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

RS1518

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Location

معرة مصرين, Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.012172, 36.6730499 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians died and between four and ten were wounded after a series of three cluster missile attacks were carried out against the city of Maarat Misrin, according to local media. The majority of sources have assigned responsibility to Syrian regime planes but LCCSY and Syria Idlib Today alleged that Russian warplanes carried out the attacks. In addition, Moussa al Assa’ad, an armed leader of the FSA, and the Fath al-Sham Front, blamed the US-led coalition as being responsible for the attack.

In a statement released following the strikes, Fath al-Sham alleged ”the criminal world sponsor, America’s injustice and tyranny have targeted one of our Mujahideen centers in Maarrat Misrin.”

Those killed in the attacks were alleged by Sky Souria to be members of Jabhat Al Nusra.

The Holy Defence Network reported that the raids were a response to attacks that alleged militants had carried out in al Fo’a and Kafriya.

Video footage published by the Idlib White Helmets shows badly injured people being removed from the rubble and loaded into emergency vehicles. According to Syrian News Desk, they were swiftly transported to medical units in the town. 

An on the ground source said that cluster bombs were used in this raid, however other sources such as RadioAlKul reported that surface missiles were used. 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adel Abu Mohammad al Ansari
Age unknown male named by Moussa al Assa’ad killed
Abu Hamza al Masri
Age unknown male named by Moussa al Assa’ad killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • The exact moment the alleged airstrike hit Maarat Misrin, 2nd November 2016. (via The Holy Defence Network)
  • The exact moment the alleged airstrike hit Maarat Misrin, 2nd November 2016. (via The Holy Defence Network)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic footage showing people being rescued and dug up from the rubble in the dead of night in the aftermath of an alleged airstrike on Maarat Misrin, 2nd November 2016. (via Idlib white helmets)
  • Footage showing just moments after the airstrike hit Maarat Misrin, 2nd November 2016. (via Union Activists Revolution)
  • Footage showing the alleged plane which dropped bombs on Maarat Misrin, 2nd November 2016. (via Union Activists Revolution)
  • Rough translation: "On Wednesday 2nd November 2016 the protector of international 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." (via Moussa al Assa’ad)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Maarat Misrin (معرة مصرين), for which the generic coordinates are: 36,012172, 36,6730499. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between November 1st – 30th 2016.

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

CJTF–OIR for November 1, 2016 – November 2, 2016 reported that "Coalition military forces conducted no strikes in Syria".

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI316

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Location

حي القدس, Mosul, Al-Quds, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3446163, 43.2249784 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four women were killed and 17 people injured, including women and children, followed an alleged Coalition strikes according to local media. However, the Coalition later refuted any involvement.

An initial report from ISIL-controlled al A’amaq claimed that four women were killed and 17 people injured, including women and children in the US bombing in parts of eastern Mosul. Several other reports, including from Iraq 24, Al Sharqiya and Al Rafidain gave the exact same information, likely based on ISIL’s reporting.

Yaqein described massive bombing from Coalition planes in Mosul, striking the Qudis neighbourhood. But it too cited what would appear to be al A’maq’s original casualty figures.

A video released by al A’amaq showed the destruction of several structures, with rubble lying in the street. Warplanes can be heard flying in the area.

A Coalition statement issued January 2nd 2017 noted: No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

A UN report on the protection of civilians in the context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: ‘In the evening of 2 November, an airstrike hit a residential area in al-Qudus neighbourhood in eastern Mosul, killing four women and wounding 17 other civilians, including women and children.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    17
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

  • An image reveals the destruction that followed an alleged coalition airstrike on Al-Quds Mosul on November 2, 2016 (Via al-Rafidain)
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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2017

  • No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

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.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (4 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    17
  • 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]

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

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

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]

Incident Code

CI319

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

According to a single local report, a father and his daughter were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes.

Mosul Eye reported that 2 civilians (father and his daughter) have been killed in US-led coalition airstrikes in Al-Kindy neighbourhood, on the eastern bank of Mosul.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ 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.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ 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]