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

CS1242

Incident date

July 20, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A female identified as the daughter of Khalil Ibrahim al Khalif was killed following “shelling of the city” of Raqqa, local sources reported.

All three sources did not specify what type of shelling took place. The slain victim was reportedly displaced from Al Abu Amer in the eastern outskirts of Deir Ezzor, before coming to Raqqa.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

The daughter of Khalil Ibrahim al Khalif
Child female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • 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]

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 unknown location, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 20th-21st: “Near Raqqah, 16 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 13 fighting positions, two pipelines, and an oil tank; and damaged a supply route and an ISIS railway.” It additionally reported that “On July 20, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions and a tunnel entrance.” And that “On July 20, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Wednesday 19 July – Tornados destroyed an explosives warehouse in northern Iraq, whilst Typhoons and Tornados struck a command post and defensive position in Raqqa…Update: air strikes against Daesh – GOV.UK In northern Iraq, intelligence had identified a warehouse near Hawijah in which large quantities of homemade explosives were being stored by Daesh. A flight of RAF Tornados attacked the building with two Paveway IV guided bombs, and demolished it on Wednesday 19 July. A mixed pair of one Tornado and one Typhoon meanwhile provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting to clear the terrorists from Raqqa. A coalition surveillance aircraft identified a Daesh defensive position, and our aircraft conducted a successful attack with a Brimstone missile. A terrorist command post was also identified within the city, and this was struck with two Paveway IVs.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • 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

CS1274

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

An elderly male was killed following alleged aerial bombardment of Raqqa, according to local media.

There are no other details available at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Razaq Haj Abdullah
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Abdul Razek Haj Abdullah, reportedly killed in an airstrike on Raqqa, July 26th 2017. (via RBSS)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 26, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 26th-27th: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed five vehicles, four fighting positions, three supply caches, a command and control node and an ISIS communications facility.” It additionally reported that “On July 26, near Raqqah, Syria, 18 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, two command and control nodes, an IED facility, a supply cache, and a logistics node; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” And that “On July 26, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and suppressed eight fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

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

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1441

Incident date

September 4, 2017

Location

Raqqa city: Traffic Park, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.96079, 39.00444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one man was locally reported killed following alleged artillery shelling near the Traffic Park in Raqqa. Both the Coalition and the US individually later admitted responsibility

According to local reports at the time, father of six Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al-Bashir was killed when a shell fell near Traffic Park.

While some sources blamed the SDF, Airwars understood at the time that only the Coalition had access to artillery in Raqqa.

In January 2020, the US-led Coalition admitted responsibility for the event – noting that “Coalition forces conducted multiple strikes against Daesh facilities. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of these strikes.” This appeared to be an amalgam of several civilian harm claims.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon admitted responsibility for this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al Bashir
44 years old male father of six killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Abdul Ghani Ahmed al-Yusuf al-Bashir, reportedly killed when a shell fell near Traffic park in Raqqa, Sept 4th (via RBSS)
  • Table from May 2020 Pentagon report to Congress, conceding additional US civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria during 2017.

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.960918, 39.004383.

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
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV004796
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 13, 2020

  • 2. Sept. 4, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition forces conducted multiple strikes against Daesh facilities. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed as a result of these strikes. 2147/S1262 37SEV004796

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 21 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positions, two pieces of ISIS communications infrastructure, two vehicles, a VBIED, a command and control node, and a logistics node.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, four strikes destroyed a VBIED and a fighting position and suppressed two fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions.” And also that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed nine fighting positions.” Plus “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed two command and control nodes, a logistics node, a fighting position and suppressed a fighting position.”

For September 4th - 5th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah , 23 strikes [2-3 British] seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, four oil stills, three oil trucks, two logistics nodes, and a command and control node; and suppressed two fighting positions" Plus "On Sept. 4, near Raqqah , one strike destroyed five fighting positions"

Additional Press Release for September 5th : Additional press release CJTFOIR on September 5th:

'CJTF-OIR transitions commanders in the mission to destroy ISIS

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, III Armored Corps Commanding General of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) from Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General, during a Sept. 5 ceremony here, which hosted an audience of hundreds of US and Coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.

Presiding over the transfer of authority of the Commanding General for US Central Command, Gen. Joseph L. Votel.

Veiled confidence that the III Corps team from Fort Hood, Texas will be ready to continue the fight to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

"When III Corps was here last, they were instrumental in increasing the pressure on ISIS and setting conditions by Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian opposition groups," Votel said. "Their hard work to the recapturing of Fallujah and the airfield at Qayyarah-posturing ISF to begin clearing Mosul, the ISIS stronghold in Iraq."

The III Armored Corps previously led the CJTF-OIR Coalition from Sept. 2015 to Aug. 2016.

Since redeploying just over a year ago, the Soldiers of the Armed Corps have gone to the forefront of the task of preparing for the mission.

"ISIS" brutality forces us to look deep into the heart of darkness. They condone the systematic murder of women and children, the enslavement of religious minorities, and the torture and execution of prisoners, "Funk said. "As a result of the magnificent work of this strong Coalition, real change is happening. ISIS is on the run. "

Airborne Corps' support to its partners in the achievement of major milestones in the campaign to ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Security Forces defeated ISIS in their capital of Mosul in Iraq, while Syria's Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Arab Coalition steadily made progress against ISIS's global capital in Raqqah, Syria.

Townsend Lauded Coalition Partners' Efforts in Iraq and Syria over the past year. Our Iraqi partners have liberated Mosul. Our Syrian partners are more than half of Raqqah. And the Iraqis have regained control of Tal Afar and the rest of Ninewah for good measure, "said Townsend. "I think it's all about you, we're able to partner with you."

Since its establishment in June 2014, CJTF-OIR - a global Coalition of more than 72 nations and organizations - has increased the capabilities of partner forces, and significantly degraded the ability of ISIS to plan, resource and execute attacks worldwide. Their collective accomplishments include:

* Trained and equipped nearly 115,000 Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and over 11,000 vetted-Syrian counter-ISIS forces.
* Recaptured over 82,000 square kilometers of territory previously held by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
* Set free over 5.5 million men, women and children in Iraq and Syria.
Conducted over 26,000 strikes against ISIS in support of partner forces in Iraq and Syria.

Funk shared his vision for the CJTF-OIR mission ahead.

"The very existence of ISIS poses a threat to the civilized world and our way of life. We must defeat them, and our collective effort WILL defeat them, "Funk said."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa , striking six Daesh positions including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper ... for the Syrian Democratic Forces in Daesh inside Raqqa . Our aircraft delivered six attacks with Paveway IV guided bombs against Daesh positions, often having to strike targets very close to the Syrian Democratic Forces, including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper teams.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1581

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Location

Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local media reported the death of one civilian, Hamed Khabas al-Aliwi, in an airstrike on his home. Sources, reporting on October 8th, said that the victim was killed “a few days ago”.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hamed Khabas al-Aliwi
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Hamed Khabbas al-Alew, reportedly killed in a strike on his home in Al Mayadin, oct 4-6th (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident only mention the city of Al Mayadin (ميادين), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.016667, 40.444167. Due to the 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 al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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

CS1844

Incident date

November 20, 2018

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.6897222, 40.83 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Coalition was said to have fired white phosphorus munitions on Hajin, according to sources on the ground.

Free Deir Ezzor Radio claimed that it was the sixth time Coalition forces used white phosphorus during the month.

Amongst others, Sound and Picture and Sana News claimed that civilians were killed and injured, but exact numbers were not stated.

Marsad al Hasakah reported that the town had come under fierce artillery bombardment: “The heavy artillery of Syrian Democratic Forces [in fact likely the Coalition] did not stop targeting the market behind the General Hospital and the neighbourhoods near the Khalid ibn al-Walid mosque and near the  Al-Tawheed mosque amid intermittent clashes between SDF and ISIS on the outskirts of Hajin  on the side of the Badia [the desert] and near al Jaabi area. The suffering of thousands of civilians trapped in the areas under the control of ISIS in the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour areas, continue after they have become a direct target of the bombing of the international coalition forces and the SDF.”

In its December 2020 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition assessed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that it had conducted no strikes in the geographical area which corresponded with civilian harm claims.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Incendiary
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Democratic Forces, US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • White phosphorus bomb according to Deir Ezzor Radio Facebook post on November 20th, 2018.
  • White phosphorus bomb according to Deir Ezzor Radio Facebook post on November 20th, 2018.
  • White phosphorus bomb according to Deir Ezzor Radio Facebook post on November 20th, 2018.

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

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 Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU676401
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 15, 2020

  • Nov. 20, 2018, in Hajin, Syria, 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. 3235/CS1844 37SFU676401

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 20th, the Coalition publicly reported: On Nov. 20 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of six engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, six strikes destroyed six supply routes.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France report that from Nov 14th – 20th, Task Force Wagram conducted 64 firing missions – 47 ‘lighting’, 17 ‘destruction’. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties but there were no strikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Appuyées par la coalition, les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent. Evitant le contact, Daech tente d’alimenter un sentiment d’insécurité par des actions clandestines ciblant indistinctement les FSI ou la population irakienne. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 64 missions de tir (47 éclairement, 17 destruction – bilan du 14 au 20 novembre inclus).’ Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2165 missions de tirs.'

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For November 14th-20th 2018, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16’s supported ground troops in the fight against IS during 10 missions. Weapons were deployed during 3 missions above Deir Ezzor in Syria, targeting IS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 14 t/m 20 November laat MinDef weten F-16’s te hebben ingezet tijdens 10 missies ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Bij 3 werden wapens ingezet, boven Deir al Zour in Syrie. Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities van IS zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Incendiary
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Syrian Democratic Forces, US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1914

Incident date

March 20, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz , Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported the death of the young woman “Alaa Mahmoud Al-Shakran” displaced from the city of Palmyra, as a result of alleged Coalition on the town of Al-Baghouz on March 20th.

According to a post by Revo.palmyra3, this brings the number of fatalities to four civilians displaced from Palmyra including two women and one child in the same week. 

In July 2019 the Coalition announced that it had assessed this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible. Their monhtly civilian casualty report noted: “The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Alaa Mahmoud Al-Shakran
Age unknown female Described as "young" killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

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
  • Stated location
    near Al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2019

  • Mar. 20, 2019, near Al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Between March 10 - 23, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 250 strikes consisting of 398 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 193 strikes consisting of 338 engagements, engaged 346 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 104 vehicles, 63 supply routes, 39 fighting positions, 31 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, nine tactical vehicles, six fuel tankers, four weapons caches, two command and control nodes, one tunnel, one tanker for petroleum oil and lubricants, one mortar system, and one checkpoint.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1165b

Incident date

July 6, 2017

Location

Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.944578, 39.002742 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, one man was reportedly killed in alleged Coalition artillery strikes in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty.

The report stated that “Ala al-Hadri was killed in a strike near the AbdRahman Ibn ‘Ouf Mosque, while he was going to fetch water. He had been previously displaced from his home in the Saif al-Dawla neighbourhood by the conflict.”

A naighbour, Bassam, gave a testimony to Amnesty which stated “Ala’s body was found between the mosque and my house. Next to him was the wheelbarrow which he used to fetch water from the well in my garden. There was no water in the house where he was sheltering.”

The incident occured in the afternoon.

The victims were named as:

Ala al-Hadri
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of the airstrike, two years on. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Not yet assessed.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Incident Code

CS157

Incident date

December 16, 2015

Location

عيساوي, `Isawi, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.6888933, 39.0555596 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One person named as Ahmad Al A’bd was reported killed and his cousin Wa’el Al A’bd injured after unexploded ordnance detonated – allegedly the result of a Coalition airstrike on the village in June.

In their January 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ahmad Al A’bd
Adult male reported killed after unexploded ordnance detonated killed
Wa’el Al A’bd
Adult male Ahmad's cousin, injured in the incident injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ahmad Al A’bd (via Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently)
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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEA050604
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 3, 2020

  • December 16, 2015, in Isawi, Syria, 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. 2885/CS157 37SEA050604

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The precise date on which the unexploded ordnance was originally dropped is unclear, though Welati refers to four Coalition strikes on June 14th 2015.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]