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

CS381

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Location

بعاص, Bia'as, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

Between 8 and 11 civilians died in what both the Syrian Network and Syrian Observatory called a ‘massacre’ – following alleged Coalition strikes on Bia’as.

According to Shaam News Network, “clashes [between ISIL and SDF] have moved into the centre of Tal Al Samin where international coalition aircraft, has launched dozens of air raids on positions controlled by IS. The raids resulted in the fall of eight martyrs in the village of Bi’as and many wounded among the civilian population.”

LCCSY placed the death toll at 11, while Raqqa is Being Slaughtered named eight civilian victims.

The Coalition announced on January 2nd 2017 that “Currently, five reports of civilian casualties received in November are still being assessed… Nov. 19, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria.” An official later confirmed to Airwars that this related to allegations at Bia’as that day. The incident was still being assessed a month later, but on March 4th, the Coalition reported that “After a review of available information and/or strike video it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in this geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Waddah Abdallah al Hasan
Age unknown male killed
Ali al Shamma's daughter
Age unknown female killed
Ahmad al Nijm al Qadib
Age unknown male killed
Juma’a al Badri
Age unknown male killed
Jassem al Shamma
Age unknown male killed
Ali al Hamad al Hmeidaoui
Age unknown male killed
Issa al Suleiman al Jbeil
Age unknown male killed
Abdallah al Hassan al Issa
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 11
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Jassem al Ali al Shamma (via RBSS)
  • Widah Abdallah al Hassan (via RBSS)
  • Ali Al Hamad Al Hmeidawi (via RBSS)
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 Bia'as, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 18th-19th, the Coalition reported “Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIL storage facility and destroyed seven oil storage tanks and four oil transfer compressors. Near Ayn Isa, 13 strikes engaged 10 ISIL tactical units; destroyed five fighting positions, an IED facility, a VBIED, and an artillery system; and damaged a supply route.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 11
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • 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 (14) [ 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)

Mustapha al Farwa
Age unknown male killed
Mustapha al Farwa's wife
Age unknown female killed
Mustapha al Farwa's daugher
Age unknown female killed
Mustapha al Farwa's daugher
Age unknown female killed
Mustapha al Farwa's son
Age unknown male killed

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Al Ahmad al Hrobal
Age unknown male killed
Abboud Al Abd al Karim
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
Official source

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

CS384

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Location

بعاص, Bia'as, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Bi’as.

According to Syria News Desk, “a civilian was killed and six others injured this morning, due to coalition aircraft targeted with three raids the village of Ba’as in northern Raqqa.”

Raqqa News named the victim.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali al Hmeidawi
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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]

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 Bia'as, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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

CS385

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Location

مزرعة الأسدية, Masra'at al Assadiya, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.0091172, 39.018631

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were said to have been killed in a reported Coalition raid on Mazra’at al Assidiya.

The Syrian Network reported that “three civilians died due to International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on Mazra’a Al Asadeya village in Raqqa governorate northern suburbs, November 21, 2016.”

In what may be a linked incident, the Network also reported that the town’s secondary school was partially damaged in a Coalition attack.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ 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 Mazra’at Al Assadiya (Raqqah), Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV0166984927
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 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
Official source

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
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI345

Incident date

November 22, 2016

Location

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.375659, 42.451536 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 15 civilians were killed and 33 injured by either Coalition or Iraqi airstrikes, according to local sources. The Coalition later denied any role in the incident.

Al Jazeera cited local medical sources and reported that 15 civilians were killed and 33 others injured by Iraqi Air Force and Coalition airstrikes in Tal Afar. A number of other outlets, including Syria News and Ajel.tv, reported the exact same figures. Some reports, including from Instant Reporting Team, only referenced Coalition aircraft.

A Coalition statement issued January 2nd 2017 noted: Nov. 22, 2016, near Tal Afar, Iraq: No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • Civilians reported injured
    33
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A video shows the intensive preparation of the battle of Mosul (via Al Jazeera)
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
    Tal Afar, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 2, 2017

  • No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 21st-22nd, the Coalition did not report a strike “near Tal Afar,” but did report “Near Kisik, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • Civilians reported injured
    33
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI346

Incident date

November 22, 2016

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, old bridge, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.346171, 43.138109 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources said that  Coalition airstrikes targeted third bridge inside Mosul. As a result, one civilian killed and identified by name.

No additional details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Nazar Fit Younis AOS
Adult male Via Omar Amgad killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.

Incident Code

CS386

Incident date

November 22, 2016

Location

العبارة, `Abbarah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.1553406, 39.0213776 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A 20-year old non-combatant male named as Mohammad al Juma’a al Gaddou was killed in a reported Coalition strike on al I’bara, according to two sources.

No additional details are presently known.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad al Juma’a al Gaddou
20 years years old male

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 (3) [ 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 Al I'bara, 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
Official source

For November 22nd 2016 the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed two vehicles, an oil tanker truck, an oil pump, and a VBIED; and damaged a road. Near Ayn Isa, two strikes destroyed a vehicle and an anti-air artillery system.”

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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS387 TS014

Incident date

November 22, 2016

Location

صابويران, Sab Wayran, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.51741, 37.65538 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two girls died in a reported Turkish or Coalition airstrike on the village of Sab Wayran near Aleppo, Syria.

Manbij Military Council (linked to the SDF) reported that “two sisters were martyred from the family of Ahmad al Rashid Beish Illo after Turkish occupation planes raided their home in the village of Sab Wayran.” It added that four people were injured.

The Syrian Network instead blamed the attack on the Coalition. However the Assad-controlled SANA news agency said the village had been captured by Turkey and its allies, following clashes with the Kurdish SDF.

In August 2017 the US-led Coalition denied involvement in the event, noting that “After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area of the reported civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Amina Ahmad Alo
Child female killed
Shahed Ahmad Alo
Child female killed

The victims were named as:

Sara al Ahmad
3 years years old female injured
Najwa al Ahmad
14 years years old female injured
Khanum Shamlo
35 years years old female injured
Ahmad Saleh
8 years years old male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Ahmad Saleh, injured in an alleged Coalition and Turkish airstrike on Sab Wayran, 22nd November 2016. (via Manbij Military council)
  • Khanum Shamlo injured in an alleged Coalition and Turkish airstrike on Sab Wayran, 22nd November 2016. (via Manbij Military council)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Sara al Ahmad injured in an alleged Coalition and Turkish airstrike on Sab Wayran, 22nd November 2016. (via Manbij Military council)
  • Photograph shows one of the two sisters, Shahad and Amina Ahmad Rashid Beish Illo, killed in an alleged Turkish and Coalition airstrike on Sab Wayran, 22nd November 2016. (via Manbij Military council)
  • Photograph shows one of the two sisters, Shahad and Amina Ahmad Rashid Beish Illo, killed in an alleged Turkish and Coalition airstrike on Sab Wayran, 22nd November 2016. (via Manbij Military council)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Sab Wayran (صابويران), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.51741, 37.65538. 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 Sabwayran, 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
Official source

For November 22nd-23rd 2016 the Coalition reported no strikes in Aleppo governorate.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]