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

CS1281

Incident date

July 27, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

One girl died in a airstrike or artillery or mortar shelling of Raqqa, according to local sources.

The majority of sources blamed US-led Coalition airstrikes for the girl’s death.

Hasaka Rasd, however, said that mortar shells also fell on neighbourhoods in Raqqa, While Airwars understands that only the Coalition has access to artillery in Raqqa, the SDF was reportedly using mortars and rockets.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Zahra Yasser Darwish
Child female killed

Summary

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

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Zahraa Yaser al Darwish, killed in an alleged Coalition raid on Raqqa, July 27th 2017. (via SN4HR)

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

For July 27th-28th: “Near Raqqah, eight strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a supply cache, an ISIS communication headquarters, and an anti-air artillery system.” It additionally reported that “On July 27, near Raqqah, Syria, 11 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units, destroyed an ISIS sniper position and an observation post, and suppressed four fighting positions.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

In the last week (20th-27th) France reports carrying out two strikes in Raqqah, destroying two ISIL combat positions. Task Force (TF) Wagram carried out 21 artillery strikes in Mosul. The overall record of air activity since September 19th 2014 amounts to 1,324 strikes, 2,092 targets destroyed and 6,857 sorties.

‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, Dans la ville de Raqqah, Daech continue de perdre du terrain, jour après jour, face aux Forces Démocratiques Syriennes. Les combattants terroristes continuent néanmoins de disposer de solides positions défensives dans le cœur de la ville, à partir desquelles ils mènent des contre-attaques régulières et des actions de harcèlement. En Irak, Les forces de sécurités irakiennes poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation de la ville de Mossoul, face à des équipes isolées de combattants qui continuent de mener des actions symboliques de harcèlement. Dans le même temps, Daech consolide ses positions autour de Tal Afar, pour tenter de résister à l’offensive prochaine de la Coalition pour libérer aussi cette ville. Daech poursuit par ailleurs ses actions de diversion et de harcèlement, en se concentrant dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah. Certaines actions ont également été menées cette semaine dans l’Ouest de l’Irak, dans la région de Rutbah. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 45 sorties aériennes dont 31 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 04 missions de recueil de renseignement et 06 de ravitaillement en vol. Un C135-FR récemment déployé a en effet réalisé de nombreuses missions en quelques jours à peine, soutenant ainsi, à son niveau, la bascule des efforts de la Coalition vers les autres bastions de Daech. Deux frappes ont été menées dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah, détruisant deux positions de combattants ennemies, au contact des troupes alliées engagées. De ces positions, des tireurs de Daech tenaient sous leur feu les soldats alliés à une centaine de mètres à peine. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a réalisé 21 missions de tir dont 07 de harcèlement et 14 d’éclairement. Ces missions interdisent une offensive de contre des terroristes vers Mossoul. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 324 frappes, 2 092 objectifs détruits et 6 857 sorties. Le bilan global de l’activité artillerie atteint 1 331 missions.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Thursday 27 July – a Tornado and Typhoon pair attacked mortar and sniper positions in Raqqa…The following day [July 27th], a mixed pair of a Tornado and a Typhoon, based at RAF Akrotiri and supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker, flew overwatch for Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) advancing inside Raqqa. The SDF came under mortar fire from a terrorist position, but a Paveway IV attack removed this threat. Another Paveway IV similarly dealt with a sniper position which was encountered by the SDF two hours later.

Summary

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

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1308

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Location

دبلان, Dablan, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.855, 40.568611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman, the wife of Saleh al-Awaid, died in an airstrike on Dablan, according to local sources.

None of the sources apportioned blame. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights referred only to “warplanes,” while @DeirEzzor24 said the victim died from an injury after a bombing by “military aircraft”.

According to Dblan net, cluster bombs were dropped on Dablan, causing the woman’s death. Euphrates Post said she was killed by “shrapnel and bleeding”.

It also added that the following people were wounded: The family of Yasin Al Sajer, The family of Saleh Al-Awaid, The family of Hussein Al – Ghab, The family of Ali al Dhali’.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

wife of Saleh al-Awaid
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–16
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

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 Dablan, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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

For July 31st-August 1st: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed 13 ISIS oil stills, an oil storage barrel and an ISIS chemical weapons factory.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10–16
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI823

Incident date

August 5, 2017

Location

الكرابلة, Al Karabila, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.36876, 41.07712 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 injury of one civilian in an event near Karabilah, Iraq.

Their December 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS vehicle, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

Airwars researchers could not find any locally reported claims of civilian harm in the area on this day.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 34.37695, 41.05442.      

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Karabilah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU910050
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • Aug. 5, 2017 near Karabilah, Iraq via self-report. During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS vehicle it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 4th-5th, the Coalition reported no strikes near the Al Qaim district.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

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:

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

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

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

CS1392

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Location

Al Thakana, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9478905, 39.0067863 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One person was killed in alleged US-Coalition airstrikes, al Thakana neighbourhood, Raqqa city. Reports of his death arose only twenty days after the incident. Dchrs said he died due to “indiscriminate shelling of coalition forces”, whilst Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently accused the Coalition of “bombing…on the barracks neighbourhood”.

No additional details are available at present.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Bassam Yousef Zunun, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Al Thakana, Raqqah, Aug 19th (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Takana (حي الثكنة) neighbourhood of Raqqah, for which the coordinates are: 35.9478905 39.0067863

  • The neighbourhood of Al Takana (حي الثكنة) in the city of Raqqa

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For August 18th-19th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 19 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 20 fighting positions, an anti-air artillery system, and a command and control node.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 18, near Raqqah, Syria, 20 strikes engaged 14 ISIS tactical units, destroyed 14 fighting positions, and damaged a tunnel entrance.” And that “On Aug. 18, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions.” Also that “On Aug. 18, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

‘Saturday 19 August – Typhoons bombed a truck on the move near Bayji, while Tornados attacked a terrorist position in Raqqa...A Typhoon flight faced a challenging target on Saturday 19 August – a fast-moving truck carrying a group of terrorists across the desert in Iraq, west of Bayji. Despite the vehicle’s speed, a Paveway IV was guided accurately onto the target, destroying it. Tornados continued to provide close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa, destroying a terrorist strongpoint.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Aug 16-22, France report 5 strikes in Iraq and 2 in Syria. Task Force Wagram conducted 60 artillery missions.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1420

Incident date

August 26, 2017

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.016667, 40.444167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Civilians were reported killed in a suspected US-led Coalition airstrike on the city of Mayadeen.

It remains unclear how many people were harmed in the attack which reportedly struck a vehicle on the outskirts of the town. According to sources, the car was “carrying detainees” of the so-called Islamic State organisation, who were captured for “compulsory recruitment”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident do not indicate on which side of the city the alleged deaths occurred. Airwars assessment summary, therefore, uses genetic coordinates for Mayadeen: 35.016667, 40.444167

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 al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center

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

For August 26th – 27th the Coalition reported “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed four pieces of ISIS oil equipment and damaged an ISIS bridge.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For Aug 23rd-29th, France report 8 strikes in Iraq and 11 strikes in Syria, plus 46 artillery missions in Tal Afar, Iraq.(@EtatMajorFR)

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1448

Incident date

September 5, 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

Local media reported on the death of a man following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa city. The two known sources said the US-led Coalition was responsible for the attack.

At present there is limited information regarding the details of the incident. Airwars will add to the entry when new information arises.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Nur Faisal Al-Yassin
Age unknown male killed

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. 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
    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
    37SEV008784
    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

For September 4th – 5th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged 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.” It additionally stated that “On Sept. 4, near Raqqah, one strike destroyed five fighting positions.” And that “On Sept. 4, near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions and a vehicle.” Also that “On Sept. 4, near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed four fighting positions.”

For September 5th - 6th the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah , 25 strikes for an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 22 fighting positions, three ISIS communications infrastructure items, and a logistics node; damaged three fighting positions; and suppressed four fighting positions." It later reported, "On Sept. 5, near Raqqah , 15 strikes for eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed fighting positions, two vehicles, an IED, and a piece of ISIS engineering equipment"

dditional 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

'Wednesday 6 September - Typhoons struck a further two Daesh positions in Raqqa ... Typhoons continued operations over Raqqa on Wednesday 6 September, eliminating a further machine-gun position and a sniper.'

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

[In the past week, France reports carrying out 36 outings, including 27 Army Reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), 6 refueling sorties and 3 intelligence gathering sorties by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. It carried out 8 strikes destroying 8 targets. Most of the strikes were carried out in Raqqah and security operations in the Tal Afar region. The Task Force (TF) Wagram supported Iraqi Security Forces in the Tall Afar region. The CAESAR guns fired out 6 of neutralization / destruction and 2 of enlightenment.] ' OPERATION CHAMMAL Situation In Iraq The week was marked by the pursuit of Tal Afar security operations and its region. It was also marked by a start of re-articulation of the Iraqi Security Forces in northern Iraq, with a view to continuing the fight against Daesh in Iraq. The terrorist group remains very active in Iraq and with strong positions in the Hawijah and Anbar regions, where its fighters continue their asymmetric actions against the security forces and the people. In Syria In Raqqah, the Syrian Democratic Forces seized the entire old city and continued their offensive to seize areas still in the hands of Daesh. Elsewhere in Syria, Daesh continues to lose ground against the Syrian Armed Forces, which are continuing to advance, particularly in the Deir ez Zor and Palmyra regions. New leader of the Coalition On September 5, the command of the operation OIR was taken by the American general Paul FUNK in replacement of the American general Stephen TOWNSEND. FORCE ACTIVITIES The soldiers of Operation Chammal continue their support missions for the benefit of Iraqi units engaged against Daesh. They also carry out daily training to help build the security pillar of the Iraqi forces. Action of the air component: This week, the aircraft of the operation Chammal realized 36 aerial exits including 27 of armed reconnaissance and of support on the ground (CAS), 6 exits of supply as well as 3 outputs of collection of intelligence by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. These sorties resulted in 7 strikes and the destruction of 8 targets. Most of the strikes were carried out in support of fighting in Raqqah and security operations in the Tal Afar region. Fire Support - TF WAGRAM: Task Force (TF) Wagram supported this week the security operations conducted by the Iraqi Security Forces in the Tall Afar region. The CAESAR guns carried out 6 firing missions (4 of neutralization / destruction and 2 of illumination). Air activity: The overall balance of the air activity since 19 September 2014 amounts to 1363 strikes, 2138 objectives destroyed and 7058 sorties.

[La semaine dernière, la France a annoncé avoir effectué 36 sorties, dont 27 sorties de reconnaissance et d'appui au sol, 6 sorties de ravitaillement en carburant et 3 sorties de renseignement par la patrouille Atlantic 2 ou Rafale. Il a effectué 8 frappes détruisant 8 cibles. La plupart des frappes ont eu lieu à Raqqah et des opérations de sécurité dans la région de Tal Afar. La Force opérationnelle (GT) Wagram a soutenu les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la région de Tall Afar. Les armes à feu de CAESAR ont tiré 6 sur la neutralisation / destruction et 2 sur l'illumination.] 'OPERATION CHAMMAL Situation En Irak La semaine a été marquée par la poursuite des opérations de sécurité de Tal Afar et de sa région. Elle a également été marquée par le début de la réarticulation des forces de sécurité irakiennes dans le nord de l’Irak, en vue de poursuivre la lutte contre Daech en Irak. Le groupe terroriste reste très actif en Irak et avec des positions fortes dans les régions de Hawijah et d'Anbar, où ses combattants continuent leurs actions asymétriques contre les forces de sécurité et le peuple. En Syrie À Raqqah, les forces démocratiques syriennes ont saisi toute la vieille ville et ont poursuivi leur offensive afin de s'emparer de zones encore aux mains de Daesh. Ailleurs en Syrie, Daesh continue de perdre du terrain face aux forces armées syriennes, qui continuent de progresser, notamment dans les régions de Deir ez Zor et de Palmyra. Nouveau chef de la coalition Le 5 septembre, le général américain Paul FUNK a pris le commandement de l'opération OIR en remplacement du général américain Stephen TOWNSEND. ACTIVITES DE LA FORCE Les soldats de l'opération Chammal poursuivent leurs missions d'appui au profit des unités irakiennes engagées contre Daesh. Ils suivent également un entraînement quotidien pour aider à construire le pilier de sécurité des forces irakiennes. Action de la composante air: Cette semaine, l'avion de l'opération Chammal a réalisé 36 sorties aériennes dont 27 de reconnaissance armée et d'appui au sol (CAS), 6 sorties de ravitaillement ainsi que 3 sorties de collecte de renseignements par patrouille Atlantic 2 ou Rafale. Ces sorties ont entraîné 7 frappes et la destruction de 8 cibles. La plupart des frappes ont été menées pour soutenir les combats à Raqqah et les opérations de sécurité dans la région de Tal Afar. Soutien au feu - TF WAGRAM: La force opérationnelle (GT) Wagram a soutenu cette semaine les opérations de sécurité menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la région de Tall Afar. Les canons CAESAR ont effectué 6 missions de tir (4 de neutralisation / destruction et 2 d'éclairage). Activité aérienne: Le solde global de l'activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s'élève à 1363 frappes, à 2138 objectifs détruits et à 7058 sorties.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1474

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Location

Al Badou, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

At least 12 civilians including up to seven children and three women died in alleged Coalition air and artillery strikes on residential homes in Raqqa’s Al Badou neighbourhood, according to multiple local sources.

Hadi Abdullah also put the death toll at least 11 with dozens more wounded, while Smart put the death toll at 12.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Coalition strikes killed “11 members of one family. They are a woman and two of her children; a man, his wife and two of their children; a man, his wife and three of his children”.

However, it should be noted that two of the reported victims, Sinjar Fares Hassan and Maha al-Nasser were in Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality, found to be killed on August 14th instead of September 12th. Which is why these two victims are moved to that incident, CS1272b, despite the local reports about their death on September 12th.

However, it appears that some of their relatives were killed on this date, September 12th.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Wardah
Age unknown female Daughter of Maha Nasser Hassan killed
Ahmad
Age unknown male Son of Maha Nasser Al Hassan killed

Family members (5)

Bassam Sinjar Hassan
Adult male killed
Najwa
Adult female wife of Bassam Sinjar Hassan killed
Son of Bassam Sinjar
Age unknown male killed
Son of Bassam Sinjar
Age unknown male killed
Son of Bassam Sinjar
Age unknown male killed

Family members (2)

Ahmad Adnan Al Saud
Age unknown male killed
Ahmed Abdul Karim Saud
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Fadi Sinjar Al Hassan
Age unknown killed
Khadija al Hassoun
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 14
  • (5–7 children2–3 women6–11 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–36
  • 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 (21) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Abdul Karim Saud, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqah's Al Badou neighbourhood, August 14th or Sept 12th (via Palmyra city coordination committee)

Geolocation notes

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

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 al Badou, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV005797
    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

For September 11th – 12th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 31 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed 24 fighting positions, 17 vehicles, three logistics nodes, an ISIS headquarters, an IED, and a command and control node.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 11, near Raqqah, 16 strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 fighting positions and a logistics node.” And that “On Sept. 11, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed an ISIS fighting position.”

For September 12th - 13th, the Coalition reported: For September 12th – 13th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 56 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 56 fighting positions, three logistics nodes, and two vehicles; and suppressed a fighting position.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 12, near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes destroyed 19 ISIS vehicles; and suppressed a fighting position.” And that “On Sept. 12, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.

UK Military
  • English
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    Original

‘Monday 11 September – Tornados destroyed two sniper positions in Raqqa, and attacked a Daesh-held compound and terrorists on a motorcycle near Dayr az Zawr…A flight of Royal Air Force Tornados supported the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting in Raqqa on Monday 11 September, when Paveway IV guided bombs were used to destroy two sniper positions. A second Tornado flight patrolled north-east of Dayr az Zawr, where they attacked a group of terrorists in a compound with a Paveway IV. Survivors of the attack then attempted to move to another position on a motorcycle, but were successfully engaged with a Brimstone missile.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 14
  • (5–7 children2–3 women6–11 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–36
  • 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 (21) [ collapse]