavena)
  • Mohammed al-Saud and his three-year-old daughter killed in airstrikes 14th Sept 2017.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

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 September 13th-14th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, nine strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two tactical vehicles, an ISIS fuel station and a fighting position.”

For September 14th - 15th, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two vehicles". It later reported, "On Sept. 14, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria six strikes destroyed an ISIS UAS, a fighting position, an ISIS supply route and suppressed three fighting positions"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 15 September – a Reaper supported coalition airstrikes near Dayr az Zawr, and delivered two attacks itself against extremists in the open, whilst Typhoons destroyed a Daesh-held building… On Friday 15 September, a Reaper was again very active north-east of Dayr az Zawr; it provided support to coalition airstrikes which destroyed three Daesh-held buildings, then conducted two attacks on its own account with Hellfire missiles against terrorists moving through the area. Nearby, a Typhoon flight bombed a further Daesh-held building.’

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 45
  • (2–3 children1 woman6 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–90
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition

Sources (64) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1862

Incident date

November 29, 2018

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.592522, 40.937685 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted Yarmouk Women’s Hospital and killed between 10 and 45 civilians, including women, children and medical staff in addition to members of ISIS.

According to AE24, a source in the Deir Ezzor civil council of the Syrian opposition said that “more than 40 civilians were killed, in addition to a number of medical staff, including a Russian doctor working with Daash, and wounded dozens more in air strikes on the Yarmouk hospital in the vicinity of the 24th Street East of Deir al-Zour on Thursday. ”

Euphrates Post reported that among the victims were volunteer doctors as well. Smart News put the death toll at a total of 45 people killed in the attack.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, among the dead were at least 10 civilians including three children and five women. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 45
  • (3 children5 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video depicting the destruction of Yarmouk Women’s Hospital and several bodies being pulled from the rubble (posted by Free Deir Ezzor Radio on November 29th, 2018).
  • 'More than 20 people were killed by the bombing of the International Alliance of a Women's Hospital (Yarmouk Hospital) in the town of Al-Sha'afa in the south-east of Deir al-Zour, according to sources close to Daesh.'
  • A mosaic image based off the video found online, which allegedly shows the destruction of Yarmouk Hospital. (Via Bellingcat)
  • Location of the attack, where the hospital is, before the bombing. (Via Bellingcat).
  • Location of the attack after the bombing on the hospital. (via Bellingcat).
  • Imagery shows three craters on the main road. Northeast from the second crater, which is located towards the center of the image, a building, which is assumed to be Yarmouk Hospital, is completely destroyed. (via Bellingcat)
  • Before image of the location of Yarmouk hospital. (via Bellingcat).
  • Deir Ezzor Radio news about the targeting of the hospital. (Used by Bellingcat)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 29th 2018, the US-led Coalition publicly reported the following: "On Nov. 29 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 18 strikes consisting of 28 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Hajin, 18 strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 15 supply routes, four vehicles, one command and control center, three fuel trucks, one piece of heavy equipment and two staging areas."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For November 28th-Dec 4th, the Dutch MoD reported that its F-16's supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 7 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting vehicles, logistical places and ISIS fighters.

In het overzicht van 28 Nov- 4 Dec laat MinDef weten tijdens 9 missies F-16's te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Bij 7 missies boven Deir al Zour in Syrie werden wapens ingezet. Voertuigen, logistieke plaatsen en IS-strijders zijn geraakt.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 45
  • (3 children5 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1569

Incident date

October 3, 2017

Location

al Qitar Street north of city centre, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.961828, 39.010559 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 45 civilians reportedly died and 15 were wounded following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes to the north of Raqqah city, at the outskirts of the al-Tawassiya area. The victims were “gathered around a water well on Qitar (train) street” collecting water “due to the ongoing water cuts in the city for more than three months” local sources said.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that the two remaining water wells in neighbourhoods controlled by the so-called Islamic State organizations were now out of service.

The lowest claimed death toll at 13 was reported by Raqqa24, the Syrian Network for Human Rights placed the toll at 16 whilst The Syrian Observatory documented 18 killed, including women and children. All other sources alleged 21 killed, with UNOCHA reporting up to 45 killed.

Al Jazeera noted the original report of the incident was released by the so-called Islamic State organization.

Sources who spoke to Al Bawaba said “The raids of the international coalition and the bombing of the Syrian Democratic Forces destroyed the water tanks that went out of service, and was targeting the last bakeries in the city for days.”

All sources suspected the US-led Coalition carried out the airstrike. However the Coalition itself pushed back, with the official spokesman openly attacking an AFP tweet: “To clarify: this is an ALLEGATION from a single source. takes extraordinary efforts to protect civilians & strike valid mil targets”

The UN however directly accused the Coalition of the event, reporting that “In early October, and preceding the SDF reported control over Ar -Raqqa city, intensified airstrikes and heavy shelling continued to result in civilian deaths, widespread destruction, and deteriorating humanitarian conditions for civilians remaining in Ar-Raqqa city. More than 400 airstrikes over a two-day period during the first week of October were reported, with airstrikes reportedly killing more than 70 people in Al Bado and Suhada’a neighborhoods. On 2 October, an airstrike hit a water well located in the outskirts of the Al Tawassoiya area in the north of Raqqa city, reportedly killing 45 civilians.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 45
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    14–15
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Response from the OIR spokesman to the allegation

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a water well on Al Qitar street (القطار). This could refer to a water tower at a water company or administration on that street, located north of the city centre on the outskirts of the neighbourhood of Al Tawassiya (التوسعیة). This was one of the few remaining water towers that was not destroyed at that time, the coordinates for this water tower are: 35.957566, 39.011378.  A second water tower on Al Qitar street was also still standing, the coordinates for this tower are: 35.963037,39.009959.  In addition, other sources mention a “water well in Al Hadiqa Al Bayda which is in Al Tawassiya (التوسعیة) area” 

  • The two water towers on Al Qitar street (القطار) located north of the city centre on the outskirts of the neighbourhood of Al Tawassiya (التوسعیة).

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 October 2nd – 3rd the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, six strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions and three ISIS supply routes.” It additionally reported that “On Oct. 2, near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units, destroyed nine fighting positions and damaged five fighting positions.” And that “On Oct. 2, Near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 45
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    14–15
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1570

Incident date

October 3, 2017

Location

البدو, Ar Raqqah: Badou neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.96112, 39.00678 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 44 civilians were killed, from three familes, following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on al Marniadiya Street in al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah, according to local media.

The strike reportedly targeted a residential building (pictured). Raqqah is Being Slaughtered Silently identified some victims. However since Amnesty International  conducted on the ground research in Raqqa and interviewed survivors of the strikes, 26 civilians have been named.

Saad Abu Ahmad, a trader from the al Kanadi exhibition place in Raqqah, now living in Leipzig, commented on the RBSS post: ‘Yes this is my brother and my nephews, my daughter and her kids and my niece the daughter of my brother Ahmad and her husband.”

All sources reported the US-led Coalition culpable.

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” it was stated that “A Coalition airstrike on the evening of 3 October 2017, destroyed a five-storey building in the Harat al-Badu neighbourhood, killing 44 members of the four families who were sheltering there, most of them women and children, the oldest a 90-year-old grandfather and the youngest an 11-days-old baby girl.”

The father of a victim, Mohammad, told Amnesty researchers that “My entire family was wiped out in a moment. My baby girl was only 11 days old. The children; all they knew in their short lives was Daesh (IS) rule and war. Those who came to liberate us killed them all. Why?” Mohammad lost 11 members of his family in two strikes on two apartment blocks in which they were sheltering in Harat al Badu on 3rd October 2017 at around 10.30pm.

Field notes added that “The family had been sheltering on the ground floor or a five storey block of flats. Mohammed had been with them but had left the building 30 minutes previously to assist an injured neighbour. The only other survivor is Mohammed’s brother Rabia Hajj Amin. He is unable to walk as a result of another strike.”

“Those who were staying in the building were in 2 flats on the ground floor and 2 flats on the first floor. We have names of most of the neighbours and relatives, which included three families with no survivors.

Both survivors Mohammad and his brother Rabia Hajj al Amin, reported that “IS had used the roof of the building which was struck and in which the families dies to land an observation drone earlier in the evening on the day of the strike. Approximately two hours later, the building was destroyed. ISIS used nearby buildings to story, medicines, water, food, weapons etc.”

Amnesty field notes added that “To the best of Mohammad’s knowledge, there were no IS in the building at the time of the strike. There was an food storage point run by IS next door, as well as an IS medicines store and weapons store across the road.”

The “Abu Ismael family” – were the second family killed – had been in the other flat on the ground floor.

The “Abu Said family” – the third family killed – were on the first floor when they were killed. We have no vicitims names for this family.

The “Abu Khalil family” – were the fourth family killed – were on the first floor.

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

The incident occured at 22:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Abu Ismael
70s years old male killed
Abu Ismael’s wife
Adult female killed
Abud
Age unknown male Abu Ismael's son killed
Ibrahim
Age unknown male Abu Ismael's son killed
Amr
Age unknown male Abu Ismael's son killed
Aisha
Adult female Abu Ismael's daughter killed
Aisha’s husband
Adult male Aisha's husband killed

Family members (7)

Abu Khalil
Age unknown male killed
Abu Khalil’s wife
Adult female killed
Khalil
Age unknown male Abu Khalil’s son killed
Ibrahim
Age unknown male Abu Khalil’s son killed
Abu Khalil’s daughter 1
Age unknown female killed
Abu Khalil’s daughter 2
Age unknown female killed
Abu Khalil’s daughter 3
Age unknown female killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Hajj al Amin
56 years old male Mohammads father killed
Kifah Hajj Khalaf
54 years old female Mohammads mother killed
Aya Saadullah Haj Amin
18 years old female Mohammads wife killed
Rimas Moh Hajj Amin
2 and a half years old female Mohammads daughter killed
Kifah
11 days old years old female Mohammads daughter killed
Amani Haj Amin
31 years old female Mohammads sister killed
Ayman Yahyah
35 years old male Amani's husband killed
Amar Ayman Yahyah
12 years old male Amani and Ayman's child killed
Ahmad Ayman Yahyah
10 years old male Amani and Ayman's child killed
Noor Ayman Yahyah
6 years old female Amani and Ayman's child killed
Jana Ayman Yahyah
1 and a half years old female Amani and Ayman's child killed
Mohammed Kamel Haj Amin
Age unknown male not named by Amnesty killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    44
  • (6–22 children11–15 women11–17 men)
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Site of strike. (via Amnesty)

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 al Badou, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 2nd – 3rd the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, six strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions and three ISIS supply routes.” It additionally reported that “On Oct. 2, near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units, destroyed nine fighting positions and damaged five fighting positions.” And that “On Oct. 2, Near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    44
  • (6–22 children11–15 women11–17 men)
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS192

Incident date

March 19, 2016

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

In a second day of airstrikes on Raqqa, 43 civilians were reported killed and 60 injured – though sources are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime – with one report suggesting this may be a Coalition incident.

The Daesh agency Al A’maq said there had been nine raids by Russia on various “crowded” neighborhoods in the city, killing 43 and wounding 60. They published graphic footage of the event. Al Jazeera also blamed Russia, reporting that warplanes had carried out nine raids, killing more thna 40 and injuring dozens more.

An initial report by Shaam News Network spoke of a “terrible massacre against unarmed civilians conducted by air raids thought to be Russian“. However, a second report said this was either a Russian or Coalition incident: “…the city came under dozens of air raids from aircraft believed to be a Russian or an international coalition.” A subsequent report by SNN also referred to the incident in Raqqa on March 18th, adding: “Activists said the air raids targeted civilian areas and public squares directly away from the headquarters of the organization, resulting in 20 martyrs yesterday [March 18th], but today more than 20 have been killed and dozens more wounded, packing the hospitals in the city.” It said that the focus of the airstrikes was “on Karnak Square in Tel Abiyad Street and Al Ferdous neighbourhood, Al Mourour street and Al Sina’iya area and al Thakana“.

Initial reports by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently did not say who who carried out the raids, though further reports alleged Russia was responsible for nine strikes – killing 43 civilians and wounding 60 more – which targeted the following areas:

1.Alkarnak Square in Tel Abyad Street – targeted with three missiles, one of them behind behind Alandalus bakery, another on the square and a third on Alkarnak mall.

2. Alssinaea area

3. The area next to Alnnawawi mosque.

4. The park of 4th of April, Alsleby building

5. Neighborhood of althukna – Hospitality Palace Road

6. Alfirdaws neighborhood – the Chamber of Commerce – the corner of the children’s park

9. National Hospital

10. Panorama area

However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights said that the regime was to blame:”The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) has accused the Assad regime of targeting civilian areas in IS-controlled areas. It said that the regime carried out airstrikes against Raqqa, an IS stronghold, on March 18 and 19, killing 32 civilians, including six children. The targets were civilian areas, with no military or weapons facilities in the vicinity.”

Sky News – citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights – reported: “At least 39 people, including five children and seven women, were killed in an air strike which targeted several areas in the Syrian city of Raqqa.The Syrian Observatory said it was unclear whether the warplanes were Russian regime.”

Both the BBC and France24 also cited the Observatory in their reports.

RBSS named the following victims:

Issa Al Karat – an agricultural engineer (also named by SN4HR)

Abdallah Mahmoud al Nijm – killed in a raid that targeted Al Mourour street (also named by SN4HR)

Ibrahim Al Rawaba, – “70 years old, after he was hit with shrapnel in his head which caused him a coma following the bombing a week ago near the police gas station“.

Additionally, an individual called Alaa Al Fahad posted a reply on RBSS with a photo of a victim: “Mohammad Khalaf Al Zagheer martyred yesterday in the criminal regime bombing on Raqqa. He is from the village of al Assadiya“.

Raqqa Post named an additional nine victims.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammed Al-Rashed
Age unknown male killed
Mohammed Al-Rashed's mother
Age unknown female killed

Family members (2)

Ruba
Age unknown female daughters of Abu Waddah Al-Sukhni killed
Amira
Age unknown female daughters of Abu Waddah Al-Sukhni killed

Family members (2)

Um Muhannad
Age unknown female wife of Haj Mohammed killed
Um Muhannad's son
Child male killed

The victims were named as:

Issa Al Karat
Adult male An agricultural engineer killed
Abdallah Mahmoud al Nijm
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Al Rawaba
70 years old male killed
Ammar Al-Mufdi
Age unknown male killed
Aziza Al-Qadro
Age unknown female killed
Ali
Age unknown male Son of Waddah killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    39 – 43
  • (5 children7 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    60
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • The al Lailat building in al Thakana neighbourhood, Raqqa, after it was targeted by a raid on March 19th (via RBSS)
  • 'The agricultural engineer Issa Al Karat martyred in the air raids on the city of Raqqa this morning [Mar 19th]' (via RBSS)
  • Abdullah Mahmood Al-Najim (Via RBSS)

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

Russia has published no known record of strikes in Syria for March 1st to March 30th.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    39 – 43
  • (5 children7 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    60
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (31) [ collapse]