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

CS977

Incident date

June 13, 2017

Location

دوار الطيبة في الميادين, Mayadin, Al Tayba roundabout, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.009722, 40.4575 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that a civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on ISIL members which killed three of its fighters in Al Mayadinn, Deir Ezzor.

The victim, Mubarak Khader al Shweiti, was reportedly driving near Al Tayba roundabout when the alleged strike targeted a nearby car carrying the ISIL members, killing all three.

The man was said to have worked as a driver for Al Bassam Forwarding Office, according to Euphrates Post which also obtained a picture of the deceased.

Three separate sources alleged that the Coalition was responsible for the airstrike.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mubarak Khader al Shweiti
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mubarak Khader al-Shweiti, killed in an alleged Coalition raid at al tayba roundabout, June 13th (via Euphrates Post)
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 Tayba roundabout, Al Mayadin, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU330751
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 25, 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 June 12th-13th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, seven strikes destroyed five ISIS oil tanks, three ISIS well heads, a tactical vehicle and an ISIS tank.”

For June 13th-14th, the Coalition reported: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed nine ISIS oil storage tanks, two ISIS well heads and a vehicle.”

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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1188

Incident date

July 11, 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

An elderly civilian male, was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to local media.

Both sources alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

All sources reported that the US-led Coalition was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Haider al-Dana
Adult male killed

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Haider al-Dana, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqa, July 11th 2017. (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 Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 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 July 11th-12th, the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units, destroyed a fighting position and a mortar tube, and suppressed a fighting position.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

In the past week, France reports 21 sorties and 4 strikes, 2 in Raqqa and 2 in Iraq. Task Force Wagram conducted 15 artillery strikes in Mosul. Since September 19th 2014, it reports 1311 strikes, 2076 targets destroyed and 6775 sorties.

‘Point de situation des opérations Armée française – Opérations militaires·Thursday, 13 July 2017 CHAMMAL SITUATION En Syrie, A Raqqah, la manœuvre d’encerclement menée au Sud de la ville pour couper les combattants de Daech de leurs soutiens est terminée. Dans la ville, la progression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes se poursuit maison par maison, face à une défense de Daech faite d’actions permanentes de harcèlement, d’infiltrations et d’attaques suicides menées avec l’aide de boucliers humains. Les Forces armées syriennes se heurtent aux défense de Daech plus à l’Est et les positions se stabilisent. En Irak, Dimanche 9 juillet, le Premier ministre irakien a annoncé la libération de Mossoul. Cette victoire sur l’organisation terroriste marque le succès de forces irakiennes appuyées par les forces aériennes de la Coalition et un soutien artillerie, au cœur d’une stratégie qui aura permis d’affaiblir Daech avant de contre-attaquer en remontant le Tigre et de progresser ensemble jusqu’au cœur de la ville après l’avoir encerclée. Désormais, les forces de sécurité débutent une longue phase de sécurisation de Mossoul. La nécessité de nettoyer la ville des très nombreux pièges posés par Daech, la présence de combattants-suicides disséminés au sein de la population, la probable présence de cellules terroristes dormantes, va imposer aux Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes de poursuivre leurs efforts pendant de longues semaines. Les combats se concentrent désormais dans le secteur de Tall Afar où bon nombre de combattants terroristes ont trouvé refuge après avoir fui la zone de Mossoul. Daech poursuit de son côté ses actions terroristes dans les régions de l’Anbar et d’Hawijah où l’organisation dispose encore de forces importantes. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Cette semaine, les aéronefs ont réalisé 21 sorties aériennes dont 19 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), ainsi que 2 missions de recueil de renseignement. 04 frappes ont été réalisées dont 02 dans le cadre de la bataille de Raqqah. La Task Force (TF) Wagram a mené de son côté 15 missions de tir dont 14 de harcèlement et 01 d’éclairement. Le bilan global depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève 1311 frappes, 2076 objectifs et 6775 sorties. ‘

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

  • For July 5th-11th, France reports 4 strikes – 2 in Iraq and 2 in Syria (Raqqa) and 15 artillery strikes in Mosul. (via EtatMajorFR)

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1334

Incident date

August 5, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

An adult male civilian was reported killed by multiple local sources. The cause of death was somewhat conflicted.

Seven of the eleven sources attribute the attack to a landmine, whilst others cited the use of artillery. Airwars understands that only the US-led Coalition have access to artillery in Raqqa.

In a post from Ar Raqqa Al a’ahyla the so-called Islamic State organisation was alleged responsible. It suggested that the organisation planted a landmine which exploded, resulting in Hamoud Rashid Dandoush’s death.

The Raqqa Media Center however blame the US-Coalition and reported that he was killed “as a result of the artillery bombardment of the city of Al-Raqqa”.

A post from Amer Alywy on the Documentary of Victims of Ar Raqqa Facebook group claimed that Hamoud Rashid Dandoush was killed in his own residence due to “shelling”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hamoud Rashid Dandoush
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 attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Hamoud Rashid al-Dandoush, reportedly killed in Raqqa on August 5th 2017, though sources were conflicted as to how he died. (via Amer Alywy in Documentary of victims of Ar Raqqa)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident only mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the generic 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
  • 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 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.”

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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1552

Incident date

September 30, 2017

Location

Al Zubari, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.1292971, 40.3955095 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian died and at least three were injured in airstrikes on Al Zubari, according to local media – though it was unclear who carried out the attack. Most sources didn’t apportion blame, though one said that Russia had bombed the town.

According to the Smart News Agency, “a civilian was killed and others were wounded in shelling on the town of Zubari, Southeast of Deir Ezzor. This was in addition to the demolition of a large number of houses and displacement of residents along the bank of the Euphrates River.”

Amer Hweidi reported, “a number of air raids targeted al-Zubari village near al-Tawba mosque, Al Sharjeen neighborhood and Al Ashawi shops, resulting in the death of a displaced person and the injury of Shihat Al ‘Eleij, Bariz al-Ashawi and his nephew Shaher.”

Euphrates Post said there had been a large number of injured people but like Amer Hweidi didn’t say who carried out the attack.

Qasioun said Russia carried out strikes on the town but did not mention civilian casualties.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–10
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the civilian casualties mention Al Zubari (زباري) village, for which the coordinates are: 35.1292971, 40.3955095. Airstrikes were reports in multiple locations: near Al Tawba Mosque (التوبة), Al Sharjeen neighborhood (الشرجین) and Al Ashawi (العشوي) shops area.

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 Zubari, 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 September 29th-30th , the Coalition reported: “Near Abu Kamal, 3 strikes engaged four ISIS units and destroyed three vehicles.“

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–10
  • 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, Russian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1586

Incident date

October 5, 2017

Location

Al Mayadin, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.027572, 40.460243 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One person died in an aerial offensive that targeted the river crossing in al Mayadeen, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

News of the civilian casualty came amid numerous reports of Russian actions in the area, @m_eelwahed described “Russian raids” with phosphorous which led to the outbreak of fires in several neighbourhoods of the city. Moreover, Baladi and Syrian PC both reported a Russian Ministry of Defence announcement that “the city of Mayadeen was targeted with ten Caliber [cruise] missiles from the Mediterranean to support the advance of the regimes forces in the region.” The announcement alleged that the“missiles targeted the headquarters and warehouses of weapons and ammunition belonging to ISIS in Mayadin.”

According to Syrian PC, the announcement came “after dozens of air raids by Russian aircraft targeted the city of Mayadeen and its surroundings since dawn on Thursday, without knowing the damage caused by them until the moment of preparation of the news.”

No allegations were made against the US-led Coalition, with the Russians likely to be culpable.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a river crossing in the city of Al Mayadin (ميادين), for which the coordinates are: 35.027572, 40.460243. Satellite imagery available to Airwars from between Sep. 27, 2017 and Oct. 15, 2017, and from Sep. 9, 2017 and Oct. 19, 2017 show structural damage to multiple buildings South of the crossing

  • Before (Sep. 9, 2017) and after (Nov. 2, 2017) images of the struck buildings

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

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 October 4th – 5th the Coalition reported •Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed four vehicles and a VBIED. Awaiting For October 5th-6th the Coalition reported that “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS weapons cache.” And that “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two IEDs and a logistics node.” And also that “On Oct. 5, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, one strike engaged a fighting position.”

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS012

Incident date

October 15, 2014

Location

كۆبانی, Kobanî, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.8883919, 38.3528042 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A Kobanî official reported that a civilian – an 87 year old woman – and six Kurdish fighters from the Peoples’ Protection Units (YPG) died in a ‘friendly fire’ incident in the besieged city.It was also reported that two hospitals in the town had been destroyed.

According to Sky News Arabia, Kurdish sources said that the bombing occurred near Al-tall Street in the city. It represented the first known alleged Coalition ‘friendly fire’ incident in Syria.

CENTCOM disputed the claims, noting internally that Kurdish YPG sources instead insisted the elderly woman “was executed by ISIL forces.” The declassified report also concluded that no hospitals had been targeted by the Coalition, although it was conceded that “The closest target struck was approximately 100m away.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Original caption: "the coalition has intensified its raids on Kobane and its surroundings." (via Sky News Arabia)

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
    Kobani, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2015

  • Open sources reported that an 87 year old woman was killed during a dvnamic stirke IVO Kobanl, and that two main hospitals were destroyed by us bombing. Neither allegation credible. No CIVCAS determined. SiNe 29 Sep 14, no women or children have been observed by TF IVO Kobani. No reporting or intel supports the death of the 87 year old civilian from US airstrikes. Information provided by the YPG in the ground indicates that the woman alleged killed was executed by ISIL forces, and that the reported source of the report was not in Kobani at the time of the report. IRT the hospital, TF ID’d 3 hospitals IVO Kobani. None have been targeted. The closest target struck was approximately 100m away

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

COALITION-ASSESSED CASUALTY INCIDENT

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI233

Incident date

April 26, 2016

Location

الشرقاط, Al Shirqat, Salaheldin, Iraq

Geolocation

35.49249, 43.23055 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

US aircraft attacked an ISIS checkpoint in the town of Sharqat. According to a CENTCOM release issued three months later, “it is [now] assessed that one civilian was killed when a motorcycle unexpectedly appeared in the target area after the US aircraft had already released its weapon.”

That attack on a checkpoint near the Jumeila bridge was reported at the time – though there was no mention of civilian casualties. Iraq Eye also mentioned seven airstrikes on Sharqat that day, though did not mention civilian casualties.

In July 2019 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.

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 35.5045616, 43.2404709

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
    1
  • Stated location
    in Sharqat, Iraq, near Qayyarah
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE395291
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 28, 2016

  • On April 26, 2016, in Sharqat, Iraq, near Qayyarah, during a strike on an ISIL checkpoint, it is assessed that one civilian was killed when a motorcycle unexpectedly appeared in the target area after the U.S. aircraft had already released its weapon.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

There was no public reporting of a Coalition strike on a checkpoint in the area between April 25th-27th 2016.

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI300

Incident date

October 20, 2016

Location

حي الحدباء, Mosul, Hadba, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3951712, 43.1503487 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian male was killed in Mosul’s Hadba neighbourhood by Coalition strikes, according to local reports.

Al Rafidain Network for Human Rights reported that a young man named Mustafa Bushar al Qaddu was killed inside his home due to Coalition strikes.

Iraaq 18 said the civilian casualties occured after the Coalition destroyed a vehicle-borne IED: “A member of the Nineveh provincial council, Hossam El Din al-Saffar, said the international coalition aircraft targeted a car bomb which was on its way to elements of the Nineveh [Iraq] army in the east of the city, which led to the fall of martyrs and wounded among civilians. Al-Saffar said in a press statement that … the explosion led to the martyrdom and wounding of a number of civilians who were fleeing the clashes.”

A marty’s page to Mr Al Quddu was later posted by relatives in Ireland, which proclaimed: “I declare the news of the martyrdom of Mustafa Bashar Al Qaddu who was the victim of a missile bombing which targeted their home today noon in Hadba neighbourhood Oct.20.2016 in our Beloved Mosul before its liberation – which he will now never be able to witness.”

A video posted by blogger Akram Almashaddani claimed to show significant destruction from Coalition strkes that day on the city.

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. However given that RAF strikes were reported in northand north east Mosul, Airwars has requested further clarification.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mustafa Bushar al Qaddu
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Condolence post for Mustafa Bushar al Qaddu
  • Another image of Mustafa Bushar al Qaddu (via Al Rafidain)
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 Hadba, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF3422029415
    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 October 19th-20th the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and two staging areas; destroyed four vehicles, four ISIL-held buildings, four fighting positions, three containers, two mortar systems, a tunnel entrance, a bunker, an artillery system, a front end loader, a weapons cache, a heavy machine gun, and a tanker trailer; damaged a VBIED; and suppressed three mortar positions and a fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]