In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of three civilians near Tal Afar, Iraq.
Their June 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS VBIED factory, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed.”
The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a one metre box. The location given placed the event in the east of Tal Afar, which is to the west of Mosul.
The local time of the incident is unknown.
Summary
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
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
April 8, 2017, near Tal Afar, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS VBIED factory, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed.
Three civilians were killed and another injured when Shora primary school, which had been taken over by ISIS to make bombs, was hit by an airstrike – an investigation by the New York Times Magazine found.
According to a field investigation conducted by reporters Azmah Khan and Anand Gopal for the New York Times, “Shora Primary School, which had been taken over by ISIS and used to make bombs, was hit by an airstrike between 9/20/2016 and 9/23/2016, and killed three civilians who had been walking nearby:
“Hamfeesh Masour Saleh, a retired soldier who had been near the school after praying nearby; Shida Ahmed Hasan, who was coming back from the Shora medical center, because her son needed medicine; and Shida Ahmed Hasan’s two-year-old son, who was with her. Another woman who had been walking with them survived.”
In June 2019 the Coalition accepted full responsibility for this incident, noting: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike on a Daesh weapons storage facility. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike.”
The Coalition later provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.
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
Sept. 22, 2016, near Qayyarah, Iraq, via media-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike on a Daesh weapons storage facility. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike.
In what may be the same incident as CI216 or CI218 – or a separate targeted killing operation – the US revealed three weeks after the event that a strike on an ‘ISIL finance emir’ had also killed a woman civilian. Three months later CENTCOM revealed two additional civilian deaths in the event.
General Peter E. Gersten, deputy commander for operations and intelligence for the Coalition, also revealed that US aircraft had detonated a Hellfire missile above the house as a ‘warning’ to civilians inside to leave.
“He was the major distributor of funds to Daesh fighters,” CNN reported Gersten as saying. “We watched him come and go from his house, we watched his supplies, we watched the security that was involved in it. And we also watched occasionally a female and her children in and out of the quarters…We went as far as actually to put a Hellfire on top of the building and air-burst it so it wouldn’t destroy the building, simply knock on the roof to ensure that she and the children were out of the building… And then we proceeded with our operations.”
But the tactic failed according to CNN citing Gersten: “We watched her and observed her leaving the building. And she cleared the building, and we began to process the strike.” But then, he said, she ran back in the building. It was “very difficult for us to watch, and it was within the final seconds of the actual impact,” Gersten recalled.”
In a statement issued July 28th 2016, CENTCOM noted: “On April 5, 2016, in Mosul, Iraq, during a strike on an ISIL financial storage facility, it is assessed that three civilians were killed.”
The local time of the incident is unknown.
Summary
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(0–2 children1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 36.34585235, 43.09857692
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
The Coalition reports that for April 5th-6th 2016: “Near Mosul, seven strikes struck five separate ISIL tactical units, an ISIL financial storage center, and an ISIL headquarters and destroyed two ISIL supply caches, two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL command and control node, and three ISIL assembly areas.“
Summary
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(0–2 children1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of three civilians near Mosul.
Their January 2017 civilian casualty report noted “During a strike on ISIL fighters it is assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area just prior to the munition’s impact.”
This incident may be related to CI356.
Al Rafidain published a video on the day (probably originating from ISIL) which showed significant damage to a west Mosul neighbourhood, along with dead and injured civilians. Local journalist Zyaad Alsenjary claimed civilian homes had been targeted.
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
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.
Bloody video shows the aftermath of the bombing of coalition allegedly aircraft on the industrial area on the right side of Mosul (via @rafidenchannel)
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
Nov. 29, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq: During a strike on ISIL fighters it is assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area just prior to the munition’s impact.
For November 28th-29th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, six strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed five mortar systems, three ISILheld buildings, three vehicles, three VBIEDs, two front-end loaders, a VBIED factory, and a command and control node; suppressed three tactical units; and damaged five supply routes and two pieces of road construction equipment.”
Summary
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of three civilians in an event near Mosul.
Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS mortar position, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area after the munition was released.”
The Coalition provided Airwars with the location for this incident, accurate to within a one metre box. The location given placed the event in the Zanjili area.
The local time of the incident is unknown.
Summary
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
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
May 19, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS mortar position, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area after the munition was released.
For May 18th-19th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 13 fighting positions, three rocket systems, two heavy machine guns, two medium machine guns, a VBIED, and a mortar system; and damaged seven fighting positions and three ISIS supply routes.”
Summary
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Multiple local sources, including a friend of one of the victims, said that the entire family of Al-Haj Alaa Al-Safi (consisting of eight people) died after a Coalition airstrike hit their home in Najjar neighborhood, in West Mosul. Sources reported that most of the victims were women.
The Coalition later reported that it had unintentionally killed three civilians in a strike at al Najjar that day. Either France or Belgium appear to have been responsible – though neither country will say.
Bashar Haseeb said on Facebook at the time that Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi was a study friend of his. In a comment he added: “He was a student with me at the Technical Institute and today he, his wife, his mother, his sons, his brother and his brother’s wife died in an airstrike.”
Mosul Facebook page also reported the death of al-Safi. It said that his wife, mother, his daughters, his sister, and the daughters of his sister were also among the victims.
In its July 2017 monthly casualty report, the Coalition appeared to take responsibility for the incident: “May 15, 2017, near Mosul, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS fighting position, it was assessed that three civilians in a building adjacent to the target building were unintentionally killed.”
Coalition officials later confirmed to Airwars that their report was referring to this incident. The Coalition provided Airwars with a location, accurate to within a one metre box. The location given placed the event near the al Shuhada Mosque in al Najjar.
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 this and other events – 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.
The local time of the incident is unknown.
The victims were named as:
Family members
(7)
Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Adultmalekilled
Wife of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Adultfemalekilled
Mother of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Adultfemalekilled
Son 1 of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Childmalekilled
Son 2 of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Childmalekilled
Brother of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Adultmalekilled
Sister in law of Al-Haj Alaa al-Safi
Adultfemalekilled
Summary
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(4–6 women1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
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 in adjacent structure
Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
May 15, 2017, near Mosul, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS fighting position, it was assessed that three civilians in a building adjacent to the target building were unintentionally killed.
For May 15th, the Coalition reported: "Near Mosul, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, two mortar systems, to medium machine guns, two VBIEDs, two ISIS-held buildings, two VBIED facilities, and a supply cache; damaged 13 ISIS supply routes and nine fighting positions; and suppressed three ISIS tactical units and two mortar teams.’
On 15 May, Australian F/A-18 Hornets supported Iraqi forces during operations in Mosul. The Australian aircraft struck several Daesh fighting positions and a Daesh heavy weapon site with precision guided munitions over several hours of support
Monday 15 May – Tornados and Typhoons provided extensive support to Iraqi forces in Mosul, striking nine targets…
The RAF is continuing to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian casualties.
Three flights of Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 and Typhoon FGR4 aircraft operated over western Mosul on Monday 15 May. As well as conducting tactical reconnaissance, our aircraft also provided support to Iraqi troops engaged in very close combat with Daesh extremists. Three Brimstone missiles were used in very precise attacks on terrorist firing points, including a medium machine-gun position, while Paveway IV guided bombs struck another machine-gun team, demolished four Daesh-held buildings, and cratered a road to prevent terrorist movements along it.’
Summary
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(4–6 women1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Local sources said that three named civilians were killed including a child, after an airstrike struck their house in Sekak neighborhood in West Mosul.
The Coalition later accepted responsibility for the event, publishing an assessment in December 2018 that stated: “On Apr. 10, 2017, near Sekak (Mosul), Iraq, via Airwars report. The Coalition aircraft engaged two buildings used as ISIS fighting positions. The buildings and ISIS fighters were destroyed. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed during the explosion.”
Local residents reported on Facebook that Professor Yasser Al Habo (see image below) died in the raids, together with his one-year-old daughter, and his nephew Professor Abdul Karim. Iraqyoon also quoted eyewitnesses saying that three people from one family died in the Railway neighbourhood.
While most sources did not specify the culprit, Shafaaq and Al Jazeera indicated that the Coalition was responsible. The Iraqi Spring Media Center posted a video, which it said showed “the destruction of the civilian homes in Sikak neighborhood, their cars and a wounded man who was injured when shelling targeted Khalid Bin Al-waleed Masjid at the right side of Mosul.“
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
(3)
Yasser Al Habo
AdultmaleProfessor, unclekilled
Abdul Karim
AdultmaleProfessor, nephewkilled
Daughter of Yasser Al Habo
1 years oldfemalekilled
Summary
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Professor Yasser Al Habo allegedly died in an airstrike on the Railway neighbourhood, together with his daughter and nephew (via Yasir Ahmed Alhussien, Facebook)
Another picture of Yasser Al Habo (centre front row, via Hiatham Saddi)
Video of the aftermath
Geolocation notes
Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest street at 36.329341, 43.125032
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
On Apr. 10, 2017, near Sekak (Mosul), Iraq, via Airwars report. The Coalition aircraft engaged two buildings used as ISIS fighting positions. The buildings and ISIS fighters were destroyed. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed during the explosion.
For April 9th-10th the Coalition publicly stated: “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed five fighting positions, five mortar systems, three medium machine guns, and a vehicle; damaged 22 supply routes; and suppressed four mortar teams.”
For April 10th-11th it reported: "Near Mosul, six strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed a fighting position, a supply cache, a rocket-propelled grenade system, an anti-air artillery system, one VBIED; damaged a fighting position; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit and a mortar team."
Summary
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
As many as nine civilians were killed in a nighttime Coalition airstrike at Al Qaim.
While the US has conceded three deaths, one site referred at the time to “nine dead along with the destruction of civilian property, due to heavy strikes by the international Coalition at midnight yesterday on the city of Al Qaim.”
In a statement issued July 28th 2016, CENTCOM reported: “On February 15, 2016, near Al Qaim, Iraq, during a strike on an ISIL staging area, it is assessed that three civilians were killed.”
In July 2019, 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
3 – 9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Amaq agency (Daesh Media): Nine people were killed and massive destruction of civilians properties by an alleged coalition airstrike in the middle of the night in Al Qa'im, west Anbar (via @SYRIA_GID tweet)
Geolocation notes
Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 34.3957715, 40.9943684
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
For February 15th-16th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL bunker.”
Summary
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.