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

CI317

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, East, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.368483, 43.184281 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, three members of a family, as well as a father and son, were killed by mortar fire in eastern Mosul.

Mosul Eye reported that mortars fell on apartment buildings, and killed a family of 3.

Mosul Kadema named the two victims and published their pictures.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Waleed Tamer
Age unknown male killed
Abus Rahma
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • An image of Waleed Thamer, killed after mortars fell on Mosul (Via @mosul.kadema)
  • An image of Abus Rahma, killed after mortars fell on Mosul (Via @mosul.kadema)
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
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 1st-2nd, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed four vehicles, a mortar system, and a fighting position; damaged two fighting positions; and suppressed three tactical units, two heavy machine guns, and a mortar system.”

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
    5
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS355

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Location

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.1169382, 36.5147781 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two combatants were killed by an airstrike in Idlib, according to local sources.

Baladi Network initially reported that a car carrying civilians was hit with three missiles, “leading to the burning of the car and the charring of the bodies of two people.” Images posted by the outlet showed a large fire and a burnt car.

However, other outlets, including Syria News Desk and Step News Agency identified the two victims as members of the Fatah al Sham Front, and not civilians.

“International coalition kills members of Fatah al Sham with a drone in the countryside of Idlib,” wrote Step News Agency.

Network of the Holy Defense identified the two as “leaders in Jahbat al Nusra Alaa Ayoub and Mustapha Ze’itar.“

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Alaa Ayoub
Age unknown male Some sources claim he is a leader in Jahbat al Nusra killed
Mustapha Ze’itar
Age unknown male Some sources claim he is a leader in Jahbat al Nusra killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda/HTS

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Translation: A drone targets a car near the town of Kafr Tkharim in the Idlib countryside which led to the death of the two leaders in Jabhat al Nusra Alaa Ayoub and Mustapha Ze’itar.
  • Translation: They ignore the sectarian militias…. International coalition planes target a car belonging to the Syrian resistance killing two fighters on Salfeen-Kafr Tkharim road in Idlib.

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 36.11694, 36.51477

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
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Kafr Takharim, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SBV7632299779
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • Nov. 2, 2016, near Kafr Takharim, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 3073/CS355 37SBV7632299779

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 1st-2nd the Coalition reported no strikes in Syria.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Published on Nov 3rd: In the past week, France reports carrying out 17 air strikes in Iraq and Syria: 16 strikes in Iraq, including 13 in support of ground troops in the Mosul region of Mosul, and one strike in Syria. Task Force Wagram has carried out 37 missions

‘Point de situation des opérations Armée française – Opérations militaires·Thursday, 3 November 2016 Actualités des opérations conduites par les armées françaises au Levant, en Irak et en Syrie (opération Chammal) et dans la bande sahélo-saharienne (BSS – opération Barkhane). OPÉRATION CHAMMAL Lancés le 17 octobre dernier, les combats pour la reprise de Mossoul demeurent au cœur de l’actualité des forces de la coalition. 3 fronts se répartissent du secteur Sud vers Qayyarah en passant par l’Est jusqu’au nord-ouest de Mossoul. Après les forts gains territoriaux des premiers jours de l’offensive, les progressions des troupes irakiennes se réduisent. La résistance de Daech se fait plus marquée, à base de tirs de mortier ou de véhicules piégés. Par ailleurs, en se repliant, les terroristes laissent derrière eux un terrain systématiquement pollué par des mines ou des engins explosifs improvisés. La dépollution ou le « nettoyage » des zones conquises participe donc au ralentissement de la progression. Cette période permet une nécessaire régénération des forces engagées et un re-complétement logistique. 1. La bataille de Mossoul au cœur de l’activité de la force Chammal Depuis le début de la bataille de Mossoul, l’activité de la force Chammal a progressivement changé de physionomie pour intensifier le soutien aux troupes combattantes au sol : les frappes aériennes se concentrent dans la partie nord-ouest des abords de Mossoul tandis que l’artillerie française fournit son appui dans le Sud de Mossoul. Depuis le 17 octobre, 75 frappes aériennes ont été réalisées dont 63 sur Mossoul – ce qui représente 84 % des frappes. La TF Wagram a conduit pour sa part 96 missions depuis la base de Q-West. Le pic d’effort au déclenchement des opérations est significatif tant pour les frappes aériennes que pour les missions de l’artillerie. 2. Activités aériennes et appuis feu Cette semaine l’activité aérienne est restée soutenue avec 98 sorties aériennes (air ou marine). Ces sorties ont permis de conduire 17 frappes aériennes dont 13 en appui des troupes au sol dans la région de Mossoul contre des pièces d’artillerie ou des positions renforcées de combattants. L’activité de la TF Wagram s’est maintenue cette semaine avec 37 missions qui se répartissent entre celles de destruction d’objectif (15), d’éclairement de nuit pour dévoiler et gêner les mouvements de Daech (20) ou d’interdiction pour entraver les progressions de l’ennemi (2). 3. Réorganisation du GAN Le prolongement du déploiement du groupe aéronaval jusqu’à la mi-décembre en Méditerranée orientale a été décidé par le Président de la République afin de maintenir la capacité d’intensification des frappes dans cette période clef commencée avec l’offensive en direction de Mossoul mi-octobre. Dans une logique de régénération et d’action dans la durée, la composition du GAN a été réorganisée : la frégate américaine USS Ross a quitté le GAN et la frégate anti-aérienne Cassard a été relevée par la frégate de défense aérienne Forbin le 1er novembre.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Map detailing French strikes for this week.

#Chammal : 17 frappes cette semaine en Irak et en Syrie, 30 objectifs détruits

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda/HTS

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS356

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Location

معرة مصرين, Maraat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.01152, 36.67183 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Airstrikes variously blamed on the Coalition, on Russia and on the Assad regime targeted Fatah al Sham positions in Maarat Mislin, reportedly also killing four civilians and injuring at least two more.

Initial reports – which said the town was struck three times – claimed either Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. The Syrian Network for example reported that “4 persons at least were killed and others were injured by bombing by warplane over areas in the town of Ma’arrat Misrin in the northern countryside of Idlib, the sources said that they targeted the headquarters area of Fath al-Sham Front.” Shahba Press said ten people were injured.

However a statement issued on March 9th by Fatah al Sham blamed the Coalition: “On Wednesday 2nd November 2016 the protector of internatonal crime the oppressive America targeted one of the centres of al Mujahidin in Maarat Misrin in the Idlib countryside which destroyed the place completely killing all the mujahidin who were inside. The most notable of the martyrs were:

-Adel Abu Mohammad al Ansari

-Abu Hamza al Masri [administrator]

May God receive them in his paradise.This targeting complements the role played by Russia in bombing and destroying and supporting Bashar’s regime.” The press release made no mention of civilian casualties.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Title: an air raid on Maarat Misrin 2/11/2016
  • Translation: warplanes launch raids on the dens of armed militants in Maarat Misrin in response to the repeated attacks of the militants on our people in al Fo’a and Kafriya north of Idlib.
  • Title: UAR’s lens captures the Russian enemy during the moment that they were targeting Maarat Misrin
  • Title: the first moment of the raids on Maarat Misrin 2/11/2016
  • Translation: 4 martyrs and a number of wounded following regime warplane targeting of the city of Maarat Misrin in the northern Idlib countryside with vacuum missiles.
  • Translation: 4 martyrs and around ten civilian wounded following Assad’s warplanes shelling Maarat Misrin in the northern Idlib countryside.
  • Translation: Northern Idlib countryside - 4 civilian martyrs and others injured in Maarat Misrin as a result of the air raids launched by the Russian enemy a short while ago on the city.
  • Translation: Idlib - 4 civilians killed and others injured following the air raids that targeted Maarat Misrin a short while ago.

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 36.01152, 36.67183  

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
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Maraat Misrin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SBV9018087733
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • Nov. 2, 2016, near Maraat Misrin, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 3074/CS356 37SBV9018087733

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 1st-2nd the Coalition reported no strikes in Syria.

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military 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
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS357

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Location

لقطة, Lakta, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.6265496, 38.9509964 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A man was killed when the car he was in was hit by an airstrike, according to local sources.

RBSS reported that a man named Suleiman Al Ahmad al Ghannam was killed “after his injury in an air raid launched by the international coalition on the village of Lakta in the northern Raqqa countryside.” Al Natek offered an identical account, possibly taken from RBSS.

In a later statement issued by writers in Raqqa, it was reported that “Suleiman al Ghannam had volunteered to take people with his van from areas under the control of Kurdish forces to the main road that connects Raqqa to Tal Abiyad. The front of his van was targeted by a missile from a warplane which hit the front of the vehicle, killing all sitting in the front while passengers sitting in the back including women and children survived.”

The statement – signed by more than 100 writers and journalists from the Raqqa area – called on the Coalition to ‘stop targeting civilians in the province of Raqqa and in all other areas, and open transparent investigation incidents into shelling of civilian sites by the international coalition and to hold accountable anyone found responsible.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Suleiman Al Ahmad al Ghannam
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Suleiman Al Ahmad al Ghannam (via RBSS)
  • Translation: Al Raqqa countryside: Suleiman al Ahmad al Ghannam killed yesterday following an air raid launched by the international coalition on the village of Laqta in the northern countryside.
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 Lakta, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 2nd-3rd, the Coalition reported “Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an oil pump jack and a vehicle.”

Summary

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

Incident Code

CI318

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34585235, 43.09857692 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Nine civilians were killed and over 115 claimed wounded, according to ISIL-linked sources.

ISIL-controlled al A’amaq reported that more than 9 civilians died, including four children and a woman, and “about 115 wounded as a result of US airstrikes” in Mosul.

A distressing video posted by the ISIL-controlled outlet initially shows several destroyed buildings in what appeared to be a residential neighbourhood. Later footage depicts wounded people in the hospital, including injured and stunned boys and girls, as well as what appears to be one dead girl.

The only other reports referenced al A’amaq.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9
  • (4 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    115
  • 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]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A screenshot of al A'amaq video shows the destroyed buildings. Later footage shows victims.
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
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 2nd-3rd, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged two tactical units; destroyed an ISIL headquarters building, five storage containers, two mortar systems, two fighting positions, an IED factory, a supply cache, a sniper position, an observation post, and a culvert; and damaged two tunnels, a bridge, and a supply route.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9
  • (4 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    115
  • 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

CI320

Incident date

November 4, 2016

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.34585235, 43.09857692 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A local outlet reported an alleged Coalition bombing in an industrial area in Mosul, causing unknown casualties.

Iraq 24 News reported widescale Coalition bombing in Mosul, including the industrial area. This led to four civilian casualties in addition to the dead Daesh, continued the report.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • An image shows smoke rising from the scene of a reported Coalition strike (via Iraq 24 news)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 3rd-4th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed five mortar systems, four vehicles, three ISIL-held buildings, two VBIEDs, two fighting positions and an ISIL headquarters building; and damaged two fighting positions and a front end loader.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI321

Incident date

November 4, 2016

Location

الكندي, Mosul, Kindi, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.401389, 43.1429672 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Members of several families were killed by bombings in Mosul, according to one local report.

Mosul Eye reported that members of three families were killed due to “bombardment” in Al-Kindi and Al-Kafa’at Al Thinita neighbourhoods of Mosul. The houses ISIL used are now empty, Mosul Eye clarified. The residents are the victims. Mosul Eye, however, did not directly blame the Coalition, nor did it provide exact casualty figures.

A local tweet said 21 civilians died in the incident, though did not specify who was responsible for the bombing.’Mosul The third Eye said that 30 civilians from four families were casualties – though again did not specify which munitions belligerent were responsible.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 3rd-4th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, five strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed five mortar systems, four vehicles, three ISIL-held buildings, two VBIEDs, two fighting positions and an ISIL headquarters building; and damaged two fighting positions and a front end loader.”

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
    21
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS358

Incident date

November 4, 2016

Location

الحيوي, Al Hiyewi, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

Three men were killed in airstrikes, according to a local source.

RBSS reported the deaths of three men “following air raids carried out by the international coalition.”

The Syrian Network and several outlets including Shaam News Network also reported the deaths of 3 civilians. Deir Ezzor and al Raqqa Legal Network shared the same three names as RBSS. LCCSY, however, put the number killed in Hiyewi at five.

A statement later issued by 100 Syrian writers provided more details: “Coalition aircraft had targeted on Friday a civilian car with machine guns, killing three people from Khaniz village near Raqqa, close to al Hiywei village.They were returning to their village after giving their condolences to a relative who was also killed by the International Coalition.”

The statement also called on the Coalition to “stop targeting civilians in the province of Raqqa and in all other areas, and open transparent investigation incidents into shelling of civilian sites by the international coalition and to hold accountable anyone found responsible.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mahmoud al Kader
Adult male killed
Mohammad al Rudaini
Adult male killed
Mohammad al Atra
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (3 men)
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Mahmoud al Kader, Mohammad al Rudaini, and Mohammad al Atra (via Raqqa is Being SlaughteredSilently)
  • Translation: 3 civilians killed following international coalition raids on the village of al Hiyewi in the northern Raqqa countryside on 4th November.
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.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 3rd-4th, the Coalition reported “Near Ayn Isa, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (3 men)
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]