US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure
text search
2984 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

CS1342

Incident date

August 7, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported that Baraa Abdullah al-Haddad and his son were killed in an “airstrike”.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Baraa Abdullah al-Haddad
Adult male killed
Baraa Abdullah al-Haddad's son
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (0–1 children1 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 (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 5th-6th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed 19 fighting positions, five ISIS-held buildings, three IED factories, an ISIS communications tower and a UAS launch site.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 5, near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and a heavy machine gun.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (0–1 children1 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1353

Incident date

August 7, 2017

Location

Hurriyah, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.961696, 39.004436 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians.

In January 2018, their monthly civilian casualty report noted “During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they inadvertently crossed into the area of the blast after the weapons were fired from a Coalition aircraft.”

Coalition officials told Airwars this incident occurred at the location 37SEV004797 (Military grid reference with a 100 m accuracy) which placed the event at the Hurriyah neighbourhood.

Although Airwars researchers have not monitored local reports of civilian harm that mention the Hurriyah neighbourhood specifically for this date, there were multiple civilian casualty events in Raqqa on the day.

Those other, locally reported events might or might not relate to this Coalition-reported incident — most likely an event in the neighbouring Al Hadika al Bayda area or one that targeted the electricity directorate building.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

  • 37SEV004797, 100 m precision

    Date taken:
    October 21, 2017

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google Earth

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
    Entered target area just prior to or after munition released
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV004797
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 2018

  • Aug. 7, 2017 near Raqqah, Syria via self-report. During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they inadvertently crossed into the area of the blast after the weapons were fired from a Coalition aircraft.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 7th-8th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 25 strikes engaged 17 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 37 fighting positions, two command and control nodes, two weapons caches, two vehicles, and a weapons depot.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 7, near Raqqah, Syria, six strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, an ISIS communications tower, and a mortar system.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1343

Incident date

August 7, 2017

Location

al Wadi street, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.948509, 39.01324 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian, Mr. Abed Mahal al-Attiyah, was named as killed by a mortar shell which reportedly fell on his as he left evening prayers at al Hamza mosque, according to local media.

Airwars understands that the SDF are using mortars in Raqqa, therefore they can’t be ruled out as the culprit.

Additionally, a report by Deir Ezzor24 said that the mortar was fired by “the organisation”, suggesting that IS may have been to blame.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abed Mahal al-Attiyah
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The martyrdom of Mr. Abed Mahal al-Attiyah yesterday after he left the evening prayer at Al-Hamzah Mosque in Al-Wadi Street, as a result of the fall of a mortar shell in the area (via DNP)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Al Wadi street (الوادي) and Al Hamza mosque (الحمزة) in the city of Raqqa. Airwars was unable to locate a mosque in Al Wadi street (الوادي), however, a possible location for the Al Hamza mosque (الحمزة) is: 35.958994, 39.010043. The coordinates for Al Wadi street (الوادي) are: 35.948509, 39.01324.

  • Al Wadi street (الوادي) and a possible location for Al Hamza mosque (الحمزة) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • 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

  • 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 August 5th-6th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 23 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed 19 fighting positions, five ISIS-held buildings, three IED factories, an ISIS communications tower and a UAS launch site.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 5, near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and a heavy machine gun.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1344

Incident date

August 7, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, central, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.957788, 39.010583 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition artillery strikes on Raqqa.

Multiple sources described Mr Amiro as as a “judo coach and referee and head of the Technical Committee in Al Raqqa”.

Al hassaka rasd, Alraqqa ahlna, @AlHasakalhadth blamed artillery for his death. Airwars understands that only the Coalition is using artillery in Raqqa.

Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report War in “Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” reported that “Jamal Mohammed Amero, 50, was killed by an artillery strike on the street near his home.”

A witness named Amnar added that “Artillery was often raining down randomly on our area.”

In the first of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that after a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Jamal Amiro
50 years old male killed

Summary

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

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Jamal Amiro (via Alraqqa Ahlna)
  • Jamal Amiro (via Alraqqa Ahlna)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident only mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. Amnesty reported that Google Earth detected major damage after 2017/08/01-2017/08/07.  

  • Before strike. (via Amnesty)

  • After strike. (via Amnesty)

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
    Other
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784/37SEV009792
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • Jun 28, 2018

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

  • Aug. 1, 2017, in Raqqah, Syria, via Amnesty International and Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, the alleged civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 2706/AI49/CS1344 37SEV009792

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 6th-7th the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 30 fighting positions, two vehicles, two command and control nodes, two mortar systems, a tunnel, a heavy machine gun, an IED facility, and a VBIED facility; and damaged six fighting positions.” It additionally reporeted that “On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a mortar system, an anti-air artillery system, and a VBIED.” And that “On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed 10 ISIS fighting positions and two mortar systems.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

France reports that in the past week (4th -11th) it carried out 31 sorties, including 24 Army reconnaissance and Ground Support (CAS), as well as 4 intelligence reports by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. Two strikes were carried out in the Hassaka region of Syria and the Al Qaim region of Iraq. They destroyed ISIL storage sites and weapons caches.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2017 OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des forces démocratiques syriennes se poursuit. Au sud de la ville, la manœuvre de tenaille amorcée, qui permettra de joindre les fronts est et ouest, demeure freinée par la résistance de Daech. Les combattants du groupe terroriste utilisent les réseaux de tunnels et les véhicules suicide chargés d’explosifs pour conduire des actions de harcèlement, et piègent systématiquement le terrain cédé. En Irak, Les forces de sécurité irakiennes poursuivent le nettoyage et la dépollution de la ville de Mossoul. Dans le reste du territoire, alors que Daech tente de poursuivre ses actions de harcèlement, les opérations de sécurisation mobilisent largement les forces irakiennes. Dans la vallée de l’Anbar et dans la région d’Hawijah, les opérations ont permis de déceler et de détruire des caches de munitions et de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Le 3 août s’est achevée une séquence de relève des avions de Chammal. Celle-ci a signé la fin du premier déploiement du plot mixte Rafale marine et air. Ce sont désormais 6 avions Rafale de l’armée de l’air qui constituent le volet chasse présent en Jordanie. Cette semaine, sur le théâtre, les aéronefs ont réalisé 31 sorties aériennes dont 24 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 4 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Deux frappes ont été conduites dans la région de Hassaka en Syrie et dans la région d’Al Qaim. Elles ont permis de détruire des sites de stockage et des caches d’armes. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 6 missions de tir de harcèlement en appui de la 15e division à l’ouest de Mossoul vers Tal Afar, pour prévenir les infiltrations ennemies sur les positions irakiennes. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1 322 frappes, 2095 objectifs détruits et 6919 sorties.

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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1336

Incident date

August 6, 2017

Location

حي الاماسي, Al Amassi, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.95268, 39.01109 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two adult male civilians and up to two children were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on their home in Raqqa’s al Amassi neighbourhood, local media reported.

In February 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS headquarters multistory building. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians were injured as a result of the explosion.”

Sources noted that Ahmed Ali Obaid Al-Taha’s wife, Hayat Muhammad Obeid al-Taha, died in an earlier casualty event on July 25th, listed on the July 2017 civilian casualty page as event S1117.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), Ahmed Ali Obaid Al-Taha’s son, Samer, was also seriously injured. Subsequent reports by RBSS were somewhat confused: one said that Samer had died, while another called for people to post information about his whereabouts, thereby implying that the boy was lost and not confirmed dead.

Palmyra media centre added: “The child Samer Ahmad Al-Taha … No trace was found of him neither in the hospital nor among those who were pulled from under the ruins of the destroyed house …The international coalition killed his mother and father and his sister is clinically dead.”

The sister was named by Palmyra revolution coordination committee as Ghazal, and this source said that she had died. Ahmad Al Shibli also said that she had been killed.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha
Adult male killed
Hussein Ali Obaid Al-Taha
Adult male brothers killed
Samer Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha
Child male son of Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha killed
Ghazal Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha
Child female daughter of Ahmed Ali Obaid Al – Taha killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1–2 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Ali Obeid al-Taha, killed with up to two of his children in an alleged Coalition raid on their home, August 6th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Ghazal, killed with her father and brother in an alleged Coalition raid on their home, August 6th 2017. (via RBSS)
  • Samer Ahmad Al-Taha, killed with his father and sister in an alleged Coalition raid on their home, August 6th 2017. (via Palmyra media centre)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourbood or street of Al Amassi (الاماسي) in Raqqa (الرقة). The coordinates for this neighbourhood are: 35.953492, 39.011271.  Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest neighbourhood/area at 35.953302, 39.01131  

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
    4
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2
  • Stated location
    near Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37S EV010787
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • August 06, 2017, near Raqqa, Syria, via Airwars report. Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS headquarters multistory building. Regrettably, four civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians were injured as a result of the explosion.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 6th-7th: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 30 fighting positions, two vehicles, two command and control nodes, two mortar systems, a tunnel, a heavy machine gun, an IED facility, and a VBIED facility; and damaged six fighting positions.” It additionally reporeted that “On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a mortar system, an anti-air artillery system, and a VBIED.” And that “On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed 10 ISIS fighting positions and two mortar systems.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1–2 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1337

Incident date

August 6, 2017

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

One civilian died in an air or artillery or mortar strike in Raqqa, according to local media – though it was unclear who was to blame.

However, Sharqiya Voice, Al Hadath News Agency and Syrian Press Center said that Shihab al-Din Zidan al-Azzawi died as a result of mortar shelling. Airwars understands that the SDF has access to mortars in Raqqa, therefore, their role in this event cannot be ruled out. The Syrian Network for Human Rights went on to explicitly blamed SDF mortars for his death.

Sources also named Mahmoud Ibrahim al-Jabali as killed but said that he had died by drowning in the Euphrates river and that he was not a victim of a strike.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Shihab al-Din Zidan al-Azzawi
Adult male rom Deir Ezzor was named as a victim of “bombing and air raids” by multiple sources. killed

Summary

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

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Shihab al-Din Zidan al-Azzawi, killed by an alleged airstrike or mortar shell in Raqqa, August 6th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • Mahmoud Ibrahim al-Jabali allegedly died by drowning in the Euphrates river and was not a victim of a strike. (via Orwa Almohawesh)
  • Shihab al-Din Zidane al-Azzawi, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 6th August 2017. (via Free deir Ezzor facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incidents mention residential neighbourhoods in central and north-western Raqqa. The coordinates for central Raqqa (الرقة‎) are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. 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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 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 August 6th-7th: “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 30 fighting positions, two vehicles, two command and control nodes, two mortar systems, a tunnel, a heavy machine gun, an IED facility, and a VBIED facility; and damaged six fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, 12 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a mortar system, an anti-air artillery system, and a VBIED.” And that “On Aug. 6, near Raqqah, Syria, one strike destroyed 10 ISIS fighting positions and two mortar systems.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

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

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1338

Incident date

August 6, 2017

Location

بلدة الكشكية, Kashkiyah, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.81, 40.694722 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Over one hundred child soldiers were killed in an alleged US-led Coalition strike on a training camp of the so-called Islamic State organisation, according to multiple sources.

A report by Euphrates Post said, “The coalition warplanes attacked an [ISIS] camp in the town of al-Kashkiya in al-Sha’atiyat district, on the house of Rahim al Thalaj al-Mustapha and its environs, where members of the organization had turned the place into a training camp for the cubs of the caliphate, the children of Asian immigrants’, the report continues, ‘…the raid was focused on the house, where a large number of cubs of different nationalities are present’.

Furat Post covering events in the city said that Islamic State had not commented on any of the report’s released and had not confirmed the authenticity of this alleged massacre.

All sources obtained attributed the airstrike to the US-led Coalition.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incidents mention the town of Al-Kashkiya (الكشكية), Deir Ezzor governorate, for which the coordinates are: 34.81, 40.694722.  

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 Kashkiyah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU536546
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 6th-7th the Coalition have reported “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed eight ISIS well-heads, a excavator, a crane, and a vehicle.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 100
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1339

Incident date

August 6, 2017

Location

دوار البكرة, Al Mayadin, al Bakra roundabout, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.016667, 40.444167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian girl  was reported killed after air strikes during the night, near Ali Bin Abi Taleb mosque in Deir Ezzor. At present there is a single allegation in a Smart report against the US-led Coalition, though this is contested in a Facebook post by Free Deir Ezzor which attributed the strikes to “Russian criminal planes using cluster bombs.” All other sources obtained have reported on the attack without identifying a perpetrator.

According to multiple sources the civilian killed was the daughter of Amer Hamoud al-Humaidan. It was said that she died after sustaining injuries from the strikes. Multiple other civilians are alleged injured. In the report by Smart, activists have said that ‘the shelling targeted civilian houses’ which resulted in casualties, they went on to say that ‘the strikes are thought to be by the International Coalition’.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Bushra Amer al-Humaidan
Child female daughter of Amer Hamoud al-Humaidan killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Bushra Amer Al-Humaidan, killed in a strike on Mayadin, August 6th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • Aftermath of the alleged strike on Mayadin, August 6th 2017. (via Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Al Bakra (دوار البكرة) roundabout near Ali Bin Taleb mosque (جامع علي بن أبي طالب) in the town of Al-Mayadeen (الميادين), Deir Ezzor governorate. Airwars was able to geolocate the image published by the Euphrates Post to this exact location: 35.016667, 40.444167.

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 Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 6th-7th the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed three ISIS oil stills.”

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For August 3rd-9th, France report 1 strike in Iraq and 1 in Syria, along with 9 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

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 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]