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

CS1494 Rs2450

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Location

سعلو, Deir Ez-Zor, Sa'alu, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.141173, 40.363297 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One female civilian, died in an alleged airstrike on the village of Sa’alu, according to local media. The US-led Coalition and Russia were both cited as culprit, amongst multiple references to unidentified aircraft.

According to Qasioun, the Coalition bombed Sa’alu as part of an aerial offensive that targeted multiple villages in the east of Deir Ezzor – Baqiras, Sa’alu and Zubari. Qasioun noted “significant material damage” and alleged no civilian casualties.

Sdusyria was the only source that named Russia responsible, they reported “Russian warplanes and helicopter gunships launched dozens of air raids on the neighborhoods of the city of Deir Ghazur” including Sa’alu, one civilian casualty was documented in the report. @asharqasouri also reported the effects “limited to material damage”, and did not specify an actor.

A later report by Deirfree documented the death of one woman and injury of others, allegedly caused by the “spread of cluster bombs among civilian houses”, which caused “panic among the people”, they did not attribute blame. Euphrates Post subsequently named Ms. Aisha Ahmed Al-Zaher. The majority of sources did not identify the aircraft responsible, with the Coalition receiving one allegation, as did Russia. The US-led Coalition had informed Airwars that as a result of their deconfliction agreements, they had ceased to conduct strikes entirely in Deir Ezzor city.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ms. Aisha Ahmed Al-Zaher “Umm Daham” wife of Jarad Al-Hamdan
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Sa’alu (سعلو), for which the coordinates are: 35.141173, 40.363297. 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
Official source

For September 13th - 14th, the Coalition reported: "Near Dayr Az Zawr, nine strikes [2 or more British] engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed two tactical vehicles, an ISIS fuel station and a fighting position"

For September 14th – 15th, the Coalition reported “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two vehicles.” and "Additionally, 38 strikes consisting of 55 engagements were conducted in Syria and Iraq on Sept. 14 that closed within the last 24 hours. On Sept. 14, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria six strikes destroyed an ISIS UAS, a fighting position, an ISIS supply route and suppressed three fighting positions"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Wednesday 13 September – a Reaper twice engaged terrorists on foot, as well as a truck-bomb, whilst Tornados and Typhoons struck a Daesh building, all near Dayr az Zawr…On Wednesday 13 September, another Reaper continued patrolling near Dayr az Zawr. It used two Hellfire missiles to attack terrorists spotted on foot, then employed a third missile to destroy an armoured truck-bomb positioned next to a main road. A mixed Tornado and Typhoon pair meanwhile targeted a group of Daesh in a building nearby, scoring a direct hit with a Brimstone.’

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 15 September – a Reaper supported coalition airstrikes near Dayr az Zawr, and delivered two attacks itself against extremists in the open, whilst Typhoons destroyed a Daesh-held building… On Friday 15 September, a Reaper was again very active north-east of Dayr az Zawr; it provided support to coalition airstrikes which destroyed three Daesh-held buildings, then conducted two attacks on its own account with Hellfire missiles against terrorists moving through the area. Nearby, a Typhoon flight bombed a further Daesh-held building.’

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 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1578

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A civilian named as Hussein al-Ibrahim al Hassan died following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Raqqah city, local media reported. Raqqa Media Center cited “artillery bombardment” as the cause of his death.

Airwars understands only the US-led Coaliiton had access to artillery at Raqqah.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hussein al-Ibrahim al Hassan
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • 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 only mention the city of Ar Raqqah (الرقة), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to the 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

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1869

Incident date

December 3–6, 2018

Location

البوبدران, All Soussa: Al-Boubdaran (al Salam neighbourhood), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.558279, 40.937054 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that a named civilian man from Al-Salam neighborhood in Al-Boubdaran district, was killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike.

Euphrates Post for example reported that “Ahmed Ramadan Al-Baghouz, a civilian from the town of Al-Soussa / Al-Salam neighborhood  / Al-Boubdaran district, was killed by a Coaltion air strike.”

Sources reported on the incident between December 6th-8th, but did not mention the exact date, which Airwars has placed between December 3rd and 6th. .

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Ramadan Al Baghouz
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Ramadan Al-Baghouz, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike (via Euphrates Post).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU777257
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 15, 2020

  • Dec. 3, 2018, in al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3253/CS1869 37SFU777257

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

On Dec. 3 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 38 strikes consisting of 93 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 38 strikes engaged 12 tactical units, and destroyed 10 supply routes, five staging areas, two weapon caches, four improvised explosive device facilities, two buildings, two fighting positions, one anti-aircraft system, one rocket storage site, one tunnel, two heavy equipment, and one vehicle storage.

On Dec. 4 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 31 strikes consisting of 66 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 31 strikes engaged seven tactical units, and destroyed 15 fighting positions, eight staging areas, four supply routes, two pieces of engineering equipment, three command and control nodes, one piece of heavy equipment, and one weapons facility.

On Dec. 5 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 41 strikes consisting of 82 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 41 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 19 fighting positions, three command and control nodes, three vehicles, two staging areas, two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, two supply routes, two logistics facilities, one piece of heavy equipment, one media cell and one building.

On Dec. 6 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 32 strikes consisting of 63 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 32 strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 13 fighting positions, five staging areas, six supply routes, two pieces of engineering equipment, one logistics facility, one petroleum oil and lubricant tanker, one piece of heavy equipment, one heavy machine gun, one tactical vehicle and one financial facility.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For December 5th to 11th, France reports that it carried out 20 sorties and 7 strikes. Task Force Wagram carried out 38 firing missions (20 lighting, 18 destruction). Since November 21, 161 fire missions have been carried out and nearly 1,000 shells have been fired. Airwars reached out to French MoD to ask where the airstrikes were conducted and was told that all seven strikes were near Hajin

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Ø Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Dans la région d’Hajine, dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, profitant de conditions météo défavorables, Daech a mené plusieurs attaques. Celles-ci se sont à nouveau heurtées à des frappes aériennes et des tirs d’artillerie de la coalition. Au bilan, grâce à l’appui de la coalition, les forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) ont repris leur progression méthodique dans la zone. Ø Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, la situation est inchangée. L’activité de Daech est contrainte par les opérations des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI). A la frontière, l’effort visant à contrer toute tentative d’infiltration de Daech depuis la Syrie est maintenu. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La frégate légère furtive Aconit patrouille en Méditerranée orientale dans le cadre de la fonction stratégique connaissance et anticipation. Ø La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes qui luttent contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Elle a réalisé cette semaine, depuis le territoire irakien, 38 missions de tir (20 éclairement, 18 destruction – bilan du 28 novembre au 4 décembre inclus). En trois semaines, Wagram a fourni un effort important pour stopper les contre-attaques de Daech puis appuyer les opérations des FDS qui reprennent l’initiative dans les derniers réduits tenus par l’organisation terroriste. Ainsi, depuis le 21 novembre, 161 missions de tir ont été réalisées et près de 1000 obus ont été tirés. Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2326 missions de tirs. Ø Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 5 au 11 décembre inclus). Les Rafale français ont été significativement engagés dans l’appui aux FDS puisque les équipages ont conduit 7 frappes cette semaine permettant de neutraliser 9 objectifs ennemis. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8708 sorties / 1489 frappes / 2292 objectifs neutralisés. Ø Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille également les brigades subordonnées, dont la 106ème brigade d’artillerie irakienne. La TF Narvik, poursuit sa mission de formation et de conseil de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Le stage de formation au recueil de renseignement s’est achevé après six semaines d’instruction. Narvik forme actuellement les Irakiens dans les domaines suivants : mise en œuvre d’armes lourdes, combat motorisé, lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés, sauvetage au combat et tir de précision.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the fight against ISIS, Dutch F-16's supported ground troops during 9 missions. Weapons were deployed during 6 missions. The aircrafts were operational above Syrian provide Deir Al Zour near Abu Kamal and targeted vehicles, logistical places and IS-fighters.

In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies. Bij 6 werden wapens ingezet. De toestellen kwamen in actie boven de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour bij Abu Kamal. Hierbij zijn voertuigen, logistieke opslagplaatsen en strijders aangevallen.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Thursday 6 December – Typhoons attacked a Daesh position north-west of Hajin... Typhoons conducted a further strike in the same area the following day, accounting for a further terrorist position.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1895

Incident date

February 1, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A woman was reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a residential building in Al-Baghouz town. Surrounding houses were also reportedly damaged.

In a tweet, Deir Ezzor 24 reported that “The International Alliance Air is targeting a gathering of displaced people on the outskirts of the town of # Al-Baghouz in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor,” though it gave no civilian casualty numbers.

The state-run Syrian news agency reported that “Local sources told SANA’s reporter that the warplanes of the US-led coalition shelled residential buildings in al-Baghouz town, killing a woman and causing damage to some of the locals’ houses and properties.”

And Step News claimed that “Aircraft of the International Alliance launched several raids on the outskirts of the town of Al-Baghouz and the eastern suburb of Deir Ezzor, on the mountain side. The aircraft also targeted civilian camps with machine guns without information on the size of the losses.” It named one man, Diaa Hamdan al-Safi, as being injured by machine gun fire.

According to Suriye UAD, the strike targeted a mosque but no other sources supported this claim. Zaman Al Wasl added that a number of civilians were injured in the attack.

In a civilian casualty assessment released April 16th 2021, the Coalition dismissed this event as ‘non credible, claiming (while suggesting the wrong date) that “Jan. 1, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Diaa Hamdan al-Safi
Adult male Reportedly injured by mmachine gun fire injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • 'The International Alliance Air is targeting a gathering of displaced people on the outskirts of the town of # Al-Baghouz in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.'

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 16, 2021

  • 3. Jan. 1, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3270/CS1895 37SFU786153

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Between Jan. 27 - Feb. 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 199 strikes consisting of 326 engagements against ISIS targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 179 strikes consisting of 303 engagements, engaged 146 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 131 supply routes, 53 fighting positions, 31 staging areas, 14 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 13 engineering equipment, 11 explosive belts, nine tankers for petroleum oil and lubricants, eight tactical vehicles, five command and control nodes, four buildings, three aircrafts operations areas, three tunnels, two petroleum oil and lubricant storage facilities, two manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, two artilleries, two weapons caches and one armored vehicle.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Jan 30th - Feb 5th, French MoD report aerial 20 sorties - but no airstrikes. Task Force Wagram continues to support the SDF in the Hajin region of Syria.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les Forces démocratiques syriennes marquent depuis quelques jours une pause opérationnelle, dédiée notamment à leur réorganisation et au renforcement de leurs positions. Poursuite des actions en Irak La situation sécuritaire est également stable en Irak, t reste sous le contrôle des Forces de sécurité irakiennes, appuyées par la Coalition. En particulier, les opérations de saisie d’engins explosifs improvisés et de munitions diverses se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien une mission de tir, qui était une mission d’aveuglement – bilan du 30 janvier au 05 février inclus). Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 30 janvier au 05 février inclus). Les Rafale français n’ont pas conduit de frappe cette semaine. Réfection de la Search House, site dédié à l’instruction à la lutte contre les Engins Explosifs Improvisés (EEI) La Task Force Narvik participe à l’instruction opérationnelle de l’ICTS (Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service). Dans ce cadre, elle forme depuis quatre ans les futurs opérateurs des forces spéciales irakiennes dans le domaine de la lutte contre les Engins explosifs improvisés (ou Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED)). L’instruction s’appuie sur des outils pédagogiques conçus et financés par la France : des salles de cours, et surtout un bâtiment dédié à la fouille opérationnelle : la « Search house », outil que les militaires français ont récemment proposé d’optimiser. Inaugurée par l’ambassadeur de France en 2017, la « Search house » est conçue selon le modèle d’une maison classique, et permet d’instruire les stagiaires irakiens à la traque des différentes cachettes utilisées pour dissimuler des armes, de la drogue, des explosifs, des documents ou des téléphones dans une habitation. Elle a retrouvé une nouvelle jeunesse sous l’impulsion du détachement de sapeurs, avec des améliorations telles que l’ajout d’un faux plancher par exemple. L’objectif est d’améliorer l’outil avant la prochaine session d’instruction contre-IED prévue au printemps. De son côté, la Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Plusieurs stages sont en cours, notamment dans le domaine du tir et du combat urbain. En particulier, des militaires français de la Task Force (TF) Monsabert encadrent depuis sept semaines les stages de tir que la division a sollicités, pour améliorer le niveau des soldats irakiens au combat. Immergés au sein de la 24ème brigade irakienne, là où se trouve l’unique champ de tir de la division dans la région de Bagdad, les spécialistes du tir au combat entraînent chaque semaine entre 100 et 200 soldats irakiens.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI092

Incident date

August 18, 2015

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.3957715, 40.9943684 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported killed and five injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike at the border town of al Qaim.

Citing a ‘medical source in the city, al-Gharbiya eported that “a young man was killed as a result of the bombing was carried out by one of the [Coalition] warplanes on the neighborhoods of the city of Qaim,” indicating that “this led to the wounding five other civilians, including two children under ten were injured, as well as extensive material damage to homes and property. “

In its monthly civilian casualty assessment for October 2019 – published on December 5th of that year – the US-led Coalition assessed this event to be ‘non credible’, noting: “August 18, 2015, in Al Qaim, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2810/CI092 37SFU833078”.

The Coalition also provided coordinates showing the area it had assessed, accurate to within 100 metres.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of one of the supposed victims (via Yaqen)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Al Qaim, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU833078
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition

  • August 18, 2015, in Al Qaim, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2810/CI092 37SFU833078

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

No Coalition strikes were publicly reported for Al Qaim for August 17th-19th 2015. However one strike was reported elsewhere in Anbar province on August 17th-18th “near Ramadi.” And on August 18th-19th there were additional strikes in Anbar “near Habbiniyah” and “near Ramadi.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS193

Incident date

March 24, 2016

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 civilian was reported killed in the Al Dar’iya area of central Raqaa, in an alleged Coalition strike.

According to Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered, “International coalition planes yesterday targeted a weapons depot belonging to Daesh near Hod al Furat garage in Al Dar’iya area in the city centre of Raqqa which led to its total destruction and the martyrdom of one person from Ain Issa, along with the injury of Mohammad Al Shalash by shrapnel in his waist.“

However in a tweet the next day showing destruction at the site, the group simply reported “an airstrike.” No Coalition strikes have publicly been reported in the vicinity in this period, suggesting that either Russia or the Assad regime may instead have been responsible.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the airstrike (via RBSS)
  • Translation: coalition aggression carries out three raids targeting the outskirts of Raqqa until now. (via Zeynisajda)
  • Translation: American planes today openly worked with Russian and regime planes in bombing Palmyra and Al Raqqa. (via Zeynisajda)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 2, 2020

  • March 24, 2016, in Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2927/CS193 37SEV008784

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

No Coalition strikes have publicly been reported for Raqqa governorate between March 23rd-25th 2016.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Update from UK MoD for Thursday 24 March: ‘Thursday 24 March – Tornados destroyed a mortar team that was firing on Kurdish forces in northern Iraq, while a Reaper destroyed a vehicle in eastern Syria…The following day [Thursday 24 March], Tornados were again active over Qayyarah; working in close cooperation with a coalition surveillance aircraft, they were able to successfully engage with a Paveway a Daesh mortar team that had opened fire on Kurdish forces. Across the border in eastern Syria, a Reaper used a Hellfire missile in a successful attack on a Daesh vehicle.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS266

Incident date

July 16, 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

An 80-year old man was reported by a number of sources as having been killed in one of multiple Coalition strikes on Manbij between dawn and noon. The strikes reportedly targeted both the Aleppo road and the al Hazwana neighbourhood in the city.

According to Manbij Mother of the World, “planes carried out several raids in less than an hour on the road to Aleppo [and] the area around the national hospital as members of IS are holed up inside the hospital. Another raid targeted a residential building in Al Rabita street, while two raids targeted al Hazwana neighbourhood where there are currently clashes in which SDF [Syrian Democratic Forces] are trying to advance towards the city.“

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:

Ali Hamid al A’rouda
80 years years old male Reportedly died after being hit by shrapnel in al Hawzana. 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 (4) [ collapse]

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 15th-16th 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, nine strikes struck eight separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed 14 ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL vehicles.”

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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS538

Incident date

February 26, 2017

Location

المقطاع / المقطع, Makta'a Hajar, Aleppo, Syria

Airwars assessment

One child died in an airstrike on Makta’a Hajar in Manbij, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or the Assad regime was responsible.

The Violations Documentation Center named a child, Fatima Mohammad al Hamada, as a victim of coalition raids in Manbij. According to the activist, Razona, “Dr. Mohammad al Hamada went to tend to the wounded only to find his daughter Fatima who he hadn’t seen in 9 months dead. It happened and it happens in Syria.” Aleppo 24 also pointed towards the Coalition. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, who also named 11-year-old Fatima, said that she was killed in “regime shelling”.

Moua’th also blamed the regime for her death.

Manbij Direct added some more detail, reporting that Fatima was “killed while she was going to Manbij with her family [being smuggled out] in an air raid near al Mikta’a village. The raid happened about an hour and a half ago. [would be around 7:30 pm].” The source didn’t identify the culprit.

Al Quds al Arabi blamed the regime for the girl’s death, and provided considerable background information: “The doctor and poet Mohammed Hamada, who has worked in a number of field hospitals in the countryside of Aleppo, and has played a prominent role in the treatment of victims of bombing in the towns and the countryside in Aleppo over six years, received a call to join one of the hospitals in the countryside of Manbej, after bombing was carried out by the Syrian regime aircraft. He was surprised that the girl in question was his daughter Fatima.

“The doctor’s family lives in Abu Kahalf, south of Manbej, which is controlled by the organization [Islamic state]. The doctor had left the town many months ago, and it seems that the family decided to get out of the town and go to areas outside the control of the organization. According to locals, regime planes launched raids near the town of Makta’a Hajar while the family was passing by there – this led to the injury of the child, and then to her death, after attempts to save her had failed.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Fatima Mohammad al Hamada
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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Fatima Mohammad Ibrahim al Hamada (via SNHR)
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
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition did not publicly report any strikes nears Manbij for February 24th-26th.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime

Sources (9) [ collapse]