Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

LC158

Incident date

July 3, 2019

Location

تاجوراء, Tajoura: Detention Center, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.834472, 13.384889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (other) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 37 and 80 civilians have reportedly been killed in an airstrike on a migrant detention centre in Tajoura. The incident appears to be the worst single civilian harm event in recent Libyan history.

While most local sources blame the LNA, General Haftar’s army has rejected responsibility and accused the GNA of conducting the strike. Haftar, only days earlier, had announced to ramp up airstrikes following the LNA’s loss of Gheryan.

Reuters reported: “In a statement, the Tripoli-based government blamed the “war criminal Khalifa Haftar” for the incident,” adding that “an LNA official denied that his force had hit the detention centre, saying that militias allied to Tripoli had shelled it after a precision air strike by the LNA on a military camp.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, the GNA later accused the United Arab Emirates of conducting the airstrike with an F-16.

A report published by the Libya Herald also points at secondary explosions as the cause for the incident: “Sources in Tripoli said they heard the loud sound of explosions just after 5 am which were followed by a series of other explosions.” It added: “Unsurprisingly, there are conflicting narratives from the two conflicting sides, with the Hafter side saying they had targeted the militia base near the migrant centre and that the exploding ammunition caused the deaths of the migrants.”

The military camp mentioned is located next to the detention center on the outskirts of Tajoura. At the time, the center hosted around 600 migrants with the detention cell hit holding 126 people, most of them Sudanese and Moroccan, according to the Washington Post.

Amnesty International managed to speak to those affected and gave a more detailed account of what supposedly happened: “An Eritrean refugee said a first air strike hit a hangar adjacent to the detention centre, followed by a second strike that hit the men’s cell at the centre itself around five minutes later. Following the attack, up to 300 migrants and refugees – some of whom were returned to Libya after being intercepted in the Mediterranean in recent weeks – are now out in the streets of Tajoura, frightened and waiting for urgent assistance.”

Initial reports put the death toll at 40. However, most sources, such as UNSMIL, currently put the minimum death toll at 44. Additionally, 130 civilians were reportedly wounded. OCHA later raised the death toll to 53, including six children.

Harun Maruf later tweeted the number of casualties had risen: “An Official in Libya says death toll from airstrikes on migrant detention centre near Tripoli has reached 60.”

Anas El Gomati reported another significant increase to 80 civilians dead and 100 injured.

An on-the-ground investigation by Amnesty International later concluded: “The following day, an LNA spokesman confirmed that the LNA had carried out the strikes on the Tajoura compound, insisting that it had targeted a military objective and blaming the DCIM for endangering the migrants by detaining them in a military camp. However, the LNA did not explain why it had specifically targeted the DCIM detention centre. The facility has been used as a DCIM migrants detention centre for several years, so its civilian status was clear. The LNA’s spokesman did not clarify whether the LNA knew that this target was a DCIM detention centre or whether they only learned this after the strike. If the former were true, and the detention centre was the target, this would make the strike a deliberate attack on civilians and as such a war crime. If the latter is true, the LNA must explain on what basis it attacked the DCIM centre and what measures it took to verify that target before launching the strike.”

A UN report published in December 2019 said about responsibility: “The Panel has established that, until now, the only night operational capability for the delivery of explosive ordnance by the HAF was the Wing Loong unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), and possibly the IOMAX Archangel. The HAF is not operating any assets under its sole control with a night operational capability to accurately and precisely deliver HE A/C bombs of the type used in this incident. The attack on Tajura shows some of the hallmarks of the use of precision guided munitions (PGM), as the odds of two unguided ‘dumb’ aircraft bombs both hitting the roofs of buildings, in what is a relatively under developed area in terms of low spatial density infrastructure, would be very low.

The Panel also has independent evidence from a reliable confidential source that an unknown number of Mirage 2000-9 fighter ground attack (FGA) were using Al Khadim airbase, and Jufra as operating bases at that time. The HAF does not possess such aircraft types. A full maintenance and weapons support team would also need to be provided by the supplying Member State, as the HAF has neither the training, equipment or explosive ordnance types to support the operation of such an aircraft type. The Mirage 2000-9 has a fully night operational capable airframe, with the capability to also deliver PGM.

Therefore, the Panel finds it highly probable that the air strike was conducted using PGM at night by a modern FGA aircraft owned and operated by a Member State, acting in direct support of the HAF. The Panel reserves identification of this Member State until further physical evidence or imagery emerges to increase attribution confidence levels, and continues to investigate the circumstances of the air strikes.”

The GNA released a report on the incident in February 2020 where it said 37 civilians had been killed and 40 injured. It provided names for 24 victims.

The incident occured at approximately 5:05 am local time.

The victims were named as:

25 years old male injured
Age unknown male Moroccan injured
23 years old male Nigerien injured
32 years old male Zambian injured
25 years old male Ghanaian injured
30 years old male Egyptian injured
Age unknown male killed
32 years old male Tunisian injured
22 years old female Somali injured
38 years old male Bangladeshi injured
24 years old male Moroccan injured
24 years old male Ivorian injured
58 years old male Sudanese injured
24 years old male Chadian injured
20 years old male Bangladeshi injured
31 years old male Nigerian injured
21 years old male Morrocan injured
21 years old male Morrocan injured
17 years old male Somali injured
30 years old male Nigerian injured
26 years old male Nigerien injured
30 years old male Egyptian injured
25 years old male Nigerian injured
24 years old male Nigerien injured
Adult female Ethiopian killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    37 – 80
  • (6 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    40–131
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military

Sources (69) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • Video showing victims at the hospital
  • Pictures and location of the incident
  • Body allegedly resulting from the airstrike
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Pictures of the victims
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    More pictures of victims being treated
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video showing the aftermath of the strike
  • Satellitte imgaery from the incident
  • Al Jazeera reporting on the incident
  • Al Arabiya video report
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    More pictures of the incident
  • CCTV footage of the incident

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a migrant detention centre being struck in the town of Tajoura (تاجوراء‎). One source, @malachybrowne, identifies the exact location at these coordinates: 32.834472, 13.384889.

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

United Arab Emirates Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    United Arab Emirates Military
  • United Arab Emirates Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    37 – 80
  • (6 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    40–131
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military

Sources (69) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI549

Incident date

March 17, 2017

Location

الميدان, Mosul, Medan, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.336461, 43.124456 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local residents and the recently formed Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, up to 80 civilians died when heavy airstrikes and shelling destroyed multiple houses in Meydan neighbourhood in Old Mosul.

According to Iraqi Spring Media Centre, 20 houses were destroyed. It spoke of “dozens of bodies” under the rubble. Activists and aid workers in Mosul had told the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights that “more than 40 civilians were killed during Friday and Saturday when used by Daesh as human shields and American planes bombed them.”

Iraq News said on Saturday that during the past 24 hours as many as 80 civilians died in West Mosul.

In its June 2017 Civilian Casualty Report, the US-led Coalition noted: “March 17, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via social media report: The report contained insufficient information on the time, location and details to assess its credibility.”

The incident occured around dusk.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    40 – 80
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Meydan neighbourhood (حي الميدان) in Old Mosul. Open sources maps indicate Meydan neighbourhood (حي الميدان) is a small area in the North of the Old Mosul, at approximately: 36.336461, 43.124456

  • Maydan (المیدان) area in Old Mosul.

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Medan, Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 26, 2018
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 16th-17th the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed 11 fighting positions, seven vehicles, a recoilless rifle, a heavy machine gun, a rocket-propelled grenade system, an explosives factory, a supply cache, and an ISIS-held building; damaged 14 supply routes and a fighting position; and suppressed 13 ISIS mortar teams.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    40 – 80
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS008

Incident date

October 2, 2015

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.51631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 19 civilians and as many as 80 – including children and women – were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab.

According to al Jazeera – which placed the death toll as high as 80 with 200 injured – the attacks were carried out by helicopters, most likely Russian Hind-24 gunships. According to the Syrian Network, the town’s vegetable market was hit. Shaam Times placed the civilian death toll at 50.

The city had regularly been targeted by both Assad regime and international Coalition airstrikes, and on October 2nd there were also reports of Assad regime aircraft carrying out other strikes on the city. Enabbaladi reported that “nearly 15 air strikes targeted al Jabal Hospital, and the areas surrounding the Mosque Osama bin Zaid, and Adassat Alzaleq. Also hit were the top of Albugzal street from the eastern end of the city and the Great Mosque and the Mosque of Omar ibn al-Khattab, in addition to the surrounding Association picnic area.“

Enabbaladi also said that Russian Sukhoi aircraft may have targeted the nearby town of Tadeef three times “killing several civilians and wounding others.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    19 – 80
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    200
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

The Kremlin made no mention of strikes on al Bab for October 2nd-3rd 2015, although did note other attacks in Idlib governorate: “On October 2, in the course of the day, the Russian air grouping continued making pinpoint strikes at the “Islamic State” international terrorist grouping. Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25 aircraft carried out 14 sorties from the Hmeymim air base attacking 6 ISIS objects. At Maarrat Al-Nuuman (Idlib), Su-25 attack aircraft completely destroyed a large workshop aimed for production of bombs and improvised explosive devices and disguised as a plant for gas cylinders.Terrorist base for armament and military equipment was also eliminated. As a result of an air strike, over ten pieces of military hardware including infantry fighting vehicles were burnt down…

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    19 – 80
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    200
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3397

Incident date

April 7, 2018

Location

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Geolocation

33.573836, 36.404789 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (other) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged chemical weapons attack, attributed to both the Syrian regime and Russia, reportedly killed between 42 and 100 civilians and wounded up to 1,200 others in the city of Douma, Damascus governorate, on April 7th, 2018, according to local sources.

Enab Baladi wrote that “after a ten-day truce in the city of Douma, the last opposition stronghold in Eastern Ghouta, Assad’s forces and their ally Russia resumed bombing the city with warplanes, using poison gas again, amid reports that negotiations over the fate of the city had reached a dead end.”

In an initial report, Shaam News Network said: “Assad and Russia targeted residential areas in the city of Douma in the eastern Gouta with high-toxic toxic chemical weapons. The city was hit by rockets and explosive barrels containing these materials, killing 75 martyrs and causing more than 1,000 cases of suffocation”.

However, a second report from Shaam pointed only to the regime, claiming that “Assad’s forces used containing chemical gas believed to be sarin on a number of cellars and shelters, resulting in the martyrdom of entire families and injuring more than 1,200 people suffering from suffocation”.

Douma Revolution initially reported 700 cases of suffocation. In a later post, the source reported “the death of more than 100 martyrs and the wounding of at least 1000 civilians until now”.

SyriaTV reported on a joint statement by the Syrian Civil Defense and the Syrian American Medical Association (SAMS), which stated that “at 7:45 pm on Saturday evening, after the regime forces launched massive attacks on the city’s neighbourhoods, more than 500 emergency cases arrived at the medical points, most of them women and children who suffered symptoms of ‘respiratory slip, central cyanosis, frothy emission from the mouth and the emission of an odor. They smelled like chlorine and had a corneal burn.'”

The injured civilians reportedly suffered from a slow heart rate, rough bronchial purrs and wheezing. Medical teams treated the injured with “free moist oxygen” and bronchodilators. The statement also stated that “while the injuries were exacerbated in several cases, four of them were placed on the automatic ventilation system for children, and the injury resulted in the death of 6 cases, one of whom was a woman who was observed to have convulsions and pinpoint pupils.”

According to the statement, Civil Defence teams reported that more than 42 deaths with the same symptoms occured in civilian homes. SCD volunteers were unable to retrieve the victims’ bodies due to a lack of protective suits and the severity of the smell.

The Syrian Violations Documentation Center of Syria reported that prior to the chemical attack, around 12:00 at noon, alleged Syrian warplanes targeted the Red Crescent center in Douma with guided missiles and barrel bombs, which put the center and remaining ambulances out of service completely. Then, according to the VDC’s explanation of events, the warplanes dropped barrel bombs on the city, “which caused obstruction of the movement of civil defence vehicles and rescue teams that took over the task of treating the injured after all ambulances in the city went out of service.”

According to the VDC, civilians were forced to go out to basements and take cover. The next bombing, which “was heavily suspected of using highly concentrated toxic gases as well as chlorine”, immediately killed 42 civilians.

A volunteer with the Syrian Civil Defence told the VDC: “When the chemical attacks began, the smell of chlorine was reaching downtown Douma. We could not immediately determine the location of the chlorine missile. The bodies of the dead on the streets and the wounded were bleeding to death, without the medical personnel being able to intervene due to their scarcity and the very large volume of cases. Later, we discovered the bodies that had suffocated due to toxic gases. They were in a closed place sheltering from the barrel bombs, which may have caused their rapid death as no one heard their screams. It seems that some of them were trying to reach an open location because we found their bodies on the stairs. ”

Around 7:30 PM, alleged Syrian warplanes targeted the ‘Martyrs Square’ near the Numan Mosque with missiles suspected of being loaded with toxic gas, reported the VDC. A doctor told the VDC that the symptoms he observed on patients “are not similar to the symptoms of chlorine. Chlorine alone cannot cause such symptoms because chlorine suffocates but does not disrupt nerves. There were symptoms of organophosphorus compounds of which sarin gas is considered. But there was also the smell of chlorine everywhere. ”

Based on the available evidence, the VDC concluded that “this attack in this sequence was programmed and deliberately inflicted as much damage as possible to the civilian population. By isolating them from the rapid arrival of rescue and ambulance teams, and then forcing them to seek refuge in a closed place to take shelter from the violent bombing of barrel bombs. After that, their closed places of residence were bombed with poison gas.”

On June 25th, 2018, the New York Times Visual Investigation’s team published their investigation into the incident, titled “How Bashar al-Assad Gassed His Own People”. The investigation focused on one building where a chemical weapon was dropped. Based on the visual evidence, the investigators counted 34 victims in the building, spread across two floors.

According to the investigation, the bomb, loaded with chlorine, was dropped from the sky by regime helicopters. Chemical weapon experts told NYT investigators that the symptoms of the victims – a frothy emission from the mouth and corneal burn – indicated the use of chlorine gas. A US official reportedly told the New York Times that chlorine and sarin were found in the victim’s blood tests. According to the video, when civilians smell chlorine, they try to find a higher location and pour water over themselves. According to the investigators, this explains why many of the victims in the Douma attack were found on staircases and water sources.

Flight spotters reportedly saw the helicopters leave Dumayr Air Base between 7:16 and 7:23 PM in the direction of Douma and circling around Douma between 7:26 and 7:38 PM, around the time of the attack, according to NYT.

In total, local sources identified the names of 36 victims, among which at least eight children.

Nearly all sources blamed the Syrian regime for the chemical attack, but some sources mentioned Russia as well. Hence, this event is graded as contested.

The incident occured between 7:30 pm and 7:45 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Family members (6)

Child female killed

Family members (2)

Family members (2)

Family members (11)

Child female killed

Family members (4)

Child female killed
female killed

Family members (2)

Age unknown female killed
Age unknown female killed

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown female killed
Age unknown male killed
Age unknown female killed
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 100
  • (8 children15 women21 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    700–1200
  • Causes of injury / death
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (58) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (92) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a victim after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a young boy after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of children after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a victim after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
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    The body of man, woman and child after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • Injured children receiving medical help after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured victims receiving medical help after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • A victim in the hospital after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • Injured children receiving medical help after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • A child getting medical help after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • A child getting medical help after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • An injured child in the hospital after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • Aftermath of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • An injured child in the hospital after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • A man in the hospital after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child, who was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • The body of a child, who was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a child, who was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a civilian, who was killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bodies of civilians killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A woman and a child dead as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack in Douma on April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a boy after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The body of a victim after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of victims after alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical weapon attacks on Douma, April 7th, 2018 (via Douma Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Bodies of some of the civilians killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma Revolution).
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    Translation: Douma people bid farewell to their martyrs as a result of the Assad gangs bombing of Douma with missiles containing poisonous gases.
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    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
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    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Ghouta GMC)
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    Civilians killed as a result of the chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (Via SCD).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed and injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 8th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed and injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 8th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed and injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 8th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed and injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 8th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians killed and injured in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 8th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians on the floor after being injured or killed by an alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • Children seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • Children seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • Children seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • Children seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • A child seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • A child seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • A child seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • A child seem to be given oxygen after breathing difficulties as a result of an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
  • A child who looks terrified after an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution).
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    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)
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    A child killed in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime chemical attack on Douma on April 7th, 2018. (via Douma.Revolution)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the city of Douma (دوما). Comparing audio-visual information from several sources, and confirming these against the investigation done by The New York Times, we were able to find the exact location at these coordinates:  33.573836, 36.404789.

  • The exact location of the alleged strike on a residential building in Douma (دوما).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Comparison of the landmarks identified by The New York Times investigation against satellite imagery available.

    Imagery:
    New York Times / Google Earth

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 100
  • (8 children15 women21 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    700–1200
  • Causes of injury / death
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (58) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI679

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Location

الموصل: غرب, Mosul, West, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.336843, 43.117979 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources – which referred to a statement by Al Amaq (ISIL press agency) and residents of West Mosul – up to 79 civilians were killed and 159 wounded, mostly women and children, after airstrikes of the Coalition and Iraqi forces hit many neighbourhoods in West Mosul over a four day period.

M.N.N. (Mosul News) reported on Facebook that Mohammed Abdullah Ramadan was a victim “of Coalition and Iraqi forces shelling” (photo below). And the facebook page Victims of the International Coalition in Mosul published three photographs which it said featured victims Shehab al-Hassu, his son Hudayfah, and a cousin Riad Hazem.

Al-Araby News reported that the “Iraqi Air Force on Monday renewed the shelling for the liberation of neighborhoods in West Mosul, while members of the provincial council confirmed the presence of more than 200,000 civilians in areas controlled by the Islamic State.

A local source in Mosul told Al-Araby that the Iraqi air force bombed the neighborhoods of Rifai and Zanjili and July 17, and pointed out that the shelling was indiscriminate and did not focus on the ISIL headquarters. He also pointed to the number of victims whose number was not known, as a result of the fall of a number of rockets on some inhabited houses, adding that the rest of the old neighborhoods of Mosul under the control of “Daash”, were full of civilians, who fled to these areas to escape previous battles.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Shehab al-Hassu
Adult male Father killed
Hudayfah
Adult male Son killed
Riad Hazem
Adult male Cousin killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Abdullah Ramadan
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    79
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    159
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    GRAPHIC: The body of Mohammed Abdullah Ramadan after airstrikes hit New Mosul neighbourhoods (via MNN)
  • Images of Shehab al-Hassu, his son Hudayfah, and a cousin Riad Hazem, all allegedly killed in the strikes
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 1st-2nd 2017 the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul; two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two mortar systems, a front-end loader, an artillery system, a fighting position, a VBIED factory, and a medium machine gun.” It additionally stated that “Near Mosul, May 1st, three strikes destroyed three VBIEDs and three ISIS fuel tankers, and suppressed three mortar teams.”

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    79
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    159
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1401

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and other local sources reported that 78 civilians were killed in alleged US-led Coalition and SDF artillery strikes during the past 24 hours on the city of Raqqa. It is important to note that these are general civilian casualty numbers, and could encompass other civilian casualty entries.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    78
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqah (الرقة‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 21st-22nd: “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 24 fighting positions, a vehicle, a logistics node and ISIS communications infrastructure.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 21, near Raqqah, Syria, 24 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 33 fighting positions, a logistics node, a mortar system, and an anti-air artillery system.” And that “On Aug. 21, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes destroyed five ISIS fighting positions.” Also that “On Aug. 21, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For Aug 16-22, France report 5 strikes in Iraq and 2 in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 60 artillery missions. (@EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    78
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI101

Incident date

September 3, 2015

Location

بين جزيرة الخالدية, حصيبة والبوعبيد, Between Khalidiya Island, Husaybah and Albu Obaid, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.437441, 43.286666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq noted in January 2016 that two possible civilian casualty incidents had taken place in Ramadi. The Coalition has confirmed carrying out strikes in the vicinity that day.

According to UNAMI, “On 3 September an airstrike hit a bridge in Jazeera al-Khaldiya, around 20 kilometres east of Ramadi, Anbar, killing 46 civilians and wounding 20. Another source confirmed the incident but stated that the casualties were ISIS members. UNAMI/ OHCHR was not able to confirm the number of casualties or their status.

On the same day, another airstrike reportedly hit a residential area in eastern Ramadi, killing 28 civilians. A single source reported this second incident and UNAMI/ OHCHR was unable to verify it.”

At the time of the incident, local media blamed the Iraqi military, with claims on Facebook for example that “Iraqi medical sources say that 46 people have been killed, most of them women and children, with two dozen others injured, in the bombing by Iraqi warplanes of a transit area on the Euphrates River on Khalidiya island northeast of Ramadi.

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on December 5th of the same year – the US-led Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, noting: “September 3, 2015, in Jazeera al-Khaldiya, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2813/CI101 38SLB628993”.

The Coalition published a location for the assessment identifying to within 100 metres the area where it had focused its review.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    46
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a border crossing being struck in the vicinity of Husaybah (حصيبة) village that connects the areas of Khalidiya Island (جزيرة الخالدية) and Albu Obaid (البوعبيد), for which, due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for this area are: 33.4239915,  43.4280968

  • Reports of the incident mention a border crossing being struck in the vicinity of Husaybah (حصيبة) village that connects the areas of Khalidiya Island (جزيرة الخالدية) and Albu Obaid (البوعبيد).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Jazeera al-Khaldiya, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLB628993
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 5, 2019
  • September 3, 2015, in Jazeera al-Khaldiya, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2813/CI101 38SLB628993

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 2nd-3rd 2015, the Coalition reported that “Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL tank.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    46
  • Civilians reported injured
    20–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI101a

Incident date

September 3, 2015

Location

الرمادي, Ramadi city: eastern area, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.437441, 43.286666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq noted in January 2016 that two possible civilian casualty incidents had taken place in the vicinity of Ramadi on September 3rd of the previous year. The Coalition has confirmed carrying out strikes in the area on that day.

According to UNAMI, “[an] airstrike reportedly hit a residential area in eastern Ramadi, killing 28 civilians. A single source reported this second incident and UNAMI/ OHCHR was unable to verify it.”

A second civilian harm incident (recorded as separate event CI101 by Airwars) killed a significant number of civilians at Jazeera al-Khaldiya, according to the UN.

In the first of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that the allegation provided insufficient information on the timing and location of the strike to make a determination.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    28
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Ramadi (الرمادي), for which the coordinates are: 33.437441, 43.286666. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLC407010
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020
  • Sept. 3, 2015, in Eastern Ramadi, Iraq, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. 2817/CI101 38SLC407010

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For September 2nd-3rd 2015, the Coalition reported that “Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL tank.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    28
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]