Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1279

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.45343, 40.91704 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between nine and 11 civilians – many from the same family- died and dozens more were injured in airstrikes on Abu Kamal, local media reported. While most reports pointed towards the US-led Coalition, a number did not identify the warplanes responsible, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was unclear whether the culprit had been the Coalition, Russia or even the Assad regime. The Observatory added that two members of IS were killed.

Sharqiya Voice put the death toll at three, though most sources – blaming the Coalition – reported that 10 non-combatants died in strikes which hit the following locations:

Share’ Al-A’am

The house of Maolood Karkaz

The Post office

Al Thawra School

The area near the Al-Hana hospital

Seventy Street

Micro Syria, SPM, Jisrtv and Euphrates Post all pointed towards the Coalition, adding that the death toll was likely to grow as a large number of people were still missing, trapped under the rubble as local mosques put out calls for the donation of blood. Euhprates Post added that “planes are still in the air”.

Fasial al-Sayyid, a resident of the city of Abu Kamal, told 7al that international Coalition aircraft targeted more than seven different locations inside the city, including the post office, al-Thawra school and al-Arbaeen street, killing 10 civilians, including women and children. Others were left in critical condition, meaning the death toll is likely to rise.”

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, at least nine civilians died from the same family, including three children and one woman.

The Syrian Observatory also said that and IS car was struck and that two members of IS died. It added, however, that it was unclear whether the warplane responsible had belonged to the Coalition or to Russia or to the Syrian regime.

Euphrates Post put the death toll as high as 11, including five children and two women.

In June 2018, the Coalition confirmed responsibility for two deaths in this event, their report noted: “During a strike destroyed Daesh financial exchange facility, two 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 (2)

Hassan al-Karkaz
Age unknown male killed
Waled al-karkaz
Age unknown killed

Family members (5)

Abu Mohammed al-Diri family 1
Age unknown killed
Abu Mohammed al-Diri family 2
Age unknown killed
Abu Mohammed al-Diri family 3
Age unknown killed
Abu Mohammed al-Diri family 4
Age unknown killed
Abu Mohammed al-Diri family 5
Age unknown killed

The victims were named as:

Mohand Almadad
Age unknown killed
Amal Amjad al-Sufi
4 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 11
  • (1–5 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–25
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Amal Amjad al-Sufi, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Abu Kamal, July 26th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • 'Deir al-Zour witnessed yesterday [jULY 26TH] two horrific massacres in the city of Mayadeen, which killed 15 martyrs and more than 15 wounded, and the second in the city of Albuqmal, which killed 10 martyrs and more than 25 wounded'

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 34.452778, 40.917778

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
    2
  • Stated location
    near Abu Kamal, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU761141
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • July 26, 2017, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via Airwars report. During a strike destroyed Daesh financial exchange facility, two civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For July 26th-27th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed three ISIS well-heads.” And “Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed an ISIS financial exchange facility and a VBIED factory.“

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Wednesday 26 July – a Reaper destroyed a terrorist truck in eastern Syria..A Royal Air Force Reaper flew an armed reconnaissance mission over eastern Syria on Wednesday 26 July. A group of armed terrorists were observed boarding a truck, and the Reaper’s crew tracked the vehicle as it headed west along a desert road, some 20 miles south-south-east of Hasakah, before engaging with a Hellfire missile once it was in an isolated location. The missile scored a direct hit which destroyed the truck.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 11
  • (1–5 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–25
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI366

Incident date

December 9, 2016

Location

Mosul, Furqan mosque, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.338068, 43.16711 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 1m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition admitted in its February 2017 civilian casualty report that it had likely killed two civilians during a strike on an ISIL road repair team.

As the report noted: “Dec. 9, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIL construction equipment in the process of repairing cratered roads it is assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast when they entered the target area just prior to the munition’s impact.”

In February 2017, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a one metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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
    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
    2
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3550523005
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2017
  • Dec. 9, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIL construction equipment in the process of repairing cratered roads it is assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast when they entered the target area just prior to the munition’s impact.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

At the time, the Coalition publicly noted for December 9th-10th that “Near Mosul, nine strikes [3 British] engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed seven ISIL-held buildings, five vehicles, 10 fighting positions, eight front-end loaders, three mortar systems, two weapon caches, an excavator, an armored vehicle, and a heavy weapons system; damaged 11 supply routes and two ISIL compounds; and suppressed an ISIL tactical unit.”

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI527

Incident date

March 9, 2017

Location

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

Geolocation

36.36655, 43.08948 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a previously unknown civilian casualty event, the Coalition confirmed in April 2017 that two civilians died during an attack on a vehicle.

As their civilian casualty report noted, “March, 9, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when the target vehicle passed their location at the time of the strike.”

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.

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ 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
    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
    2
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF286263
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017
  • March, 9, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when the target vehicle passed their location at the time of the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Mosul, fives strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed six vehicles, five tanker trucks, four mortar systems, 4 VBIEDs, two supply caches, a fighting position, an artillery system, an ISIS-held building, a tactical vehicle, an ISIS headquarters, and a weapons storage facility; damaged 32 supply routes; and suppressed nine mortar teams, a sniper team, a medium machine gun team, and an ISIS tactical unit.”

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS968

Incident date

June 10–12, 2017

Location

نهر الفرات، الرقة, Euphrates river, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.93375, 39.0133 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to four civilians died when their boat was struck by the Coalition as they attempted to flee Raqqa, local media said.

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh barge. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed and 10 others unintentionally wounded due to their proximity of the strike.”

The United States later said this was one of its military actions.

According to the Euphrates Post at the time, “the coalition aircraft targets small ferries and boats transporting civilians between the banks of the Euphrates River, resulting in the martyrdom of a young man and his wife.”

Step News Agency, also blaming the Coalition, said that “two young men died” when their boat was struck as they tried to escape – which appears to be the same event.

In an August report by Amnesty International, a woman was interviewed who stated that her cousin Yasser along with two women and a man had been killed in an airstrike around June 10th. This event is likely related, as the victim was transporting people across the river. The interviewee stated that “A plane hit the boat and killed him and two women and a man he was transporting. He had taken me and my family across the river a few days earlier. That is what he did, he helped people to flee.”

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

There has been some confusion as to the exact date of this incident. Amnesty research was inconclusive on the date, so it has reported it as being ‘around the 10th’, whilst Airwars public sources pointed towards the 12th. The Coalition has also reported the 10th for this incident, so we have included a date range.

In its annual; civilian harm report to Congress in May 2020, the Pentagon declared this to have been a US action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Nida’a Khalil al Kirri
Age unknown female killed
Yasser Khalil al Kirri
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1 woman3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 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 neighbourhood/area at 35.932126, 39.006111 The MGRS released by the Coalition in the first assessment was: 37SEV044776 The MGRS released by the Coalition in the second assessment was: 37SEV012766

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
    Other
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    10
  • Stated location
    near Euphrates River, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV012766
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 27, 2019
  • Jul 26, 2018
  • June 12, 2017, near Euphrates River, Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

  • Jun. 10, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria, via Amnesty International report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh barge. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed and 10 others unintentionally wounded due to their proximity of the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 11th-12th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 16 fighting positions, two vehicles, and two ISIS boats; damaged five ISIS supply routes; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally reported that “On June 11, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions and suppressed a sniper team.” And that “On June 11, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed two fighting positions.”

For June 12th-13th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 21 fighting positions and four vehicles.” It additionally reported that “On June 12, near Raqqah, Syria, nine strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, an IED factory, an ISIS staging area, an ammo cache, and a command and control node.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

On the 15/6-17, the French MoD reported: "In the past week, France reports his 31 sorties, 28 of which were Armed Reconnaissance or Ground Support (CAS) and 3 were intelligence gathering. Two strikes were conducted by French planes in Iraq and Syria, one in the west of Raqqah city, and the other in the Al Qaim region, both against ISIL fighters. Task Force Wagram carried out 80 artillery strikes in Mosul."

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 28 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 2 frappes ont été conduites par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie, l’une à l’Ouest de la ville de Raqqah, et l’autre dans la région d’Al Qaim, toutes deux contre des combattants de Daech.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (1 woman3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI832

Incident date

August 20, 2017

Location

تل عفر, Tal Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.378878, 42.447143 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 two civilians in an incident near Tal Afar, Iraq.

Their January 2018 civilian casualty report noted “During a Coalition strike which killed at least two ISIS members and destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system being prepared to fire it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they inadvertently crossed into the blast area after the weapons had been fired from Coalition aircraft.”

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

Airwars had monitored mass casualty reports on August 20th (see I631 above), which may relate to this confirmed event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ 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
    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
    2
  • Stated location
    near Tal Afar, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKF710290
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • Aug. 20, 2017 near Tal Afar, Iraq via self-report. During a Coalition strike which killed at least two ISIS members and destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system being prepared to fire it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they inadvertently crossed into the blast area after the weapons had been fired from Coalition aircraft.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 18th-19th the Coalition reported “Near Tal Afar, three strikes destroyed 24 vehicles, two tunnels, two weapons caches, two front-end loaders, a command and control node, a staging area, an explosives factory, an explosives cache, and a fighting position, and damaged three bridges and two supply routes.”

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1754

Incident date

May 27, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa: al Boubadran, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, two civilians were killed and two civilians were injured in a declared Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Soussa on May 27, 2018.

Euphrates Post, Lawhat Bukmalna and Deir Ezzor 24 reported that Issa Mohammed al-Debs, an Abu Kamal local, was killed by an air raid on the Boubdran district of Al Soussa “last Sunday”.

Lawhat Bukmalna later clarified that the incident took place on May 27th. The source also stressed that one civilian was killed in the strike, along with several civilians injured.

However, Euphrates Post and Masar Press also reported the “martyrdom of a woman” in the same district of Al Soussa, on a Sunday but did not provide a name. A later report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights confirmed that both civilians were killed as “International Coalition warplanes fired missiles on al Boubadran neighborhood in al Sousa town”.

In the Department of Defense’s 2022 annual report on civilian casualties (1057 report), released April 25, 2024, the US military admitted that two civilians were killed and two civilians were injured in this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Issa Mohammed al-Debs
Adult male killed
Unknown
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Issa Muhammad al-Dibs, an Abu Kamal local, allegedly killed by a Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of al Soussa (السوسة), for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675. The “al Boubdran (البوبدران)” area or neighbourhood is also mentioned, but Airwars was unable to find any mention of this neighbourhood. It is possibly an area where people of the Bu Badran sub-tribe from the Baggara tribe were living

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2024
  • 27 MAY 18 Al Soussa, Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria, 2 civilians killed, 2 civilians injured

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 27th, the Coalition reported that: “On May 27 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of five engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed three Daesh fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For May 23rd to 29th, France reports that task force Wagram continued its support of the offensive against the last pockets of ISIS in the Euphrates Valley, where it conducted 11 shooting missions. French aircraft carried out 20 sorties, mainly missions of intelligence gathering and aerial reconnaissance. No strikes were carried out.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, l’activité majeure demeure l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie. Réduction des dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, après avoir terminé la conquête de la bande frontalière avec l’Irak, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont débuté avec l’appui de la Coalition, leur progression vers le nord et vers l’ouest où se trouvent les derniers emplacements de Daech. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes maintiennent leur présence sur l’ensemble du territoire et poursuivent la planification d’opérations ciblées. Elles assurent actuellement des missions de ratissage et de contrôle de zone en Ninive et dans l’Anbar. Ces opérations permettent toujours de trouver, désamorcer et détruire de nombreux engins explosifs laissés par Daech. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation des contrôleurs aériens avancés irakiens Les moyens aériens français sont régulièrement engagés depuis le mois de mars dans la formation des contrôleurs aériens avancés irakiens. La formation au sol est réalisée par des instructeurs américains et australiens. Les phases pratiques d’entraînement au guidage sont réalisées avec la participation d’aéronefs français et américains. Au total, trois sessions d’entraînement ont été réalisées en trois mois permettant aux soldats irakiens de travailler leurs procédures de guidage aérien. Ces formations participent à la montée en gamme de l’armée de l’air irakienne qui réalise aujourd’hui régulièrement des frappes contre Daech en totale autonomie. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate 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). Depuis le début de son engagement, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1754 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se poursuit en appui des forces engagées au sol. Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 23 au 29 mai), essentiellement des missions de recueil de renseignements et de reconnaissance aérienne. Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 8095 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS426

Incident date

January 6, 2017

Location

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.99805, 36.78559 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A reported unilateral US airstrike targeted and possibly killed Sheikh Yones Shoaib, aka Abu Hassan Taftanaz – a key leader of Fatah al-Sham. However his 15-year old son Hasan Younes Shoeaib also reportedly died, along with at least one other relative. The Syrian Observatory later questioned whether Sheikh Yones Shoaib in fact died.

In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this allegation of civilian harm, though claimed it to have been an attack on ISIS. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.” In May 2020, the Pentagon declared this as a US action.

According to Enab Baladi at the time of the event, “A drone belonging to the international Coalition led by the United States, carried out a raid on the town of Taftanaz in the countryside of Idlib this afternoon, caused the deaths of Shoaib and his son, a 15-year-old and his relative, former member of the Nusra Front, Mohamed Kamal Shoaib (Abu Omar).”

Shaam News said that Shoaib’s home was targeted by a drone in the attack, and that along with the three deaths several unspecified people were injured. Baladi News said that land next to the house was targeted.

Syria analyst Charles Lister – pointing out the increase in US attacks on al Nusra, noted: “Nusra/JFS’s decision to operate as a mass movement – in the open and embedded as one component of a broader armed revolution has laid it out as intrinsically vulnerable to (a) air attack and (2) external infiltration.”

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

In May 2020, in its annual report to Congress, the Pentagon declared this to have been a US civilian casualty event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

15 years years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 targets
    Al Qaeda/HTS, ISIS

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via Jisir TV)
  • Sheikh Yones Shoaib (Abu Hassan Taftanaz), a leading figure in the "front Fateh Sham" (via Enab Baladi)
  • 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 providing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated this event to 35.9976603, 36.7856598. In June 2019 the Coalition provided 37SCV004860 as the MGRS for this event.

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
    2
  • Stated location
    near Taftanaz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCV004860
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2019
  • Jan. 6, 2017, near Taftanaz, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For January 6th-7th the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Idlib, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.” However given that strikes on al Nusra are generally unilateral US actions, this may not refer to this incident.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 targets
    Al Qaeda/HTS, ISIS

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI325

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Location

Mosul, Shahid-Yunis, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.31523, 43.20991 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition admitted responsibility for the deaths of two civilians and the injuries of five more in an airstrike at Shahid Yunis.

In its monthly civilian casualty report for January 2017, the Coalition noted “Nov. 6, 2016, near Shahid-Yunis As Sab, Iraq: During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that seven civilians were unintentionally killed when the targeted vehicle came into proximity to two stationary vehicles just prior to the munition’s impact.”

Reports at the time referred only to heavy shelling in the area.

On April 30th 2017 the Coalition modified its report, noting: “Nov. 6, 2016, near Shahid-Yunis As Sab, Iraq: Number 1 on Jan 2, 2017, CJTF-OIR press release reported that seven civilians were killed during a strike on ISIS fighters in a moving vehicle. That was incorrect, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed and five injured.”

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.

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to 36.3132, 43.21294

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
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    Shahid-Yunis As Sab, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF393204
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 30, 2017
  • Jan 2, 2017
  • Nov. 6, 2016, near Shahid-Yunis As Sab, Iraq: During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that seven civilians were unintentionally killed when the targeted vehicle came into close proximity to two stationary vehicles just prior to the munition’s impact.

  • Nov. 6, 2016, near Shahid-Yunis As Sab, Iraq: Number 1 on the Jan 2, 2017, CJTF-OIR press release reported that seven civilians were killed during a strike on ISIS fighters in a moving vehicle. That was incorrect, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed and five injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

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

Summary

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

Sources (3) [ collapse]