Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure
text search
11068 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

CS1754

Incident date

May 27, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa: al Boubadran, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, two civilians were killed and two civilians were injured in a declared Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Soussa on May 27, 2018.

Euphrates Post, Lawhat Bukmalna and Deir Ezzor 24 reported that Issa Mohammed al-Debs, an Abu Kamal local, was killed by an air raid on the Boubdran district of Al Soussa “last Sunday”.

Lawhat Bukmalna later clarified that the incident took place on May 27th. The source also stressed that one civilian was killed in the strike, along with several civilians injured.

However, Euphrates Post and Masar Press also reported the “martyrdom of a woman” in the same district of Al Soussa, on a Sunday but did not provide a name. A later report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights confirmed that both civilians were killed as “International Coalition warplanes fired missiles on al Boubadran neighborhood in al Sousa town”.

In the Department of Defense’s 2022 annual report on civilian casualties (1057 report), released April 25, 2024, the US military admitted that two civilians were killed and two civilians were injured in this incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Issa Mohammed al-Debs
Adult male killed
Unknown
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Issa Muhammad al-Dibs, an Abu Kamal local, allegedly killed by a Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of al Soussa (السوسة), for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675. The “al Boubdran (البوبدران)” area or neighbourhood is also mentioned, but Airwars was unable to find any mention of this neighbourhood. It is possibly an area where people of the Bu Badran sub-tribe from the Baggara tribe were living

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 25, 2024

  • 27 MAY 18 Al Soussa, Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria, 2 civilians killed, 2 civilians injured

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 27th, the Coalition reported that: “On May 27 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of five engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed three Daesh fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For May 23rd to 29th, France reports that task force Wagram continued its support of the offensive against the last pockets of ISIS in the Euphrates Valley, where it conducted 11 shooting missions. French aircraft carried out 20 sorties, mainly missions of intelligence gathering and aerial reconnaissance. No strikes were carried out.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, l’activité majeure demeure l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie. Réduction des dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, après avoir terminé la conquête de la bande frontalière avec l’Irak, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont débuté avec l’appui de la Coalition, leur progression vers le nord et vers l’ouest où se trouvent les derniers emplacements de Daech. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes maintiennent leur présence sur l’ensemble du territoire et poursuivent la planification d’opérations ciblées. Elles assurent actuellement des missions de ratissage et de contrôle de zone en Ninive et dans l’Anbar. Ces opérations permettent toujours de trouver, désamorcer et détruire de nombreux engins explosifs laissés par Daech. ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE Formation des contrôleurs aériens avancés irakiens Les moyens aériens français sont régulièrement engagés depuis le mois de mars dans la formation des contrôleurs aériens avancés irakiens. La formation au sol est réalisée par des instructeurs américains et australiens. Les phases pratiques d’entraînement au guidage sont réalisées avec la participation d’aéronefs français et américains. Au total, trois sessions d’entraînement ont été réalisées en trois mois permettant aux soldats irakiens de travailler leurs procédures de guidage aérien. Ces formations participent à la montée en gamme de l’armée de l’air irakienne qui réalise aujourd’hui régulièrement des frappes contre Daech en totale autonomie. 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 demeure engagée en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, 95 missions de tirs ont été réalisées, dont 11 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 23 au 29 mai). Depuis le début de son engagement, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1754 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 poursuit en appui des forces engagées au sol. Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 23 au 29 mai), essentiellement des missions de recueil de renseignements et de reconnaissance aérienne. Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 : 8095 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1755

Incident date

May 28, 2018

Location

باغوز فوقاني, Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A single source reported that three civilians were killed after an air raid targeted the village of al Baghouz.

Sound and Picture stated that the three civilians were killed after “air strikes from a combat aircraft coming from the Iraqi side” struck the village in the countryside of Abu Kamal.

While the source was alone in saying this, several other reports made mention of Coalition airstrikes on al Baghouz in which “several members of Daesh were killed”. Baladi News said that ‘dozens’ of ISIS fighters were injured.

In January 2019, the Coalition announced that it had classed the event as non credible due to a lack of available evidence of civilian harm: “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 incident was first reported on May 28, 2018 at 11:00 am by .

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Baghuz Fawqani (باغوز فوقاني), for which the coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778

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
  • Stated location
    near al-Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 31, 2019

  • May 28, 2018, near al-Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars 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.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 28th, the Coalition publicly reported no airstrikes in Syria.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM130-C

Incident date

May 29–June 3, 2018

Location

Bariire, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

2.04707, 44.89832 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A suspected airstrike in a field outside Bariire, a village 30 miles west of Mogadishu, killed three boys and left one woman injured, according to The National.

Journalist Amanda Sperber met Halimo Mohamed Abdi, a herder who was injured in the action:

“The blast broke both her hips, left shrapnel embedded in her thigh, and caused terrible burns that cost her both breasts. Before she lost consciousness, she told me, she saw three boys—ages 9, 10, and 16—die in the explosion, which occurred at night in a field outside Bariire, a village 30 miles west of the Somali capital of Mogadishu. She also said the strike came from the sky and that afterward she had to be hospitalized for three months.”

Halimo said she didn’t follow the Western calendar, but that the event was about two weeks before Eid al-Fitr, which began on June 14th in 2018.

US Africa Command had stated in a press release that it conducted an airstrike 30 miles southwest of Mogadishu on May 31st, that it said killed 12 terrorists – which is presently recorded by Airwars as another event. Due to the lack of clarity regarding the date of this incident, it is not clear whether these are referring to the same incidents. The date range for this event has been set at May 29th to June 3rd.

AFRICOM has not released details of any other airstrikes that match the date range or location given by Halimo. The US along with Kenya are the only countries known to be conducting airstrikes in this region of Somalia. Ms Sperber has suggested that the strike may also not match AFRICOM’s records because it could potentially be a CIA action.

In a subsequent FOIA response obtained by journalist Joshua Eaton in May 2019, AFRICOM  confirmed it had struck what it says were “al-Shabaab Fighters”, in the vicinity of Merka District, Somalia. This appears most likely to relate to the other reported (and confirmed) US event on May 31st

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

Halimo Mohamed Abdi
Adult female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–12

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in a field outside the village Bariire, 30 miles west of Mogadishu, destroying a house. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we weren’t able to verify the location of the field or house. The coordinates for the village of Bariire are: 2.04707, 44.89832.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–12

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM129

Incident date

May 31, 2018

Location

30 miles southwest of Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

1.834123, 44.945021 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

AFRICOM reported on the same day that it had “conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants approximately 30 miles southwest of Mogadishu, Somalia, on May 31”.

It added: “We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.” However, AFRICOM claimed that the airstrike killed “twelve (12) terrorists”.

In a subsequent FOIA response obtained by journalist Joshua Eaton in May 2019, AFRICOM  confirmed it had struck on this date what it says were “al-Shabaab Fighters”, in the vicinity of Merka District, Somalia.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    12

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the area 30 miles southwest of Mogadishu, for which the generic coordinates are: 1.834123, 44.945021. A subsequent FOIA pointed to the vicinity of Marka district as a location. The area 30 miles southwest of Mogadishu is indeed located in Marka district (for which the generic coordinates are: 1.755033, 44.744791). Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

U.S. Conducts Airstrike in Support of the Federal Government of Somalia


In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Forces conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants approximately 30 miles southwest of Mogadishu, Somalia, on May 31, killing twelve (12) terrorists.

We currently assess no civilians were killed in this airstrike.

U.S. forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect U.S. citizens and to disable terrorist threats. This includes partnering with AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces (SNSF) in combined counterterrorism operations and targeting terrorists, their training camps, and their safe havens throughout Somalia and the region.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    12

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1756

Incident date

May 31, 2018

Location

باغوز فوقاني, Al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.469968, 40.954784 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, Coalition airstrikes and artillery shelling on the town of Al Baghouz led to the deaths of up to nine civilians, including two or three children.

Coalition officials indicated to Airwars that it is likely that this incident matches one of the following concession of civilian harm. In their February 2019 press release, they noted: “Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS staging area. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the target location”, following an allegation they received from social media.

Deir Ezzor 24 stated in a tweet that “the bombing by warplanes” took place “at dawn”. A number of sources, including Shaam News, reported that these airstrikes were accompanied by “land to land missile attacks by the international Coalition forces located in al Omar oil field”.

A Step News correspondent detailed that the artillery strikes originated from French troops who targeted “the outskirts of the town, Bagouz Fawqani, and the towns of Al-Shafa, Al-Sousse”.

The victims were identified in a tweet by Al Rased And Euphrates Post also later listed an anonymous fatal victim of the strike, along with a named married couple who  were injured.

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Bassam Al-Qasim
Age unknown male killed
Abdullah Al-Qasim
Age unknown male killed

Family members (4)

Khair Allah al-Qasim
Adult male injured
Wife of Khair Allah al-Qasim
Adult female injured
Child 1 of Khair Allah al-Qasim
Child killed
Child 2 of Khair Allah al-Qasim
Child killed

The victims were named as:

Sallouh Al-Attiyah
Age unknown male killed
Saad Al-Yousef
Age unknown male killed
Ammar Al-Fazza
Age unknown male killed
Child of Fantal
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 9
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • The destruction in al Baghouz following an alleged Coalition strike on May 31st (via a tweet by Al Rased)
  • Original tweet text (since deleted) via @alrassedei "Massacre as a result of the bombing by military aircraft to the town of # Albaguz in the countryside of the city of Albuqmal resulted in a number of martyrs and wounded, including: Sallouh Al-Attiyah, Saad Al-Yousef, Ammar Al-Fazza’, Bassam Al-Qasim, Abdullah Al-Qasim, and of Khairallah’s children and one of Fantal’s children. "
  • Original tweet text (since deleted) via @alrassedei
  • Original tweet text (since deleted) via @alrassedei

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention several buildings in Baghuz Fawqani (باغوز فوقاني), the village of Shajlah (الشجلة). Photos and videos from social media show damaged and destroyed buildings (including the remains of a car next to a large crater in the ground) at this location: 34.469968,40.954784

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU795159
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • May 31, 2018, near Al Baghouz, Syria, via social media report. Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS staging area. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed due to their proximity to the target location.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 31st, the Coalition reported that “On May 31 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, destroyed three Daesh vehicles, one Daesh command and control center and one Daesh fighting position.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Thursday 31 May – Typhoons and Tornados destroyed two compounds in eastern Syria, used by the terrorists as a headquarters and equipment store…The focus for RAF attacks for the remainder of the week were terrorist facilities in eastern Syria towards the border with Iraq. On Thursday 31 May, flights of Tornados and Typhoons joined forces to deliver an attack with twelve Paveway IVs against two large adjoining compounds, which were being used by Daesh as a headquarters, weapons store and muster point. All twelve weapons hit and destroyed their intended targets.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For the 2nd straight week, Dutch F-16s fired weapons near Abu Kamal and Hajin in Deir Ezzor. The Dutch MoD reported that between May 30th-June 5th, aircraft targeted ISIS fighters and logistics centers in three missions. Jets supported ground troops in 9 missions, including in Nineveh, Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 06-06-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 3 daarvan zijn wapens ingezet. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal en Hajin in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Hierbij zijn onder andere ISIS-strijders en logistieke opslagplaatsen aangevallen. Ook is gevlogen boven de Irakese provincie Ninawa. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 30 mei tot en met 5 juni 2018. Militaire instructeurs in Irak leren Koerdische strijders gebieden te beveiligen. Daarbij staan onder meer wapenhandelingen, medische verzorging, oorlogsrecht en civiel-militaire samenwerking op het programma. De door de coalitie opgeleide instructeurs verzorgen een deel van de opleiding. Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2-hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Noorse medici.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 9
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1757

Incident date

May 31, 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

Multiple sources reported on the death of one civilian as a result of an airstrike on Al Soussa.

Euphrates Post and Masar Press both stated that the civilian casualty was a result of a drone strike. Euphrates Post went on to say that the drone had targeted an ISIS vehicle – and that shrapnel from the car had caused the death of the civilian. The report also identified the non combatant victim as Awad Al-Hamid Al-Fahad.

Damascus Now and a tweet by Samidoun Press mentioned the Coalition as the culprit.

In May 2019 the Coalition announced that it had assessed this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible, noting “After a 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”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Awad Al-Hamid Al-Fahad
Age unknown 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • '# Deir al-Azur: Civilian killed as a result of a raid by an unmanned drone targeting an islamic state in the town of al Sousse'

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the alleged Coalition airstrike (possibly a drone) targeted a car in the village of al Soussa (السوسة), for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675

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 al-Susah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU805225
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019

  • May 31, 2018, near al-Susah, Syria, via Airwars report. After a 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
Official source

For May 31st, the Coalition reported that “On May 31 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, destroyed three Daesh vehicles, one Daesh command and control center and one Daesh fighting position.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Thursday 31 May – Typhoons and Tornados destroyed two compounds in eastern Syria, used by the terrorists as a headquarters and equipment store…The focus for RAF attacks for the remainder of the week were terrorist facilities in eastern Syria towards the border with Iraq. On Thursday 31 May, flights of Tornados and Typhoons joined forces to deliver an attack with twelve Paveway IVs against two large adjoining compounds, which were being used by Daesh as a headquarters, weapons store and muster point. All twelve weapons hit and destroyed their intended targets.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For the 2nd straight week, Dutch F-16s fired weapons near Abu Kamal and Hajin in Deir Ezzor. The Dutch MoD reported that between May 30th-June 5th, aircraft targeted ISIS fighters and logistics centers in three missions. Jets supported ground troops in 9 missions, including in Nineveh, Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 06-06-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 3 daarvan zijn wapens ingezet. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal en Hajin in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Hierbij zijn onder andere ISIS-strijders en logistieke opslagplaatsen aangevallen. Ook is gevlogen boven de Irakese provincie Ninawa. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 30 mei tot en met 5 juni 2018. Militaire instructeurs in Irak leren Koerdische strijders gebieden te beveiligen. Daarbij staan onder meer wapenhandelingen, medische verzorging, oorlogsrecht en civiel-militaire samenwerking op het programma. De door de coalitie opgeleide instructeurs verzorgen een deel van de opleiding. Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2-hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Noorse medici.’

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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1758

Incident date

May 31, 2018

Location

هداج, Hadaj, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.03078, 41.05519 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that up to twelve people from one family, including between two and four children and four women, were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hadaj village.

According to Amc-Sy, eight members of the Awwad al Latif family were killed and others wounded when their homes were struck on a Friday night. Euphrates Post reiterated this statement, but detailed that the strike happened “after breakfast”. In a later report, the same media outlet also shared a list of 10 victims it said were killed.

The report went on to say that the only survivor of Mohammed’s family was Amal al-Ghanim.

Ahmad Al-Ass’ad, head of the Jabour tribe in southern Hasakah, said in a statement to Step News that the raids had targeted shops owned by Awad Al-Latif Al-Awada. Moreover, the report stated that “The American base in al-Shaddadi fired two missiles at the same site”.

Al Jazeera also noted that the strikes happened “in conjunction with rocket attacks from remote locations” and mentioned that helicopters were also present during the attack.

While most sources reported the death of eight civilians, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the highest tally of twelve civilians killed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (11)

Al Haj Awad Al Latif
Adult male Possibly survived according to Step News killed
Wife of Al Haj Awad Al Latif
Adult female Possibly survived according to Step News killed
Habib
Age unknown male Son of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Nadia
Adult female Wife of Habib killed
Mohammad
Age unknown male Son of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Amira
Age unknown male Son of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Unnamed victim 1
Child Family of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Unnamed victim 2
Child Family of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Unnamed victim 3
Child Family of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Unnamed victim 4
Child Family of Al Haj Awad Al Latif killed
Amal al-Ghanim
Adult female injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (4–7 children2 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (25) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hadaj (هداج), for which the coordinates are: 36.03078, 41.05519. On satellite imagery a large crater from an an airstrike on multiple buildings is visible on June 6, 2018 at these coordinates: 36.037579, 41.064363. This appears to have happened after May 30, 2018, which matches the date reported. On additional satellite imagery available to Airwars of June 6, 2018, visible car tracks indicate that the strike must have happened a couple of days or some time before the image was taken

  • Satellite imagery of May 30, 2018

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Sentinel-2

  • Crater visible on satellite imagery of June 6, 2018

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Sentinel-2

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 May 31st, the Coalition reported that “On May 31 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of seven engagements against Daesh targets. […] Near Al Shadaddi, two strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit and destroyed two Daesh command and control centers.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Thursday 31 May – Typhoons and Tornados destroyed two compounds in eastern Syria, used by the terrorists as a headquarters and equipment store…The focus for RAF attacks for the remainder of the week were terrorist facilities in eastern Syria towards the border with Iraq. On Thursday 31 May, flights of Tornados and Typhoons joined forces to deliver an attack with twelve Paveway IVs against two large adjoining compounds, which were being used by Daesh as a headquarters, weapons store and muster point. All twelve weapons hit and destroyed their intended targets.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For the 2nd straight week, Dutch F-16s fired weapons near Abu Kamal and Hajin in Deir Ezzor. The Dutch MoD reported that between May 30th-June 5th, aircraft targeted ISIS fighters and logistics centers in three missions. Jets supported ground troops in 9 missions, including in Nineveh, Iraq.

‘Weekoverzicht Defensieoperaties Nieuwsbericht | 06-06-2018 | 12:00 In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 3 daarvan zijn wapens ingezet. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Abu Kamal en Hajin in de provincie Deir Al Zour in Oost-Syrië. Hierbij zijn onder andere ISIS-strijders en logistieke opslagplaatsen aangevallen. Ook is gevlogen boven de Irakese provincie Ninawa. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 30 mei tot en met 5 juni 2018. Militaire instructeurs in Irak leren Koerdische strijders gebieden te beveiligen. Daarbij staan onder meer wapenhandelingen, medische verzorging, oorlogsrecht en civiel-militaire samenwerking op het programma. De door de coalitie opgeleide instructeurs verzorgen een deel van de opleiding. Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2-hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Noorse medici.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 12
  • (4–7 children2 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3438

Incident date

June 1, 2018

Location

جديد بكارة, Jadid Bakara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

A child was reported killed by an cluster bomb believed to have been previously used by Russian warplanes in an airstrike on Jadid Bkara/ Jadid Owaidat in Deir Ezzor countryside in Syria on June 1st, 2018 according to local sources.

The sources also mentioned that others civilians were also injured.

Step News reported that “a child was killed and others injured as a cluster bomb previously left by alleged Russian bombing on the Jadid Bakara village east  of Deir Ezzor.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
    Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
    Russian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]