US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Civilians in the ruins of Mosul city. (Maranie R. Staab)

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1579

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Location

البدو, Al Badou, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.961778, 39.006083 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Seven civilians, including four children and two women, reportedly died following alleged US-led Coalition air strikes on al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city.

Details of the death toll were initially provided by one source only, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which blamed the Coalition. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered also referred to air raids carried out by the Coalition on the neighbourhood, in conjunction with “intense artillery shelling”, with the source noting that the attacks occurred amid extensive bombardment of the neighbourhoods “Tawasu’iya, Bedou, Shihada’a, train street”. Moreover, RBSS documented “more than 117 air raids and about 1,500 artillery shells targeted the city during the past three days”.

Later reports said that Sadeed Al-Hallaq his wife, seven children, his father and his mother were killed. All sources attributed the incident to the US-led Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Sadeed Al-Hallaq
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 11
  • (4–7 children2 women2 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 (8) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Badou (البد), for which the coordinates are: 35.961778, 39.006083.

  • The neighbourhood of Al Badou (البد) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 14 fighting positions, two vehicles, and a logistics node; and suppressed four fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Oct. 3, near Raqqah, four strikes destroyed three ISIS fighting positions and a VBIED.” And that “On Oct. 3, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS communication system.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 11
  • (4–7 children2 women2 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1612

Incident date

October 9, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A civilian male died in Raqqah following an “aerial bombardment” of the city, local media said.

There is very limited information at present for this event, with both RBSS and Raqqa Maydan saying on October 11th that the incident had taken place “several days ago.”

Airwars understands that only the US-led Coalition were bombing in Raqqah at the time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Yassin Ahmed Al-Ibrahim
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Yassin Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 9th October 2017. (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 9th-10th the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in Raqqa.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1641

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Location

الملعب الاسود, Ar Raqqah: Baladi stadium, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.956944, 39.005833 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Raqqa RWB reported that three bodies were recovered near Al Mala’ab (the stadium) in Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. According to the report the “initial response team” was unable to identify the names due to “SDF prohibiting filming and getting close to the area“.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV005791
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020
  • Oct. 17, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information on time, location, or details to assess its credibility. 3157/CS1641 37SEV005791

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Date of event currently unknown

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS1669 RS2705

Incident date

November 8, 2017

Location

Abu Kamal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.466049, 40.907593 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians including one woman died in an airstrike on Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources mostly attributed the blame to the Coalition, however most reports published during from this period reported Russian and Syrian regime raids. The Centcom Daily Summary reported there were no Coalition strikes in Syrian or Iraq on November 8th 2017. 

Palmyra Revolution Coordination, alleged that the Coalition carried out the attack. Some other sources did not apportion blame.

Smart News Agency blamed the Syrian regime.

In April 2019 the Coalition announced that it had classed this allegation of civilian harm as non-credible, noting: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

According to sources the victims killed were internally displaced.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Musa’ab Mousa Eid Al Abdullah al Nijm
Child male killed
Mohammad Ziyad al Hilal
Child male killed
Mrs. Rokaya Ali Alda’as Al Salama
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • 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, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Musa’ab Mousa Eid Al Abdullah al Nijm, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Abu Kamal, November 8th 2017. (via Palmyra Revolution Coordination)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Abu Kamal (البوكمال) for which the coordinates are: 34.466049,40.907593

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
    Other
  • Stated location
    near Abu Kamal, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU752154
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2019
  • Nov. 8, 2017, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 8th-9th the Coalition publicly 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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • 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, Syrian Regime

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1701

Incident date

December 22, 2017

Location

هجين, Hajeen, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.69459, 40.83089

Airwars assessment

On August 30th 2018, the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of possible civilian harm. In the report, the Coalition wrote: “December 22, 2017, near Hajin, Syria, via social media report. After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike.” The Coalition shared the location of this assessed strike with Airwars: 37SFU677407. Airwars researchers assessed that the reported event has strong similarities with S1499 – yet cannot discount S1499 due to insufficient information on the location.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 30, 2018
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this strike

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Coalition position: For December 21st-22nd, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS vehicle and an ISIS staging area.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1732

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Location

الشفعة, Al Sha'afa: Al-Kashma district, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 10 and 30 civilians were reported killed and “dozens” injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Sha’afa. Most sources stressed that many of the victims were women and children.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it had documented the deaths of 22 civilians, including 9 children and 7 women and stressed that the toll was expected to rise due to the critical situation some of the injured civilians were in.

Deir Ezzor 24 tweeted that airstrikes had targeted the “Al Kashma district” of Al Sha’afa – later mentioning that more than ten civilians were harmed by the bombardments. Most sources specifically reported that 17 or 26 civilians were killed, with Free Deir Ezzor Radio even reporting “more than 30 martyrs, mostly women and children, as a result of US air strikes at dawn today”.

One activist, who declined to be named, told Smart News reporters that the civilian casualties may be ISIS family members as “the town’s families had left more than a month ago.” This was echoed by tweets from @QSD_Jabha and @Norsforstudies, as well as a Baladi report stating that – according to so-called Islamic State itself – 30 civilians were killed in Al Sha’afa.

In its monthly civilian casualty assessment for September 2019 – published on November 15th – the alliance classed the event as ‘non credible’, asserting that “After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.”

Coalition officials confirmed to Airwars that their review was a match for this event, and provided coordinates for the area assessed to within 100 metres.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 30
  • (2–9 children2–7 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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
    ISIS

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'News of the massacre of more than 10 martyrs, including children and women, as a result of the bombing of an aircraft believed to belong to the International Alliance'

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
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Near al Shafah
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU774280
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 15, 2019
  • February 28, 2018 near Al Shafah, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 28th, the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 28 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes consisting of four engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged two Daesh tactical units and destroyed a Daesh supply route and a Daesh-held building.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Wednesday 28 February – Typhoons attacked two Daesh armoured vehicles in eastern Syria, and cratered a road to prevent it being used to move supplies or truck-bombs…Royal Air Force aircraft continued to fly daily armed reconnaissance patrols over eastern Syria, but the next air strikes did not occur until Wednesday 28 February. One flight of Typhoons delivered attacks with Paveway IVs against two Daesh armoured vehicles spotted by the Syrian Democratic Forces to the north-east of Abu Kamal, with one of the weapons being accurately delivered through cloud against a target which the aircrew could not themselves see. A second Typhoon flight conducted Paveway attacks on a key road in the area, cratering it to prevent the terrorists from moving equipment along it, particularly heavy truck-bombs.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Feb 28th to March 6th, France reports 30 air sorties providing intelligence support to SDF forces engaged on the ground. No strikes were conducted. Task Force Wagram continued its support for security operations carried out by the ISF in the Euphrates Valley. This week, four shooting missions were carried out (2 interdiction missions and 2 illuminance missions.)

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs demeurent de défaire les dernières poches terroristes en Syrie et de sécuriser le territoire irakien. Poursuite des combats en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes poursuivent leur effort contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate, l’une située autour de Dashisha le long de la frontière avec l’Irak et l’autre dans la vallée de l’Euphrate à proximité d’Abou Kamal, autour de la ville d’Hajin. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, conduisant une vingtaine d’opérations par semaine, les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent la sécurisation du territoire. Ces opérations se concentrent autour des principales agglomérations, mais aussi dans le désert de l’Anbar où de nombreuses caches terroristes ont été récemment décelées et détruites. Retour progressif des réfugiés en Irak En Irak, la situation des populations civiles revient progressivement à la normale. Au cours des deux dernières semaines, principalement dans la province de Ninive, environ cent trente mille personnes déplacées ont rejoint leurs localités d’origine. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes En fin de semaine dernière, la Task Force Narvik a terminé un stage de quatre semaines au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Ce stage s’est déroulé du 6 février au 1er mars et a permis de former aux techniques d’infiltration une vingtaine de soldats irakiens appartenant à l’Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS), unité d’élite des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Les principaux savoir-faire transmis ont été la lutte contre les IED, le combat en zone urbaine, les techniques d’infiltration et de reconnaissance dans la profondeur et le secourisme au combat. La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, quatre missions de tirs ont été réalisées (2 missions d’interdiction et 2 missions d’éclairement – bilan du 28 février au 6 mars). Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram, a réalisé 1629 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se concentre sur l’appui aux forces démocratiques syriennes combattant dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Dans ce cadre, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé cette semaine 30 sorties aériennes orientées sur l’appui renseignement aux forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 28 février au 6 mars). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 7845 sorties / 1443 frappes / 2233 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 30
  • (2–9 children2–7 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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
    ISIS

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1794

Incident date

August 27, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that “a child and a person were killed by an SDF artillery bombardment on the town of Sousse”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that SDF artillery targeted al Soussa, “causing material damage” – though it said there was no information on civilian harm at the time of reporting.

It is Airwars’ understanding that only the Coalition had access to artillery in Deir Ezzor.

No further details are currently available.

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

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 attackers
    Syrian Democratic Forces, US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU805225
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Aug. 27, 2018, in Al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3184/CS1794 37SFU805225

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition reported the following: “On August 27 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes consisting of two engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed three Daesh supply routes."

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘In the fight against terrorist organization ISIS, Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 10 missions over the Syrian province of Deir Ezzor in the week of August 22nd-29th 2018.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 29-08-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 10 missies boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 22 tot 29 augustus 2018.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For August 22nd – 28th, France reports that Task Force Wagram carried out six artillery shooting missions in the Euphrates Valley. Since the beginning of its engagement, the it carried out 1870 shooting missions. Over the past week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal carried out 26 air sorties in support of the local forces engaged on the ground – but there were no airstrikes.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS), après avoir repris cet été la poche de Dashisha, sont actuellement dans une phase de réorganisation avant de lancer leur offensive dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, tout en accompagnant, dans les régions libérées récemment, le retour d’une forme d’administration. L’objectif, pour les FDS, est de permettre le retour à la vie normale et d’éviter le retour de Daech dans ces zones. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, si Daech a mené quelques attaques isolées cette semaine, la situation sécuritaire demeure relativement stable du fait de l’action des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) qui allie opérations de sécurisation et actions de rétablissement des infrastructures essentielles au retour à la vie normale de la population. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Alors que la frégate de défense aérienne « Chevalier Paul » patrouille en Méditerranée orientale, la TF Wagram et les aéronefs déployés sur les bases de Jordanie et des Emirats arabes unis (EAU) ont poursuivi leurs missions d’appui à la coalition. Un Atlantique 2 basé en Jordanie renforce le dispositif. Le C135 ravitailleur basé aux EAU a quitté le théâtre le 29 août. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Six missions de tir ont eu lieu cette semaine (bilan du 22 au 28 août inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1870 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux Emirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech au sein de la coalition. Une patrouille de Rafale a frappé, le 6 août dernier, deux entrées de grottes dans la région d’Al Qaim en Irak où tentaient de se dissimuler des combattants de Daech. Parmi ces derniers il s’est avéré que se trouvaient deux cadres importants de l’organisation : le chef des opérations pour la région de l’Anbar ainsi que le responsable financier pour la même région qui ont été tous deux neutralisés. Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 26 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 22 au 28 août inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8410 sorties / 1456 frappes / 2247 objectifs neutralisés.'

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 attackers
    Syrian Democratic Forces, US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1814

Incident date

October 19, 2018

Location

هجين , Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.705423, 40.845537 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged fourth problem Coalition airstrike in the governorate of Deir Ezzor over a 48 hour period allegedly hit a ‘Qur’anic institute’ (a place in which the Qur’an is taught) in Hajin, in what some local sources described as another “horrific massacre”.

Various sources reported that the airstrike killed six civilians and wounded several others. Eldorar for example reported that “According to sources speaking to Eldorar,  aircraft of the International Coalition targeted a Qur’an memorization school in the city of Hajin east of Deir al-Zour evening; resulting in the death of six civilians immediately, mostly children and women, and the wounding of others.”

Marsad al Hassakah reported that “six Syrian and Iraqi [civilians] died on October 19th, as a result of strikes targeting a Qur’an institute (Mosque) and surrounding houses in the town of Sousse, while 11 members of the [ISIS] organization were killed in the same strikes – with the number of martyrs and dead still rising because of those wounded.”

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the strike occurred at 12.00 and killed 6 civilians, including at least 3 children and 1 woman, all of whom were said to be Iraqi refugees.

Horrya News claimed that “dozens” were wounded in the event.

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

The incident occured around midday.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–12
  • 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
    ISIS

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'Deir Ezzor western countryside The International Alliance is again targeting children Quoting # Deiralzur Unified Media Office 6 martyrs residents of the area, including children and women, have been killed by raids from the International Alliance Air Force (IAF) targeting a Qur’anic school for children in Hajin town near Abu Kamal.'

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Hajin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU690419
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 15, 2020
  • Oct. 19, 2018, in Hajin, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3207/CS1814 37SFU690419

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 18th – 19th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal and Hajin, 10 strikes engaged 29 tactical units, and destroyed two command and control centers, one IED facility, one vehicle-borne IED facility, one mortar team headquarters, one building and two staging areas.”
For October 19th-20th: “Near Hajin, 10 strikes engaged 11 tactical units, and destroyed one vehicle-borne IED, one armored vehicle, three vehicles and five supply routes.”

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Oct 17th-24th, Dutch MoD reports that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions. Weapons were deployed in six of these missions – against ISIS fighters and vehicles near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor.

Midden-Oosten In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 6 zijn wapens ingezet tegen ISIS-strijders en voertuigen. Dat gebeurde in de provincie Deir al Zour, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

France report that between Oct 17th-23rd, the three CAESAR guns of Task Force Wagram conducted 17 firing missions, from Iraqi territory. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties and conducted eight strikes north of Abu Kamal in Syria.

OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, se poursuit. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent sans évènement particulier relevé cette semaine. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué en volume. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. La Task Force Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont ainsi réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 17 missions de tir (éclairement, harcèlement, destruction – bilan du 17 au 23 octobre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1992 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations. Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 17 au 23 octobre inclus) et conduit 8 frappes, en appui des FDS au nord d’Abou Kamal en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8582 sorties / 1472 frappes / 2271 objectifs neutralises.'

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (3 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–12
  • 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
    ISIS

Sources (17) [ collapse]