US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

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

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]

Incident Code

CS1424

Incident date

August 27, 2017

Location

Centre, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that ten civilians – including up to six children and four women and two men from one family – were killed following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes in central Raqqa City.

The strike reportedly struck or targeted a building in which the the Al-Shakran family were sheltering. The family were displaced persons from Tadmur near Palmyra.

Syrianpc said it believed the US-led Coalition had conducted 133 air raids between 25th-27th August on Raqqa City, and blamed the Coalition for the attack that killed the Al-Shakran family. All sources documenting the incident asserted that the US-led Coalition was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (10)

Mohammed Ali Al-Shakran
Age unknown male killed
Faris Hussein Al-Shakran
Age unknown killed
Mahmoud Hussein Al-Shakran
Age unknown male killed
Fatima Salim Al-Shakran
Age unknown female killed
Mona Salim Al-Shakran
Age unknown female killed
Ahmed Mohammed Al-Shakran
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Shakran
Age unknown male killed
Asmaa Mohammed Al-Shakran
Age unknown female killed
Kasem Mohammed Al-Shakran
Age unknown killed
Fatima Mohammed Al-Shakran
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (3–6 children2–4 women)
  • 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 (24) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Airwars has insufficient information to geolocate the incident beyond Raqqa city centre. The assessment summary uses genetic coordinates for Raqqa: 35.9505639, 39.0094148.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • 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 August 27th-28th, “Near Raqqah, 29 strikes engaged 13 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 19 fighting positions, five logistics nodes, three vehicles, three ISIS headquarters, two VBIEDs, and two command and control nodes.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 27 near Raqqah, Syria, 24 strikes engaged 20 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 22 fighting positions, two anti-aircraft artillery systems, and two logistics nodes.” And that “On Aug. 27, near Raqqah, Syria, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

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

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
    10
  • (3–6 children2–4 women)
  • 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 (24) [ 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

CS383

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Location

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.38324, 40.09991 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A dawn Coalition airstrike on the village of al Salhiyeh killed at least nine civilians – most from one family. The Coalition has since admitted two civilian deaths in the attack.

ISIL’s media wing said the target of the raid was a cotton factory in the village, where three workers also died. Ara News cited a local activist as saying that “the raids came after false information came to the Coalition that the factory is used for the manufacture of weapons and belongs to Islamic State.” Syria News Desk said there were six raids in total – which also injured 13 civilians.

In a statement issued January 2nd 2017, the Coalition reported: “Nov. 21, 2016, near Al-Salahiyah, Syria: During a strike on ISIL-held buildings it is assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed.”

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

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

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male Or Abd al Rahman Al Abd al Karim al Zagheer killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 10
  • (2–3 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Translation: the young man abd al Rahman Al abd al Karim al Zagheer martyred in international coalition raids on al Salhyie village. He is from al Assadiya village.
  • Mustapha al Farwa (via RBSS)
  • Mohammad Mustapha al Farwa (via RBSS)
  • Ahmad al Hreiwal (via RBSS)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    Al-Salahiyah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV999161
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2017
  • Nov. 21, 2016, near Al-Salahiyah, Syria: During a strike on ISIL-held buildings it is assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 21st 2016 the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, seven strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed 2 VBIEDs, an IED factory, two oil well heads and two oil tanker trucks.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 10
  • (2–3 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI298

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Location

لقوسيات والعربي, Mosul, Al-Qaysiyat and Al-Arabi, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.4368746, 43.1029299 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to nine civilians, including a woman and one or more children, were killed in overnight bombing in Mosul according to local reports.

Al Rafidain Network for Human Rights reported a bombing “killed or wounded innocent civilians, including women and children.” Al Hathalyoum placed the death toll at eight: A security source and local residents from inside Mosul said international coalition forces targeted in an airstrike Alqosjat and the Arab region, in the north of Mosul – killing at least eight civilians, including a woman and two children.

Iraqi Spring Meda Centre put the death toll at nine, and said the dead woman’s husband was also injured in the attack on the Shifa’ and Asatetha neighbourhoods.

Given reported British actions in the area that day, Airwars flagged the incident to the UK’s MoD which said “we can confirm that there was no UK involvement” in the event.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 9
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (5) [ 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 Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 27, 2017
  • 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 October 17th 2016 the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, four strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units and two staging areas; destroyed 10 mortar systems, five artillery systems, four ISIL-held buildings, four fighting positions, four vehicles, two supply caches, two repeater tower generators, a VBIED facility, and a VBIED; and suppressed four tactical units and three rocket positions.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 9
  • (2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (5) [ collapse]