US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident Code

RS168 CS146

Incident date

November 18, 2015

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.949949, 39.007363 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Reports indicated that Coalition aircraft had killed up to ten civilians in Raqqa in an evening strike.

According to local monitors Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently, seven were killed and eight injured after a civilian fuel facility was bombed in the Brigade 17 area of the city. A graphic video by Daesh propagandists Al A’maq shows ten corpses.

However, Russia had also reported destroying more than 500 oil tankers in strikes in the region.

 

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    8
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city Ar Raqqah (الرقة‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.949949, 39.007363. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 17th-18th, the Coalition reported: " Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes [2 French] struck three ISIL headquarters and an ISIL bivouac."

For November 18th-19th: "Near Ar Raqqah, one strike struck an ISIL storage facility."

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    8
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS955c

Incident date

June 9, 2017

Location

شارع النور, Al Nour Mosque, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.955204, 38.992263 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten people were killed in a double airstrike on two adjacent buildings behind Barazi pharmacy, near Al Nour mosque in the city of Raqqa. Some of their names were initially reported on by several local sources (RBSS, RFS, Step News Agency) in connection to incident CS955a. During investigations of this event for the April 2019 joint Airwars and Amnesty report War in Raqqa: Rethoric versus Reality (www.raqqa.amnesty.org), Amnesty field researchers were able to identify 2 different airstrikes that happened in the area behind Barazi pharmacy near Al Nour street, in which people of 4 different families were killed.

This one, that happened on June 9th, was a double airstrike that hit 2 adjacent buildings, killing 10 people from 3 different families (4 children, 2 women, 4 men). 9 people were named by Amnesty and local sources, the 10th victim was an unnamed IDP from the Roman ruins. Ahmad, a witness, spoke to Amnesty researchers at the location of the strike: “This house belonged to Abdelkarim Al-Asmai. Most of his family were killed earlier. His brother by Daesh and others by mines as they tried to flee. Then he was bombed in his home. There is no justice.”

The two buildings are at the following coordinates: 35.955285, 38.992263 and 35.955204, 38.992263.

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.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mahmoud Jabali
28 years old male killed
Nisrin al-Qassab
20s years old female wife of Mahmoud killed
Mohammed Nour Jabali
2 years old male Mahmoud and Nisrin's son killed

Family members (5)

Khaled al-Shibli
40 years old male Amina's husband killed
Amina al-Qassab
Age unknown female Khaled's wife killed
Qamar al-Shibli
15 years old female Khaled and Amina's daughter killed
Fatima al-Shibli
13 years old female Khaled and Amina's daughter killed
Mahmoud al-Shibli
10 years old male Khaled and Amina's son killed

The victims were named as:

AbdelKarim (AKA Karmo) al-Asmai
32 years old male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (4 children2 women4 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 (47) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (15) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the place that was targeted by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via Q_Alenzy twitter)
  • Destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via Q_Alenzy twitter)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Image of the destruction caused by the alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured or killed civilian caused by alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Injured or killed civilian caused by alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian victim of by alleged Coalition strikes in Al Noor Street behind Al Barazi Pharmacy in Al-Raqqa (via RBSS)
  • Al-nour mosque, before and after the alleged Coalition strikes (via Sound and picture facebook)
  • A picture showing the destruction of Al-Nour mosque and the area near Al-Barazi pharmacy (via Sharqiya voice facebook)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Before the strike on June 2, 2017 (via Amnesty International)

  • After the strike on July 6, 2017 (via Amnesty International)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 9th-10th: “Near Raqqah, 20 strikes engaged 12 ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, four vehicles, three ISIS headquarters, a VBIED, and an ISIS-held building; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It additionally added that “On June 9, near Raqqah, Syria, nine strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions, two VBIEDs, two weapons caches, and an ISIS staging area.”

For June 10th-11th: “Near Raqqah, 17 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, four vehicles, two ISIS front-end loaders, two ISIS headquarters, an ISIS UAS and an ISIS barge.” It additionally reported that “On June 10, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged 9 ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, a tunnel, a weapons storage facility, and a command and control node; damaged an ISIS factory; and suppressed a sniper.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Saturday 10 June – In Raqqa, a Reaper struck a group of terrorists engaged in a fire fight with Syrian Democratic Forces, and Typhoons hit two tunnel entrances…The following day [June 10th] , a Reaper intervened in a fire fight in western Raqqa between the SDF and a group of Daesh fighters. The Reaper hit the latter with a very effective Hellfire attack. The same day, Paveway-armed Typhoons struck two entrances to a network of tunnels built beneath a factory in the north-east of the city.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (4 children2 women4 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 (47) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI095

Incident date

August 24, 2015

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.36275, 43.13983 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A young man named as Muhannad Tariq was reported killed in a Coalition strike near the al Jandool restaurant in Mohandeseen neighbourhood. The Coalition later reported that one civilian was killed and three others were wounded in this incident.

According to a comment posted on a tribute page, Muhannad died from shrapnel wounds to his body.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition deemed this incident credible and assessed that “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on ISIS terrorists in a vehicle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed and three others unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike.”

In what may be a related or separate incident, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq later noted: “Around midnight on 24 August, an airstrike targeted a vehicle carrying ISIL elements in the Majmoua Thaqafiya area of northern Mosul. The attack reportedly killed nine civilians, including one woman and a child, and wounded three other civilians.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhannad Tariq
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Muhannad Tariq, reported killed in a Coalition strike in Mosul August 24th 2015 (via Mosul Ateka)

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to 36.34585235, 43.098576921383 to the nearest city.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    3
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3311025790
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Aug. 24, 2015, near Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft conducted a strike on ISIS terrorists in a vehicle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed and three others unintentionally wounded due to their proximity to the strike. 605/I072 38SLF3311025790

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 23rd-24th 2015, the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS350 TS005e

Incident date

October 26, 2016

Location

نعمان, Nu'man, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.46321, 37.43317 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten civilians were killed by alleged Turkish or Coalition airstrikes in the vicinity of Nu’man, according to local sources. The US-led alliance later denied conducing strikes in the vicinity on this date.

An initial report by ISIS-controlled propaganda unit Al A’amaq said that “10 civilians [were] killed in American raids on a group of fuel trucks in the village of Nu’man east of Akhtareen in the Aleppo countryside.”

A video with the Al A’amaq logo showed a large fire burning on a road, emitting deep black smoke. Shaam News Network cited Al A’amaq, but added context, reporting that rebels were approaching the village, which Al Jisr TV (in a separate report) said was still under the control of ISIS. A reporter for Al Jisr, which also cited A’aq’s casualty cllaims, said it wasn’t clear if the village was now in the hands of the terror group or other forces.

Turk Press, while reporting two “international coalition forces” strikes on Nu’man (without providing a date) also reported that the “Turkish army targeted 174 sites” belonging to ISIS and Kurdish rebels in “northern Syria” as part of Operation Euphrates Shield.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • News bulletin reporting on the alleged Turkish and/ or Coalition airstrikes on Nu'man, 26th October 2016. Images of burning trucks are from an al A’maq propaganda video, which is no longer available. (via Jisr TV)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Nu’man (نعمان), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.46321, 37.43317. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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 Nu'man, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 25th-26th, the Coalition reported “Near Mar’a, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle and a fighting position.” For October 26th-27th, the Coalition reported no strikes in the area.

Danish Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the past week, Denmark report carrying out 12 missions in missions in the Iraqi provinces of Salah Ad Din, At Ta’mim, Irbil, Dahuk and Nineweh and the Syrian governorates of Ar Raqqah, Aleppo, Al Hasakah and Dayr Az Zawr. They report dropping 10 precision bombs with attacks on Daesh buildings, vehicles, personnel, communications facilities and sites manufacturing IEDS

‘Mission Update nr. 19 Opdatering fra de danske styrker i internationale missioner. 27-10-2016 – kl. 13:54 Af Værnsfælles Forsvarskommando Operation Inherent Resolve – Irak og Tyrkiet Kampflybidraget Kampflybidraget deltager fortsat i kampene om Mosul. De danske F-16 kampfly har i den seneste uge gennemført 12 missioner. Der er blevet udført overvågning og efterretningsindhentning. Derudover er der udført angreb på bygninger og køretøjer med ISIL personel, personel i terræn, kommunikationsfaciliteter og faciliteter der fremstillede improviserede sprængladninger. Missionerne er foregået over de irakiske provinser Salah Ad Din, At Ta’mim , Erbil, Dahuk og Ninawa samt de syriske provinser Ar Raqqah, Halab, Al Hasakah og Dayr Az Zawr. Fra onsdag den 19. oktober klokken 1200 til onsdag den 26. oktober klokken 1200 er følgende gældende: Der er fløjet 12 missioner Der er anvendt 10 præcisionsbomber Der er totalt fløjet 202 missioner Der er totalt anvendt 298 præcisionsbomber Radarbidraget Bidraget udfører en vigtig rolle i koalitionens kamp om befrielsen af Mosul, idet bidraget forestår lufttankning af mange af de fly, der er på vej til området. Transportflybidraget Efter en længere travl periode, hvor der er transporteret 60 ton gods og 76 passagerer til Tyrkiet og internt i Irak, er det blevet tid til at vedligeholde flyet, mens de kommende missioner planlægges. Operation Ocean Shield – Seychellerne Challenger-bidraget til Operation Ocean Shield har siden den 19. oktober opereret fra Seychellerne med henblik på at gennemføre antipirateri-flyvning i Det Indiske Ocean ud for Somalia. Det er sidste gang, Danmark deltager i Operation Ocean Shield, da missionen slutter ved udgangen af 2016. Bidraget deltager til og med den 19. november. Resolute support – Afghanistan De to danske sygeplejersker på Role 2 hospitalet på basen ved Hamid Karzai International Airport i Kabul hjalp til da fem sårede ved Camp Morehead blev bragt til hospitalet. Standing Nato Maritime Group 1 Støtteskibet Absalon er returneret til Middelhavet efter at have afsluttet sin deltagelse i øvelse Joint Warrior ved Skotland. Absalon vil i den resterende del af oktober og størstedelen af november forventeligt være i Middelhavet. Det er fortsat planen, at skib og besætning skal returnere til Danmark primo december i år.’

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • 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, Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1442

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Location

23 Shubat Street, Centre, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.959404, 39.002381 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten civilians from one family, including six women and two children, were reported killed following airstrikes by the US-led Coalition according to local sources.

Reports said the strikes hit a residential building in the city of Raqqa in which the family were located, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named the victims.

Syrianpc said an unknown number of civilians were also injured in the bombing, they also attributed the incident to the US-led Coalition.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights put the death toll at nine including two children and three women, reporting that the victims died when “International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on 23 Shubat Street in center of Raqqa city, September 4, 2017.”

However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that at least 10 civilians were killed, “including 6 citizen women and including 8 members from at least of one family”.

Although initially Airwars reported that this incident occurred on September 4th 2017, it has since been uncovered by Amnesty on the ground researchers that the incident occurred on the 16th August.

The victims were all reported to have been killed “including six children, three women and one men – were killed when their home was destroyed by an airstrike.”

The sister of a victim – Haifa – “The air strike killed everybody; only my brother Ahmad survived because he had gone to watch news at the neighbours who had electricity.”

In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: “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.”

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. In response to an Airwars query, the US-led Coalition stated that “more information concerning the allegations would be necessary to facilitate a thorough investigation by CJTF-OIR”.

The incident occured at 19:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (10)

57 years old male killed
55 years old female wife of Abderrazzaq killed
39 years old female sister, teacher killed
45 years old female Abderrazzak’s brother’s wife killed
17 years old killed
18 years old male Haifa's child killed
16 years old female Haifa's child killed
14 years old male Haifa's child killed
9 years old Haifa's child killed
5 years old Haifa's child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (6 children3 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • Abdelrazzaq Al Sheikh, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Douha Al-Shiekh, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Haya Al-Sheikh, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • Douha and Haya Al-Sheikh (daughters of Ahmad), killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, 16th August 2017. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • The home of the Al-Sheikh family. (via Amnesty)
  • Via Amnesty International
  • Via Amnesty International
  • Via Amnesty International

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Initially reports of the incident mentioned that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a residential building in the city of Raqqa, most likely on the western end of February 23 street (شارع ٢٣ شباط), for which the coordinates are: 35.950149, 39.012816. IS propaganda mentions the neighbourhood of Al Firdous (فردوس). Amnesty field research pointed to the exact location of the building: 35.959404, 39.002381.

  • The neighbourhood of Al Firdous (فردوس) and February 23 street (شارع ٢٣ شباط) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

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
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV011784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019
  • Sept. 4, 2017, near Raqqah, 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 September 3rd – 4th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 21 strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positions, two pieces of ISIS communications infrastructure, two vehicles, a VBIED, a command and control node, and a logistics node.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, four strikes destroyed a VBIED and a fighting position and suppressed two fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions.” And also that “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed nine fighting positions.” Plus “On Sept. 3, near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed two command and control nodes, a logistics node, a fighting position and suppressed a fighting position.”

For September 4th - 5th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah , 23 strikes [2-3 British] seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, four oil stills, three oil trucks, two logistics nodes, and a command and control node; and suppressed two fighting positions" Plus "On Sept. 4, near Raqqah , one strike destroyed five fighting positions"

Additional Press Release for September 5th : Additional press release CJTFOIR on September 5th:

'CJTF-OIR transitions commanders in the mission to destroy ISIS

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, III Armored Corps Commanding General of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) from Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General, during a Sept. 5 ceremony here, which hosted an audience of hundreds of US and Coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.

Presiding over the transfer of authority of the Commanding General for US Central Command, Gen. Joseph L. Votel.

Veiled confidence that the III Corps team from Fort Hood, Texas will be ready to continue the fight to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

"When III Corps was here last, they were instrumental in increasing the pressure on ISIS and setting conditions by Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian opposition groups," Votel said. "Their hard work to the recapturing of Fallujah and the airfield at Qayyarah-posturing ISF to begin clearing Mosul, the ISIS stronghold in Iraq."

The III Armored Corps previously led the CJTF-OIR Coalition from Sept. 2015 to Aug. 2016.

Since redeploying just over a year ago, the Soldiers of the Armed Corps have gone to the forefront of the task of preparing for the mission.

"ISIS" brutality forces us to look deep into the heart of darkness. They condone the systematic murder of women and children, the enslavement of religious minorities, and the torture and execution of prisoners, "Funk said. "As a result of the magnificent work of this strong Coalition, real change is happening. ISIS is on the run. "

Airborne Corps' support to its partners in the achievement of major milestones in the campaign to ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Security Forces defeated ISIS in their capital of Mosul in Iraq, while Syria's Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Arab Coalition steadily made progress against ISIS's global capital in Raqqah, Syria.

Townsend Lauded Coalition Partners' Efforts in Iraq and Syria over the past year. Our Iraqi partners have liberated Mosul. Our Syrian partners are more than half of Raqqah. And the Iraqis have regained control of Tal Afar and the rest of Ninewah for good measure, "said Townsend. "I think it's all about you, we're able to partner with you."

Since its establishment in June 2014, CJTF-OIR - a global Coalition of more than 72 nations and organizations - has increased the capabilities of partner forces, and significantly degraded the ability of ISIS to plan, resource and execute attacks worldwide. Their collective accomplishments include:

* Trained and equipped nearly 115,000 Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and over 11,000 vetted-Syrian counter-ISIS forces.
* Recaptured over 82,000 square kilometers of territory previously held by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
* Set free over 5.5 million men, women and children in Iraq and Syria.
Conducted over 26,000 strikes against ISIS in support of partner forces in Iraq and Syria.

Funk shared his vision for the CJTF-OIR mission ahead.

"The very existence of ISIS poses a threat to the civilized world and our way of life. We must defeat them, and our collective effort WILL defeat them, "Funk said."

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa , striking six Daesh positions including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper ... for the Syrian Democratic Forces in Daesh inside Raqqa . Our aircraft delivered six attacks with Paveway IV guided bombs against Daesh positions, often having to strike targets very close to the Syrian Democratic Forces, including a heavy machine-gun and two sniper teams.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (6 children3 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS204

Incident date

April 21, 2016

Location

البوكمال, 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

At least four and up to ten members of one family were reported killed in alleged Coalition (or possibly Russian) night time strikes on Abu Kamal.

According to the Deir Ezor Observatory there were three Coalition strikes on the city, all after midnight. And News of the Revolution reported that “International coalition planes last night carried out four raids targeting the cement factory, the Krash factory, al Sina’a [industrial area], al Hizam Al Akhdar [the green belt], and there is news of the martyrdom of an entire family.”

Free Deir Ezzor Broadcast named the victims, but said the attack was by Russia: “Khamees Said al Matar and nine members of his family were killed after warplanes targeted their house last night. The house was totally destroyed.” However the Coalition has confirmed carrying out strikes in the vicinity. The Syrian Network placed the Coalition death toll at four civilans, which it said included a woman.

The Syrian Network put the death toll at four, also naming Khamis Al Sayed Matar as well as Saeed Khamis Al Matar.

Responding to a request for clarification about possible involvement given declared UK strikes near Abu Kamal that day, the MoD told Airwars: “We cannot make any definitive assessment of possible UK presence from the evidence you have provided, but I can confirm that there was no indication of any civilian casualties in our own detailed assessments of the impact of each of our strikes over the period concerned.”

In its July 2017 monthly report the Coalition added that no civilians were harmed in the strike: “April 21, 2016, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via Airwars report: After a review of available information it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.”

Based on available reports from the time, Airwars continues to class this event as fair.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed
Khamees Said al Matar
Age unknown male nine members of his family were killed after warplanes targeted their house killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 10
  • (1 woman3 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Saeed Khamis Al Matar (via SNHR)
  • Khamis Al Sayed Matar (via SNHR)
  • Translation: Coalition planes target with several raids IS positions and machinery in al Boukamal eastern Deir Ezzor.
  • Translation: Internatiopnal coalition planes target with three raids IS positions in al Boukamal after mid night last night.
  • Translation: International coalition planes carried out last night 4 raids targeting the cement factory, the Krash factory, al Sina’a [industrial area], al Hizam Al Akhdar [the green belt] and there are news about the martyrdom of an entire family. (via Abumosa111)
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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Abu Kamal, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition reports for April 21st-22nd 2016 that “Near Abu Kamal, two strikes struck an ISIL bed down location and an ISIL vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) facility.“

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

[On April 21, two patrols, composed of 2 and 4 Mirage 2000D, respectively destroyed an oil infrastructure used for military purposes in the Abu Kamal region of Syria.]

‘2 frappes planifiées ont été conduites en Syrie Le 21 avril, deux patrouilles, composées de 2 et 4 Mirage 2000D, ont respectivement détruit dans la région d’Abu Kamal une infrastructure pétrolière utilisée à des fins militaires et une caserne.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 10
  • (1 woman3 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS244

Incident date

June 30, 2016

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5269242, 37.9559288 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two families were reported killed in an alleged Coalition dawn airstrike on Manbij, in the vicinity of the city’s al Lamiya roundabout. According to Manbij Mother of the World, nine civilians were buried at the Al Sheikh Akeel cemetery.

Six ISIL fighters reportedly died in an apparent strike on an anti-aircraft position. But the nearby home of Mustapha al Hamdoni was also struck, leading the deaths of his daughters and their chldren.

Halab Today placed the civilian death toll at 10, while the Syrian Network said seven died. All reports blamed the Coalition.

A later Syrian Network investigation reported the following: “Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted a residential building near Al Lamba circle. The building is owned by Mr. Kamel Mustafa Al Hamdoni. The bombardment resulted in the killing of seven civilians from Al Hamdoni family including three children and three women whose names weren’t acquired (They are the daughters and grandsons of Kamel Mustafa Al Hamdoni).

Residents in the area told us that ISIS, who were controlling the city at the time, occupied the lower floor of Al Hamdoni building and some of the military vehicles and cars belonging to ISIS stationed in front of the building before the bombing. The city is now held by the Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (1)

Family members (3)

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 10
  • (3–7 children2–3 women)
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    6

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 36.51003, 37.94878

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Manbij, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDA0586841035
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • June 30, 2016, near Manbij, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2996/CS244 37SDA0586841035

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

June 30, 2016, near Manbij, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available
evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as
a result of a Coalition strike. 2996/CS244 37SDA0586841035

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 10
  • (3–7 children2–3 women)
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    6

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS928

Incident date

June 7, 2017

Location

طريق السده ا, Al Sadda road, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.965147, 40.513302 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 9 and 10 civilians died in an airstrike on a van or small bus near the Al Sadda road, Al Quriya, Deir Ezzor, according to local media. While most sources blamed the Coalition (which confirmed targeting a vehicle in the province on the day), one outlet alleged that Russia was responsible.

Sound and Picture, also blaming the Coalition, put the death toll at nine, while Ahmad al Shibli said as many as 10 died.

Syria Mirror said that in addition to the nine civilians killed, “many more were wounded”.

However, according to Zaman Alwasl, Russia may have been responsible. It reported: “The page ‘heritage and news of the city of Qurya’ on the site Facebook said that the air bombardment targeted the van on the road to Sada.

The page listed the names of eight people who died in the raid without specifying the identity of any culprit, but according to the local network Eastern 24 “it is likely to be Russia.”

Syrian News Desk added that the civilians died “on their way back from paying condolences in the village of al-Tayana in the eastern countryside”.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Salem Al-Khalif Al-Badawi
Adult male killed
Samer Mohammed Al Idris
Adult male named by Eurphates, “is the son of Muhammad Idris Abu Somar and his uncle is Muslim Idris, who were killed in an air raid on 12/5/2017.” killed
Ali al-Basha
Age unknown male killed
Hatir Al Ramdan
Age unknown killed
Nouri Al-Ramzan Al-Rifai
Age unknown killed
Nouri Al-Falah
Adult male killed
Hazim Al-Idris
Age unknown killed
Hajj Elias
Adult male killed
Eid Al-Rafdan
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 10
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • A bus carrying civilians burns following an alleged Coalition raid on Al Sadda road, June 7th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • Samer Muhammad al-Idris (rear), killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Al Sadda road,, June 7th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • A bus carrying civilians burns following an alleged Coalition raid on Al Sadda road, June 7th 2017. (via Free Deir Ezzor facebook)
  • A photo of some of the victims of the alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Deir Ezzor, 7th June 2017. (via Asharqiya voice facebook)
  • Nouri al Fallah, killed in the alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Deir Ezzor, 7th June 2017. (via Asharqiya voice facebook)
  • Salem al-Badawi, killed in the alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Deir Ezzor, 7th June 2017. (via Asharqiya voice facebook)
  • Haji Elias Mohammed al-Khater, killed in an alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Deir Ezzor, 7th June 2017. (via Euphrates post)
  • Aftermath of the alleged Coalition and Russian airstrike on Deir Ezzor, 7th June 2017. (via Asharqiya voice facebook)

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 34.96514, 40.5133

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 al Sadda road, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU3815570223
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Jun. 7, 2017, near al Sadda road, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 3104/CS928 37SFU3815570223

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For June 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed two ISIS front-end loaders, two ISIS backhoes, two ISIS fuel storage trailers, an ISIS excavator and a vehicle. Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a vehicle.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Wednesday 7 June – a Reaper killed two terrorists planting booby-traps in Raqqa, while a Tornado and a Typhoon attacked two Daesh-held buildings south-west of the city… The RAF is continuing to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian casualties. Royal Air Force aircraft have provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who are now fighting Daesh on the outskirts of Raqqa. In Mosul, our aircraft are continuing to assist Iraqi troops in clearing remaining Daesh positions in and around the city. A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft flew an armed reconnaissance patrol over northern Raqqa on Wednesday 7 June. It observed two extremists burying booby-traps along routes into the city. Hellfire missiles were deployed, killing both. Some 45 miles south-west of Raqqa, a mixed pair of Tornado and Typhoon fast jets used a Brimstone missile to hit one Daesh-held building. A Paveway IV guided bomb left a second target on fire.’

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 10
  • (4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (31) [ collapse]