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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US-led Coalition
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Incident Code

CS780

Incident date

May 8, 2017

Location

حي الوهب, Tabaqah, Al Wahab (First Neighbourhood), Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.814722, 38.537778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Smart News Network two civilians died and seven were injured – in addition to the death of one member of IS and the wounding of two more – in an alleged Coalition airstrike or artillery strike on Tabaqa.

Other reports gave some context, with RFS noting that “Syrian Democratic Forces managed to control the First neighborhood and the national hospital in the city of the Tabaqa, after fierce battles with ISIL and with the support of international coalition aircraft, whose air raids on neighbourhoods led to great destruction.”

In its August monthly casualty report, the Coalition confirmed an event at Tabaqah that day, though these appear to be separate incidents.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (5) [ 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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Wadah, Tabaqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV598674
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018

  • After a review of available information and the strike video it, was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, 15 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed eight fighting positions and a vehicle.” It later added that “Additionally, two strikes were conducted in Syria on May 7th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a fighting position.”

For May 8th - 9th, the Coalition reported: "Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions" It later reported "Additionally, four strikes were conducted in Syria on May 8 that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Tabqah, Syria, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position and a mortar system; and damaged an ISIS supply route."

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS802 RS2230

Incident date

May 11, 2017

Location

مزرعة القادسية, Al Qadissiya, Ar Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.945833, 38.981667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as three civilians died in an airstrike on Al Qadissiya village – including one adult male – according to local sources. There were reports of multiple strikes on the village. The allegations were against both the Coalition and Russian warplanes. A number of other sources didn’t identify the warplanes responsible.

Only one source – RFSMedaioffice – reported that there was an unspecific number of wounded.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “warplanes believed to belong to the Coalition carried out more than 18 strikes on places in the outskirts of al-Raqqah city and al-Jisr area and other areas in the village of al-Boasi and the farm of Qadisiyah in the western countryside of al-Raqqah.”

However, according to @ThwarAlraqqa, Russia carried out more than 12 raids on the village.

@Sour_News, amongst others, reported that the vicinity was a farm. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Aboud al-Khalif al-Hamid
30 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The countryside in Qadisiya where alleged Coalition airstrikes took place on May 11th 2017. (via @saad_alsabr)
  • Aboud al-Khalif al-Hamid, killed in a airstrike on Al Qadissiya farm, 11th May 2017. (via RBSS)
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
  • Stated location
    near Al Qadissiya, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV192819
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 10th-11th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven vehicles, three fighting positions, an ISIS barge, a VBIED factory, a weapons storage facility; and damaged two ISIS supply routes.” It later added that “Additionally, 13 strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on May 10th that closed within the last 24 hours. Near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 12 fighting positions, an ISIS headquarters, a command and control node, a supply cache, an ISIS staging area, a tactical vehicle, and a vehicle.”
For May 11th-12th. “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions, three VBIEDs, two ISIS oil storage tanks, two ISIS oil stills, two excavators, a front-end loader, an IED, and an ISIS staging area.” It later added that “Additionally, six strikes were conducted in Syria on May 11th that closed within the last 24 hours…. Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two VBIEDs, a fighting position, a weapons cache, a vehicle; and damaged two ISIS supply routes and a bridge.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Thursday 11 May – Typhoons attacked three targets in eastern Syria, as well as a truck-bomb factory north-west of Raqqa. Tornados also struck six times in Mosul…On Thursday 11 May, a pair of Typhoons, armed with Paveway IVs, destroyed a truck-bomb staging area some fifteen miles north-west of Raqqa, while another pair supported the SDF in eastern Syria, hitting a mortar team and two Daesh-held buildings near Al Ulwah. The same day, two flights of Tornados patrolled over Mosul, using Brimstone missiles against two Daesh positions very close to Iraqi troops. A further Paveway IV eliminated a mortar in a courtyard, and three more Paveways cratered roads along which Daesh might have tried to move truck-bombs along.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS830

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Location

ﺍﻟﻄﺒﻘﺔ, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.8373, 38.54811 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian male was reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Tabaqa, according to the Violations Documentation Center in Syria.

The man was named as Waddah Gassan al Qassas by both sources.

No further details are available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Waddah Gassan al Qassas
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]

  • Waddah Gassan al Qassas (via VDC)
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 Tabqah, Syria
    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
Official source

For May 15th-16th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tabqah, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions and a tactical 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

CS849

Incident date

May 22, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

At least two children and one woman were reportedly killed and 13 civilians were injured in alleged Coalition strikes in Al Mayadeen city in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, according to local media.

Sharqiya Voice reported that the children were from the A’Llash family living in Al Arba’een Street (40th Street) and all nine sources alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

One of the children was reportedly a baby girl and was pictured by Deir Ezzor 24.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reportjued that three individual strikes took place, which took place at 2am and 5am.

According to Deir Ezzor 24, the first two strikes hit Al Hammad Hospital Street and the third hit Al Arba’een Street. It also reported that five civilians, including two women, were injured in the second strike and that eight civilians were injured in the third strike – making up the total of 13 wounded.

Euphrates Post and Sharqiya Voice reported that the third strike – where the two children were killed – targeted the house of ISIL leader Said al Ghannash, but instead hit a neighbouring house. The strike was also reportedly near Al Hassan school.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the death toll was likely to rise as a number of people wounded by airstrikes were in critical condition.

In its July 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition referenced reports on social media of an attack on May 21st in Mayadeen, and said it was not responsible. The coalition reported: “May 21, 2017, near Mayadin, Syria, via social media: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties.” As the strikes reportedly took place in the early hours of May 22nd, these may reference the same incident — Airwars is attempting to verify.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Child from A’Llash family
Child killed
Child from A’Llash family
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Coalition strike on Al Mayadeen, May 22nd (via Deirezzor24)
  • One of the children killed in the alleged Coalition raid on Al Mayadeen, May 22nd (via Deirezzor24)
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
  • Stated location
    near Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU324762
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 21st-22nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three ISIS barges, two ISIS well heads, a vehicle, an ISIS oil storage tank, and an ISIS oil processing equipment item.” It later added that additionally on May 21st “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed seven ISIS oil barrels, two ISIS well heads, and one ISIS fuel truck.”
For May 22nd-23rd, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed four ISIS oil trucks, three ISIS pump jacks, and an ISIS well head."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS874

Incident date

May 27, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Multiple neighbourhoods, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.953861, 39.005409 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Thirteen named civilians including two children died in airstrikes and/or artillery shelling across multiple locations in Raqqa, according to local sources – though reports blamed both Coalition airstrikes and shelling by the SDF.

Al Raqqa Truth reported that 78 shells were dropped on the city while planes circled the skies. It added that Kurdish units positioned in the sugar factory targeted the area with artillery fire. The following locations were said to be have been struck.

Moua’wiya school

The automatic bakery area

Al Tousa’iya area west of the city

The barraks neighborhood

Rasheed Primary School

Al Diyafa Palace

Al Qouwatli road

Al-Moataz Street area next to Al-Hini Mosque

Area near the Directorate of Electricity

Area near the College of Education

Rumaila neighborhood,

February 23 Street

The Old Garage

The surroundings of the Faculty of Arts

The Silos roundabout

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently listed the following additional locations:

Engineers Syndicate

Al Karnak Tourist Hotel

Governor Palace

The Security quarter

House of police chief

Mohab Naser reported “air and artillery shelling by the coalition planes and SDF artillery targeting several neighbourhoods of the city”. He put the death toll at 10 with 20 more wounded. Masrawy also pointed to SDF artillery. According to the Smart News Network, “artillery of the US forces stationed in the north of the city, targeted neighborhoods with dozens of missiles and warplanes launched raids killing a civilian and wounding 17 others.”

Other sources, including the Syrian Network for Human Rights, attributed strikes to the Coalition – reporting five raids on different locations.

In its December 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition confirmed that “During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS headquarters building it was assessed the three civilians were unintentionally killed.” However officials have refused to provide co-ordinates for the event, meaning that we cannot presently determine whether this was incident S763; S765; S766; S767; S768 or perhaps a new event.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Faisal Nasser Al-Sheikh Issa Al Mabrouk
killed
Nidal Nasser Al-Sheikh Issa Al-Mabrouk
killed

Family members (2)

Ahmad Al-Tamash
killed
Daughter of Ahmed Al Tamash
female killed

Family members (2)

Hussein Obaid Al-Dandal
killed
Mohammed Ahmed Al-Dandal
killed

Family members (3)

Ismail Abrahima Al-Shaleel
killed
Khaled Ismail Al – Shaleel
killed
Mohamed Ismail All – Shaleel
killed

The victims were named as:

Mazen Khalil Al-Hassouni
8 years old killed
Muhannad Nasser Al-Hammadi
Age unknown killed
Mohamamd al Sabti
Adult Young man displaced from Palmyra killed
Abdo Al-Taki
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 13
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–20
  • 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 (37) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Mazen Khalil al-Husuni, killed in a raid on Raqqa, May 27th (via RBSS)
  • Mohamamd al Sabti killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa on November 27th 2017 (via Palmyra media centre Facebook page, posted on November 28th, 2017).
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 Raqqah, Syria
    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
Official source

For May 26th-27th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 12 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven vehicles, five fighting positions, three tunnels, an ISIS headquarters and an ISIS staging area.“
For May 27th-28th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three ISIS headquarters, an ISIS staging area and a VBIED." For May 27th it added that "Near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a six fighting positions, an ISIS-held building and a weapons cache."

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 13
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–20
  • 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 (37) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI743

Incident date

June 1, 2017

Location

حي الزنجيلي, Mosul, Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3502851, 43.1098795 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported more than twenty civilians died – mostly children and women – after artillery shelling and/or an airstrike hit their houses in Zanjili neighbourhood, West Mosul. Among the victims were eleven members of one family. Most sources blamed Iraqi government forces for the shelling, while others did not say who was responsible.

Local Facebook page Sawlf Ateka reported that Hussein Abbas (see photo below) died in the “battle for the liberation of Zanjili’.

Presently no further details are known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hussein Abbas
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    20
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Hussein Abbas, reportedly killed in shelling on Zanjili neighbourhood on June 1st 2017 (via Sawlf Ateka Facebook page)
  • Supposed aftermath of the attack
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 Zanjili, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU324762
    Military Grid Reference System

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
Official source

For May 31st-June 1st the Coalition publicly reported: “Near Mosul, Iraq, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed two fighting positions, a heavy machine gun, a vehicle, and a VBIED; damaged a fighting position; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

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
    20
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS925

Incident date

June 6, 2017

Location

حطين, Hitten farm, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.995549, 38.973889

Airwars assessment

Up to eight civilians from several families died at Hitteen farm, local media reported.

While most sources blamed a Coalition airstrike, one source said that a landmine was responsible for the deaths.

Al Hassaka Rasd reported three members of the same family died in an alleged Coalition airstrike near Hitten farm.

According to RFS, “Five people were killed when their vehicle was targeted by an aircraft of the International Coalition while they were trying to flee the city of Raqqa at Hittin Farm north of Raqqa.” Baladi put the death toll higher, at six from two families – again, blaming the Coalition.

However, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, eight non-combatants, “one man and his wife and four children and two others were killed by the explosion of a mine”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Nasser al-Yusuf
Adult male killed
The daughter of Nasser al-Yusuf
Child female killed
The son of Nasser al-Yusuf
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (2–4 children1 woman)
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (7) [ 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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Hitteen Farm, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV974837
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 5th-6th: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 18 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 19 boats, 12 fighting positions, eight vehicles, a house rigged with explosives, and a weapons storage facility; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionaly noted for June 5th that “Near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two ISIS staging areas, two fighting positions, a VBIED factory, an ISIS tunnel, an ISIS sentry post, a vehicle, and a command and control node.” And that “On June 5, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes destroyed an IED factory, an ISIS headquarters, an ISIS financial center, and an ISIS staging area.”

June 6th - 7th: "Near Raqqah, 17 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, two ISIS bridges, two vehicles, an ISIS boat, and an ISIS communications tower" Later reported, "Additionally, eight strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on June 5-7 that closed within the last 24 hours. On June 5, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes destroyed an IED factory, an ISIS headquarters, an ISIS financial center, and an ISIS staging area. On June 6, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS headquarters, a fighting position and a tunnel entrance. On June 7, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed six fighting positions and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Monday 5 June – Typhoons struck a Daesh-held building in eastern Raqqa, whilst Tornados hit two terrorist firing points in a building in Mosul…On Monday 5 June, two Typhoons, supporting Syrian Democratic Forces close to Raqqa, used a Paveway IV to strike a Daesh-held building in the east of the city itself. Tornados meanwhile continued operations over Mosul, and employed a pair of Brimstone missiles to deliver pinpoint attacks on two firing positions located in a large multi-storey building, where the terrorists had stationed a recoilless anti-tank gun and a machine-gun.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

2459/5000 'CHAMMAL ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION In Syria, on June 4, under pressure from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the terrorist organization abandoned the Baath Dam on the Euphrates (between Tabqah and Raqqah). Subsequently, the SDS announced June 6 the start of the offensive for the recovery of Raqqah. The coalition supports forces engaged in this battle, which can be long and difficult. This week, with the support of the coalition, the ground forces made significant first steps on the north, west and southwest fronts of the city. Leaving ground, Daech organizes its withdrawal along the Euphrates towards the city, and traps massively the ground. In Iraq, Daesh continues to lose ground in the north of the country, but continues its asymmetric actions in the capital. In the battle for the recovery of the historic center of Mosul, the terrorist organization is still fiercely opposed to the Iraqi offensives. Heavy fighting took place in the last days in the area of ​​the Jamhuri hospital complex, which until now remained in the hands of the terrorist fighters. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMMAL FORCE Air support to the Levant This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal made 36 sorties, including 32 for armed reconnaissance or ground support (CAS) and 4 for intelligence gathering. 8 strikes were carried out by French planes in Iraq and Syria. They were all conducted in support of ground operations as part of the Daesh operations in Mosul and Raqqah. Support is becoming increasingly complex in Mosul, given the fighting in highly urbanized areas and narrow, narrow streets. Fire support - TF Wagram The Task Force (TF) Wagram continued this week its missions in support of the 15th Iraqi Division in charge of securing the northwest of the city of Mosul and in particular the Badush sector. It has carried out 58 firing missions in support of Iraqi units. The activity was particularly marked by the defense of the rear areas of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) because of the harassing actions of Daesh. For example, on 1 June, the force fired counter-battery fire to prevent mortars from attacking Iraqi units before destroying a defensive position of the terrorist fighters and then a command post.

‘CHAMMAL APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION En Syrie, le 4 juin, sous la pression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS), l’organisation terroriste a abandonné le barrage de Baath sur l’Euphrate (entre Tabqah et Raqqah). Par la suite, les FDS ont annoncé le 6 juin le début de l’offensive pour la reprise de Raqqah. La coalition soutient les forces engagées dans cette bataille qui peut être longue et difficile. Cette semaine, avec l’appui de la coalition, les forces au sol ont réalisé de premières avancées importantes sur les fronts nord, ouest et sud-ouest de la ville. Cédant du terrain, Daech organise son repli le long de l’Euphrate en direction de la ville, et piège massivement le terrain. En Irak, Daech continue à perdre du terrain dans le nord du pays, mais poursuit ses actions asymétriques dans la capitale. Dans la bataille pour la reprise du centre historique de Mossoul, l’organisation terroriste oppose toujours une vive résistance aux offensives irakiennes. De rudes combats se sont déroulés les jours derniers dans le secteur du complexe hospitalier de Jamhuri qui reste jusqu’alors dans les mains des combattants terroristes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL Appui aérien au Levant Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 36 sorties aériennes dont 32 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 4 de recueil de renseignements. 8 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français en Irak et en Syrie. Elles ont toutes été conduites en appui des opérations au sol dans le cadre des opérations contre Daech à Mossoul et Raqqah Les appuis deviennent de plus en plus complexes à réaliser dans Mossoul compte tenu des combats qui se déroulent dans des zones fortement urbanisées et aux ruelles étroites et resserrées. Appui feu – TF Wagram La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions en appui de la 15e division irakienne en charge la sécurisation des abords Nord-Ouest de la ville de Mossoul et notamment du secteur de Badush. Elle a réalisé 58 missions de tir en appui des unités irakiennes. L’activité a été plus particulièrement marquée par la défense des zones arrière des Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) en raison des actions de harcèlement de Daech. Ainsi, le 1er juin, la force a effectué des tirs de contre-batterie pour empêcher des mortiers de prendre à partie les unités irakiennes avant de détruire une position défensive des combattants terroristes puis un poste de commandement.’

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 8
  • (2–4 children1 woman)
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS955a

Incident date

June 10, 2017

Location

شارع النور, Al Nour Mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.955556, 38.9925 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Initially this incident was reported on by several local sources as alleged Coalition airstrikes in the area behind Barazi pharmacy, near Al Nour mosque in the city of Raqqa. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently blamed “international coalition raids and Kurdish militia artillery”, and put the death toll at more than 33, with dozens more wounded. According to RFS, “dozens” died, while Step News Agency said that the Coalition airstrikes were carried out “in conjunction with missile attacks on the city from SDF positions”. Qasioun reported “airstrike with rockets and phosphorous bombs”.

During investigations of this event for the April 2019 joint Airwars and Amnesty report War in Raqqa: Rethoric versus Reality (www.raqqa.amnesty.org), Amnesty field researchers were able to point out that some of the names reported in this incident (Mahmoud al Ahmad al Suleiman (age unknown, male), Rajiha al Ahmad al Suleiman (age unknown, female), Mouna Mahmoud al Suleiman (age unknown, female), Tabarok Mahmoud al Suleiman (age unknown, female), Hisham Abdel Hamid al Badda (age unknown, male)) were actually of people killed in artillery shelling in the Dar’iya neighbourhood (see incidents CS956a and CS956b).

Other names initially reported in this incident are linked to 2 airstrikes investigated for the April 2019 War in Raqqa report, they can be found here: CS955b (Mahmoud Farouk al Khalaf (adult, male), Fadwa Al Mimmo (adult, female), child of Mahmoud and Fadwa (4 months old, male), Hanan Mohamed Ali Hassan Hamza (42 years old, female)). And in CS955c (Karmo al Asma’i (age unknown, male), Khaled Al Shibli (age unknown, male) and Mahmoud Jabali (age unknown, male)).

The 5 people not named in these investigations remain in this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Khaled al Khalaf al Sayel
Child male killed
Sister of Khaled al Khalaf al Sayel
Age unknown female killed
Father of Khaled al Khalaf al Sayel
Adult male killed

The victims were named as:

Umm Bashir
Adult female killed
Yasser Abdel Aziz al Alloush
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 33
  • (1 child2 women)
  • 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (46) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • Khaled al Khalaf al Sayel, one of the victims of an alleged Coalition raid on Al Nour street, June 10th (via SN4HR)
  • Aftermath of the place that was targeted by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via Q_Alenzy twitter)
  • Destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via Q_Alenzy twitter)
  • Umm Bashir, reportedly victim of the alleged Coalition strikes targeting areas near the Mosque Al-Nour, Ragga (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured or killed civilian caused by alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured or killed civilian caused by alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian victim of by alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Al-nour mosque, before and after the alleged Coalition strikes (via Sound and picture facebook)
  • A picture showing the destruction of Al-Nour mosque and the area near Al-Barazi pharmacy (via Sharqiya voice facebook)
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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017

  • 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
Official source

For June 9th-10th: “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, four vehicles, three ISIS headquarters, a VBIED, and an ISIS-held building; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally added that “On June 9, near Raqqah, Syria, nine strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions, two VBIEDs, two weapons caches, and an ISIS staging area.”

For June 10th-11th: “Near Raqqah, 17 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, four vehicles, two ISIS front-end loaders, two ISIS headquarters, an ISIS UAS and an ISIS barge.” It additionally reported that “On June 10, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged 9 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, a tunnel, a weapons storage facility, and a command and control node; damaged an ISIS factory; and suppressed a sniper.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Saturday 10 June – In Raqqa, a Reaper struck a group of terrorists engaged in a fire fight with Syrian Democratic Forces, and Typhoons hit two tunnel entrances…The following day [June 10th] , a Reaper intervened in a fire fight in western Raqqa between the SDF and a group of Daesh fighters. The Reaper hit the latter with a very effective Hellfire attack. The same day, Paveway-armed Typhoons struck two entrances to a network of tunnels built beneath a factory in the north-east of the city.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 33
  • (1 child2 women)
  • 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (46) [ collapse]