US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

CS245

Incident date

July 3, 2016

Location

الخفسة, Al Khafsa, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.52415, 37.95006 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were killed and three injured in a US strike at Al Khafsa.

According to the Manbij Coordinating Committee, “the village of Arba’a Kbeer [al Hamr] suffered Coalition raids on the road between Manbij and al Khafsa. There are wounded and one death of a displaced person in the area.” One of the dead men was named as Muhammad Waleed Al Hamood al Sheikho. Those injured were named as the children of Mustapha Ibrahim al Khalif.

Baladi News placed the death toll at four: “Just after midnight Coalition aircraft carried out a series of raids on a number of villages and towns along the Maskana – Manbej road, near al Khafsa and al Ma’moura [al Mahdoum] village at Arba’a Kabir – killing 4 people and leaving several wounded, some critically.”

The US later confirmed it had killed four civilians, noting: “Near Manbij, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL fighting position, it is assessed that four civilians were killed.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad Waleed Al Hamood al Sheikho
Adult male killed
Children of Mustapha Ibrahim al Khalif
Age unknown It's unknown how many children were wounded injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Translation: Mohammad Walid al hamoud al Sheikho killed due to his wounds sustained in coalition bombing of al Khafsa in the Manbij countryside.
  • Translation: coalition planes target the village of Arba’a Kbeer in the southern Manbij countryside and there are new of civilian casualties.
  • Translation: #Al Khafsa - the village of Arba’a Kbeer [al Hamr] suffered coalition raids on the road #Manbij #al Khafsa. There are wounded and one death of a displaced person in the area.
  • List of the martyrs killed in Aleppo on July 5th, 2016.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 36.2308082, 38.021965

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near Manbij, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA060426
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 9, 2016

  • July 3, 2016, near Manbij, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL fighting position, it is assessed that four civilians were killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 2nd-3rd 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, six strikes struck six separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS998

Incident date

June 15, 2017

Location

الانتفاضة, Ar Raqqah: Near Khaled Bin Waled school, Intifada neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.944566, 38.994456 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians – including a father and his three children – died in a Coalition airstrike on Raqqa’s Al Intifada neighbourhood, local sources reported. The Coalition later conceded to have killed four civilians in the strike.

Besides from the killing of a father and his three children, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS) additionally said that “the wife of the Engineer Hussein Ali Al Mohammed” [Ibrahim Ali Mohammed’s brother’s wife] also died.

According to RBSS, “the International Alliance committed a massacre by shelling a residential house near the Khalid Bin Al Waleed School in the Al-Intifada neighbourhood west of the city centre of Al Raqqa. The martyrs had attempted to leave the city of Al Raqqa for several days ago but they were forced to return to Al-Raqqa after their car was burned by Daesh.”

Jisrtv, who also blamed the Coalition reported that raids “targeted houses near the Khalid bin al-Walid school in Al-Intifada neighbourhood.”

The Coalition confirmed that it unintentionally killed four civilians during an airstrike near al Intifada neighbourhood, Raqqah on June 15, 2017. In their monthly civilian casualty report, they noted “During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed.” Moreover, Coalition officials told Airwars this incident occurred at the location 37SDV995778 (Military grid reference with 100 m accuracy).

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Ibrahim Ali Mohammed
Adult male killed
Ayham (son of Ibrahim Ali Mohammed)
2 years old male killed
Iyad (son of Ibrahim Ali Mohammed)
Child male killed
Amal (daughter of Ibrahim Ali Mohammed)
8 years old female killed

The victims were named as:

Wife of the Engineer Hussein Ali Al Mohammed
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • A photograph showing the destruction of Ibrahim Ali Al Mohammed's house following an alleged Coalition raid, June 15th (via RBSS)
  • Ayham and Yad, the two sons of Ibrahim Ali al-Muhammad, who were killed along with his daughter, in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa's Al Intifada neighbourhood, June 15th (via RBSS)
  • The Coalition airstrikes reportedly killed a family of four, including father Ibrahim Ali Al Muhammad, his two year old son Ayham Al Mohammed and his 8 year old daughter Amal Al Mohammed (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

  • The US-led Coalition officials informed Airwars that the incident occurred at 37SDV995778 (Military Grid Reference System coordinate, accurate to 100 m).

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    4
  • Stated location
    near Al Intifada neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV995778
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

  • June 15, 2017 near Al Intifada neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria via regional humanitarian organization. During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 14th-15th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, three ISIS boats, and a vehicle; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

For June 15th-16th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units and a sniper and destroyed nine fighting positions, four vehicles, three mortar systems, two supply caches, two ISIS headquarters, a heavy machine gun, and a home-made explosives factory.” It also additionally reported that “On June 15, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes destroyed eight fighting positions, an ISIS headquarters, and a tunnel, and suppressed two snipers.” And that “On June 15, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed six fighting positions, five ISIS staging areas, two command and control nodes, an ISIS headquarters, and a supply cache, and damaged 10 fighting positions and two VBIED facilities.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For June 14th-20th, 19 strikes were made by French aircraft in Iraq and Syria. Most of them were carried out during the Battle of Mosul, in support of the Iraqi fighters engaged in the fighting to drive ISIL out of its positions in the North of the Medina. The other strikes were carried out in support of the fighting for the capture of Raqqah, and against flows of arms and fighters in Iraq and Syria.

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 34 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 3 de recueil de renseignements. 19 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. La majeure partie d’entre elle ont été réalisées dans le cadre de la bataille de Mossoul, en appui des combattants irakiens engagés dans les combats pour chasser Daech de ses positions au Nord de la Médina. Les autres frappes ont été réalisées en appui des combats pour la prise de Raqqah, et contre des flux d’armes et de combattants en Irak et en Syrie.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Thursday 15 June – A Reaper destroyed a terrorist vehicle in eastern Syria. Typhoons struck three targets in Raqqa, while Tornados and Typhoons hit a mortar near Tal Afar and six targets in Mosul…The following day [June 15th], a Reaper remotely piloted aircraft conducted armed reconnaissance in eastern Syria, some 35 miles north-east of Dayr az Zawr, and used a Hellfire missile to destroy a terrorist truck. Two Typhoons also struck three Daesh positions in Raqqa in support of the offensive by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS510

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Location

منطقة مدرسة المعري, Al Maari school area, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9635, 39.00998 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between five and ten civilians including three women died and ten others were injured in an airstrike on the Al Maari school area of Raqqa, according to local media. While the majority of sources said that this was the work of the Coalition, one report attributed the incident to the Assad regime. The Coalition later confirmed it had killed at least three civilians in the event.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that a raid had targeted the Al Maari school in Raqqa city. They told Airwars that this was the same strike as one on Qitar street (listed below.) However, other sources reported this strike as a separate incident.

Step News said that the Coalition was responsible for a raid killing five civilians on Al Maari school. RFS put the death toll higher, at seven. According to Ummayya Press – which also said that seven civilians (including three women) died – “the strike had targeted the north of the city in the area of al Marri school, near a bakery.” It added: “Abu Maaz al Raqqa told al Ummaya Press that ‘the raid targeted a residential neighborhood, in an area near a bakery, where there were long queues of civilians. Seven died and a large number were wounded.

“Wali Furat al Wafa, a media activist from Raqqa, told al Ummaya Press ‘there is no truth to what some activists claims that Russia is bombing Raqqa’, asserting that ‘coalition planes are the perpetrators of this massacre, as recently it does not care about the lives of civilians, as long as it it gets to its single minded goal of Daesh.’”

Ara News also blamed the Coalition, reporting that it had stepped up raids. According to the source “twenty civilians were killed by targeting Maari neighborhood and Al Qitar street near the workers’ housing east of the city. In the aerial bombing that targeted Al Qitar street nine civilians were killed, including women and children, and about ten were wounded”.

A report by Syrian Mirror put the death toll for the strike on the Maari are as high as ten – adding that a “second massacre” then took place on Qitar street (listed below). The also blamed the Coalition. However, one report, by Syrian Press Center, said that the regime was responsible, putting the death toll at five.

In their July 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: “During a strike on an ISIS weapons storage facility, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area after the munition was released.”

In July 2019 Coalition officials confirmed that their 2017 report was referring to this incident and provided Airwars with the location, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 10
  • (3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Translation: a new massacre near al Maari secondary school in Raqqa - the victims 7 martyrs at least and a number of wounded in raids by planes based in al Angrilik turkish bases
  • Translation: 5 civilians martyred and others wounded following an air raid targeting al Maari area in Raqqa city.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.9621355, 39.0097957

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
    3
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV009799
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • Feb. 20, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via media report: During a strike on an ISIS weapons storage facility, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area after the munition was released.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 20th-21st, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, seven strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed three fighting positions, a VBIED, a garage, an IED and a weapons facility; and damaged a bridge.”

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 10
  • (3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS083

Incident date

June 19, 2015

Location

خنيز, Road 6, near Khaneez village, north of Raqqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.24479, 39.0345 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Coalition aircraft allegedly struck a three-wheeled motorcycle or ‘tirterah’ which was carrying a vegetable farmer. Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently later published a graphic image of the aftermath.

The victim was identified as a resident of Hamam al-Turkman near Ar Raqqah.

In April 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event, noting: “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, two civilians, and possibly a third, in passing vehicles (a bongo truck and a three-wheeled motorcycle) were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strike.”

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

The incident occured between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad al-Hamdo
Adult male Also known as Abu Abdo, a vegetable farmer from Hamam al-Turkman killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Site of alleged coalition strike, June 19 2015, in which a vegetable seller died [via: RBSS]

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a convoy of civilian cars on Route 6, West of the village of Khaneez (خنيز), for which the coordinates are: 36.2451039, 39.0351105. Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently located the airstrike on the road between Slouk and Al Raqqa, in the vicinity of the village of Khaneez (خنيز). The report was accompanied by a photograph of the victim who had been driving a three-wheeler motorbike (a tirterah). Shadows visible in that photograph taken soon after the incident indicate that the strike occurred in a four hour window, between 10:00 and 14:00 local time. Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 36.2451039, 39.0351105

  • Map showing Route 6 and the village of Khaneez (خنيز)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

  • The location of the strike is probably in the MGRS coordinates 37SEA00 or 37SEA01

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
    2–3
  • Stated location
    near Khanaiz village, north of Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEA031111
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019

  • June 19, 2015, near Khanaiz village, north of Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, two civilians, and possibly a third, in passing vehicles (a bongo truck and a three-wheeled motorcycle) were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition appeared to confirm destroying the vehicle, noting for June 19th-20th 2015 that “Near Ar Raqqah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL motorcycle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1701a

Incident date

December 24, 2017

Location

near Kharayij, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.35092, 40.71575 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of three civilians in an event near near Kharayij, Syria.

In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted “Coalition aircraft conducted strikes on a Daesh weapons storage facility and Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strikes.”

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

In May 2020, the Pentagon confirmed this to have been a US military action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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 (2) [ 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.

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
    3
  • Stated location
    near Kharayij, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU578024
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019

  • Dec. 24, 2017, near Kharayij, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted strikes on a Daesh weapons storage facility and Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed due to the proximity of the strikes.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

On Dec. 24 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of six
engagements against ISIS targets.
- Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed a heavy
machine gun and three ISIS vehicles.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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

Incident Code

CS501

Incident date

February 17, 2017

Location

المركز الثقافي القديم, Old Cultural disctrict, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.951112, 39.009489 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, Smart, reported that one civilian male was killed and his six-year-old child injured in an airstrike that was later confirmed by the Coalition.

Contrary to the reporting, in October 2017 the Coalition admitted to having killed three civilians. In its monthly civilian casualty report, the following was noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed six ISIS-held buildings and damaged an ISIS fueling station, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed.”

The location of the Old Cultural Center mentioned by Smart is 35.951112, 39.009489 according to Airwars geolocation.

In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box. Although this places the event 4km away from Airwars’ geolocation of the incident, Coalition officials confirmed that that their report was based on this event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • 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
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV983803
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017

  • Feb. 17, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria via Airwars report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed six ISIS-held buildings and damaged an ISIS fueling station, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 16th-17th, the Coalition reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, 17 strikes engaged two ISIS staging areas and an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed four tunnels, three fighting positions, three ISIS-held buildings, two weapons storage areas, two ISIS headquarters, a VBIED storage facility, a fuel station and a bridge.” For February 17th-18th, they reported: “Near Ar Raqqah, seven strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed 70 oil barrels, three oil storage tanks, three fighting positions, two oil refinement stills and a weapons storage area; and damaged a bridge.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS398

Incident date

November 27, 2016

Location

الحاوي, Hawi, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.04288, 40.5525 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A Coalition raid on oil infrastructure at Hawi in the Zebain area killed three civilians, according to multiple reports. The Coalition later confirmed the incident.

According to Deir Ezzor 24 and others, those killed died when oil burners (primitive refineries) were targeted. Syria News Desk reported that “international coalition planes launched raids on primitive refineries at an oil refinery east of the village of Zeban controlled by IS killing three civilians and wounding seven others, as well as burning four refineries completely.”

On January 3rd 2017 the Coalition announced that an event at ‘Omar Gosp’ was under investigation. While publicly listed for November 24th, officials confirmed to Airwars that this was in fact a November 27th event at the Omar Gas and Oil Supply Point.

On March 4th the Coalition announced: “Nov. 27, 2016, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS oil tanker trucks it was assessed that three civilians were killed. After warning shots were fired to dislodge drivers from the vehicles a number of the trucks scattered. Three of the trucks were subsequently engaged, destroyed, and their drivers presumed killed. The other vehicles in the area were abandoned after the warning shots were fired and subsequently destroyed with no assessed civilian casualties.”

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
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest village at 35.040833, 40.508889

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
    Inside target vehicle
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU416789
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 4, 2017

  • Nov. 27, 2016, near Dayr Az Zayr, Syria, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS oil tanker trucks it was assessed that three civilians were killed. After warning shots were fired to dislodge drivers from the vehicles a number of the trucks scattered. Three of the trucks were subsequently engaged, destroyed, and their drivers presumed killed. The other vehicles in the area were abandoned after the warning shots were fired and subsequently destroyed with no assessed civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 27th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed four oil tanker trucks and two oil tanker trailers.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1296

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.45622, 40.91166 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Six civilians died and 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on Abu Kamal, according to local sources. While the majority of reports blamed the US-led Coalition for the airstrikes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia were responsible. The Coalition later confirmed having unintentionally killed three and injured nine in this strike.

Euphrates Post reported that an “air bombardment” (it didn’t say who was to blame) targeted the city of Abu Kamal, near the Abdullah bin Masood mosque. It also noted another raid on “the empty house of Jamul al-Dulaimi”.

According to the pro-regime agency Sana, “the US-led coalition bombed the Aisha hospital, the club and Al Shuhadaa [Martyrs] roundabout killing six civilians, including women and children and injuring 10 others and causing damage to infrastructure”.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights, also attributing the event to the Coalition, reported the death of a mother and her two children.

However, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SO4HR), who said that at least six non-combatants were killed, it was unclear whether Russian or Coalition warplanes were responsible for the strikes.

In October 2017, the Coalition conceded it had caused civilian harm in this strike: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS headquarters structure, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed and nine civilians were unintentionally injured.”

In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this event accurate to within a 100m box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

The wife of Abu Aboud al-Deiri
Adult female killed
Son of Abu Aboud al-Deiri
Child male killed
Son of Abu Aboud al-Deiri
Child male killed
Daughter of Abu Aboud al-Deiri
Child female killed

The victims were named as:

Mrs. Sana al Ash’ab
Adult female the wife of Abdel Halim Al Mardood killed
Sundus Mohammed al-Mardod
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (3 children2–3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of a contested airstrike on Abu Kamal, 29th July 2017. (via @ahmadhossein3)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest city at 34.466049, 40.907593

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
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    9
  • Stated location
    near Abu Kamal, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU756144
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017

  • July 29, 2017, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via self-report. During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS headquarters structure, it was assessed that three civilians were unintentionally killed and nine civilians were unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 29th-30th: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS headquarters” and “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed five ISIS oil stills and four oil tanks.”

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (3 children2–3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (26) [ collapse]