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

CS1364

Incident date

August 12, 2017

Location

حطلة, Hatla, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.34169, 40.19897 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An adult male, identified as Kassir Fawzi Al-Abeed Al-Nasser was reported killed in alleged airstrikes on Hatla town, Deir Ezzor. It was not entirely clear who was to blame for this civilian casualty event. However multiple sources cited Russia or the Syrian Regime, whilst two did not specify a culprit.

According to a Facebook post by Alsharq Al Souri, Kassir Fawzi Al-Abeed Al-Nasser was killed inside his home as a result of missiles targeting the house.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Kassir Fawzi Al-Abeed Al-Nasser
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Kasser Fawaz Ahmad Al-Sulaiman Al-Nasir, killed in an airstrike on Hatla, August 12th, according to local sources (via Mahmoud Al Haj Ibrahim"

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Amal neighbourhood (العمال) in the town of Hatla (حطلة). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location of this neighbourhood. The generic coordinates for the town of Hatla (حطلة) are: 35.34169, 40.19897.

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 Hatla, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV089115
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 11th-12th the Coalition reported “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed an ISIS vehicle.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 11, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, two strikes destroyed 11 ISIS oil stills and three oil barrels.”

Unknown
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Aug 9-15th, France report 2 strikes in Raqqah, Syria – and 13 artillery missions in Mosul.

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1363

Incident date

August 11, 2017

Location

Al Na'im area, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95268, 39.00998 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported that there had been an “escalation of civilian martyrs” following alleged artillery shelling on the Na’im area of Raqqa. This was later confirmed to have been a US airstrike.

Raqqa News Post for example reported at the time: “#Urgent : # Ar Raqqa The fall of artillery shells on the area of Naim and Tal Abyad Street and Al Salam hospital by the Kurdish units.”

While there were reports of “an escalation of civilian martyrs” no specific casualty numbers were reported.

In its civilian casualty report for November 2019 – published on January 2nd 2020 – the Coalition conceded one death and one injury in this event, noting: “August 11, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed and one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike. 2074/S1190 37SEV009787”.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Pentagon declared this to have been a US military action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention several areas in the city of Raqqa: the area around the Na’im (ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ ﺍﻟﻨﻌﻴﻢ) roundabout, for which the coordinates are: 35.95447, 39.009392; Tal Abyad street (ﺷﺎﺭﻉ ﺗﻞ ﺃﺑﻴﺾ), for which the coordinates are: 35.948534, 39.012615; and Al Salam hospital (مشفى السلام), for which the location is unknown to Airwars. Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.95447, 39.009392.

  • Na'im (ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ ﺍﻟﻨﻌﻴﻢ) roundabout and Tal Abyad street (ﺷﺎﺭﻉ ﺗﻞ ﺃﺑﻴﺾ) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected 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
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    in Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV009787
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2020

  • August 11, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed and one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike. 2074/S1190 37SEV009787

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 10th-11th the Coalition have reported *Near Raqqah, 33 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 21 fighting positions, four command and control nodes, three ISIS communication nodes, two IEDs, a logistics node and an ISIS communication facility.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 10, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, a mortar system, a logistics node, and a command and control node.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 11 August – Tornados and Typhoons attacked a position in Raqqa…On Friday, a mixed pair continued to provide support to the SDF and destroyed a further defensive position in Raqqa with a Paveway. ‘

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI826

Incident date

August 10, 2017

Location

تل عفر, Tal Afar, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3866, 42.47141 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of five civilians in an event near Tal Afar, Iraq.

Their December 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS headquarters, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.”

In July 2019, 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.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

The Coalition’s report only mentions the vicinity of the town of Tal Afar (تل عفر), for which the coordinates are: 36.375659, 42.451536. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The Coalition later released the MGRS for this incident, placing it at 36.3866, 42.47141

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
    Previously unknown
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    5
  • Stated location
    near Tal Afar, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKF732298
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017

  • Aug. 10, 2017 near Tal Afar, Iraq via self-report. During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS headquarters it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 9th-10th, the Coalition reported: “Near Tal Afar, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building and a vehicle” and “Near Kisik, one strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1362

Incident date

August 10, 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

Five civilians including one child died in an airstrike on Raqqa, local media reported.

Among sources blaming the Coalition were the Step News Agency and Al Hassaka Rasd.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Aziz al-Ghuli
Age unknown male killed
Hiba Abdul Aziz al-Ghuli
Child female killed
Abdel Wahed Mousa El Shaaban
Age unknown male killed
Fares Ali Al-Ghuli
Age unknown male killed
Hussein Salloum Al-Hamad
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • # Raqqa: Russian air raids on Madan city in the eastern countryside focused on the postal area
  • 4 civilians killed and the girl Heba Abdul Aziz al-Ghuli bombing coalition today on the # besieged Ar Raqqa
  • # Raqqa martyrdom of both 1 - Abdul Wahid Musa Al-Sha’ban 2- Hussein Salloum Al-Hamad By bombing the International Alliance On the city of Raqqa a few days ago

Geolocation notes

Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The coordinates for Raqqah are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 9th-10th the Coalition reported Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed 27 fighting positions, five command and control nodes, two heavy machine guns, a mortar system, a vehicle, and an IED factory.” It additionally stated that “On Aug. 9, near Raqqah, Syria, 16 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed 13 fighting positions, three command and control nodes, a mortar system, an IED, and a heavy machine gun; and damaged two fighting positions.” And that “On Aug. 9, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In Raqqa, the Syrian Democratic Forces encountered a Daesh defensive position, but this was dealt with, again using a Paveway IV, by a second mixed Tornado and Typhoon pair.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1362a

Incident date

August 10, 2017

Location

Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.948641, 38.995291 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, one civilian was reportedly killed in alleged Coalition artillery strikes in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty.

The report stated that”Mohannad Mohammed Hsein Shehada was killed by an artillery shell which struck the family home.”

Mother of the victim, Rimal, told Amnesty in a testimony that “He was by the door when the shell struck. He was killed instantly. My other son and my husband were both injured.”

In their monthly civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition has indicated that the credibility of this civilian harm allegation is in the process of being assessed.

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

The incident occured at 15:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Mohannad Mohammed Hsein Shehada
14 years old male killed
Muthanna
Child female brother, injured in leg and head injured
Father of Mohannad
Adult male inured back injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • The house which was struck, two years on from the strike date. (via Amnesty)
  • The house which was struck, two years on from the strike date. (via Amnesty)
  • The house which was struck, two years on from the strike date. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 35.94864, 38.99529

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV9957578252
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • Aug. 10, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Amnesty International report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2712/CS1362a 37SDV9957578252

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
    US-led Coalition

Incident Code

CI825

Incident date

August 9, 2017

Location

Etwiem, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.363522, 42.692356 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to multiple sources, member of Iraq’s parliament reported killed along with 3 of his family members followed an alleged Coalition strike.

Abdul Rahman Ellewizi MP reported that his cousin was killed in a Coalition raid, also his wife, son and his daughter-in-law dead

Hawas Al Gader also reported the deaths of Mr al-Nayef and his wife but did not say who was responsible.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Abbas al-Fadil al-Nayef (Abu Riyad)
Adult male Via Abdulrahmann al-Lowazi killed
Abbas al-Fadil al-Nayef
Adult female Via Abdulrahmann al-Lowazi killed
The son of Abbas al-Fadil al-Nayef
Age unknown male Via Abdulrahmann al-Lowazi killed
Daughter-in-law dead of Abbas al-Fadil al-Nayef
Age unknown female Via Abdulrahmann al-Lowazi killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 women1 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A picture of Abbas al-Fadil al-Nayef, killed following an alleged Coalition strike on Etwiem (Via Abu Riyad)
  • Another picture of the victim Abbas al-Fadil al-Nayef, killed following an alleged Coalition strike on Etwiem (Via Hasin al-Lowazi)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Etweim/Tuwaim/Atwim (التويم). The coordinates for Etweim/Tuwaim/Atwim (التويم) are: 36.363522, 42.692356.

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 Etwiem, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKF929267
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 8th-9th, the Coalition reported: “Near Kisik, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two command and control nodes and an IED factory” and “Near Tal Afar, one strike destroyed three VBIED facilities.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 8, near Tal Afar, Iraq, two strikes destroyed an ISIS staging area and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 women1 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1361

Incident date

August 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

Orient news and Smart news reported the death of as many as ten civilians and wounding of others in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa’s Tawasu’iya, Fardous, and Bedo neighbourhoods. Amnesty has since conducted field research in Raqqa and we understand that this figure might possibly be lower than first reported. 

There was, however, uncertainty over the date of Zakaria Khalid Al Bakhit Fathallah’s death. On August 11th, Usama Al Talep, reported that he was killed “yesterday”, while Media Center – Palmyra, again reporting on August 11th, said he died “a few days ago”. Some other sources reported his death on August 13th but did not say when he died. Reports added that the victim was displaced from Palmyra.

Baladi added that Haj Mahmoud Abdullatif Al-Humaidi and Khansa’ al-Qantar (a woman) were killed in “artillery shelling on Al Badaoui lane in the city of Raqqa” – however, it has since been identified through extensive field research by Amnesty International, that Khansa’ al-Qantar was killed on the 12th of August.

Since Amnesty International conducted extensive field research, it was identified by a relative “Mohammed”, that Khansa’ al-Qantar was killed on the 12th of August.

According to the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality, “A 40-year-old woman, Khansa’ al-Qantar, was killed in the garden of her home by shrapnel from an artillery shell which struck the street outside her house.”

A relative gave a testimonial to an on the ground Amnesty researcher. He said,”Look at the holes which the artillery shrapnel made in the metal gate. You can imagine such what shrapnel does to the human body. It kills.”

In addition to this, it has been identified by Airwars and Amnesty that Zakaria Hmeidi was not killed in this strike but in a separate incident not previously created by Airwars. The victim has been removed from the dataset.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Walid Awad Al-Qous
Age unknown male killed
Limar Awad Al-Qous
Child female killed
Haj Mahmoud Abdullatif Al-Humaidi
Adult male killed
Muhammad Nur Suwayha
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 8
  • (1 child1 man)
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Zakaria Khaled al-Bakhit al-Fath Allah, killed in an alleged Coalition air or artillery strike on Raqqa (via RBSS).

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention several neighbourhoods in the North West of Raqqa: Tawassoui’ya, Al Ferdos, and Al Badou. The generic coordinates for this area are: 35.9599103, 38.997345.

  • Neighbourhoods of Tawassoui'ya, Al Ferdos, and Al Badou in North West Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV997795
    Military Grid Reference System

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
Official source

For August 8th-9th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 20 fighting positions, an IED, ISIS engineering equipment, a logistics node, and a command and control node.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Wednesday 9 August – Typhoons demolished a Daesh-held building in Raqqa…A Typhoon flight saw action over Raqqa on Wednesday 9 August; the Syrian Democratic Forces reported coming under fire from a large building against which our aircraft conducted a successful attack using two Paveway IV guided bombs.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 8
  • (1 child1 man)
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1360

Incident date

August 9, 2017

Location

البجري, Al Barji and other areas, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.948086, 39.015225 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Summarising a 48 hour period, local sources said that 47 civilians were killed and 50 injured in alleged airstrikes on the city of Raqqa. Two of the eight sources specifically blamed the US-led Coalition for the civilian casualty incidents.

Activists told Smart News that “the city had been hit by more than 43 airstrikes, in addition to dozens of artillery and rocket-propelled grenades, in the past 48 hours, leading to the deaths and injuries. Most of the injuries were critical… Forty-seven civilians were killed and dozens injured, including women and children”. The severity of those injured was especially important to note in light of accounts of “deterioration of medical services”, the alleged “targeting of health centres”, and most recently the alleged “bombing of the national hospital”.

Al Raqqa Truth published a number of images reportedly showing “the massive destruction caused by aerial bombardment of Coalition aircraft and artillery shelling and by Kurdish units in different areas of the city of Raqqa”.

The same images were published by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently which said that they depicted destruction in the Al-Bajri neighbourhood. The source also alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

These are general civilian casualty numbers, and there is a possibility that this entry could include other civilian casualty events.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    47
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Coalition air and artillery strike sin Raqqa. According to RBSS, the strikes hit the Al-Bajri neighborhood, though Al Ragga Truth reported that they had hit "different areas" of the city. (via Alraqqa Truth)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. RBSS posted pictures of destruction in the neighbourhood of Al Bajri (البجري), for which the coordinates are: 35.948086, 39.015225.   

  • Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 7th-8th the Coalition reported *Near Raqqah, 25 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 37 fighting positions, two command and control nodes, two weapons caches, two vehicles, and a weapons depot. *On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a mortar system, an anti-air artillery system, and a VBIED.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Wednesday 9 August – Typhoons demolished a Daesh-held building in Raqqa…A Typhoon flight saw action over Raqqa on Wednesday 9 August; the Syrian Democratic Forces reported coming under fire from a large building against which our aircraft conducted a successful attack using two Paveway IV guided bombs.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    47
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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, Syrian Democratic Forces

Sources (10) [ collapse]