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

RS905 CS230

Incident date

June 14, 2016

Location

‏السموقة‬, Jisr Samouqa, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.433611, 37.249444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians died in an airstrike on the village of Samouqa, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the US-led Coalition.

Aleppo24, @ALAMAWI, Al Mukhtassar and Nabd Syria blamed Russia.

Aleppo 24 reported: “A family made up of 7 people killed and 3 other civilians killed in a cluster bomb raid thought to be Russian on the villages of Al Ghoz and al Samouq in al Shahba dam northern Aleppo countryside.”

According to Al Mukhtassar, “10 killed and dozens injured following Russian strikes using cluster bombs on the towns of al Ghoz and al Samouqa and al Shahba Dam area in northern Aleppo countryside.“

However, LCCSY reported three deaths were caused by “airstrikes with cluster bombs, believed to have been carried out by international Coalition warplanes.”

There had been no prior allegations of Coalition aircraft using cluster munitions – though many such claims against Russia.

In the first of their March 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 no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Translation: a family made up of 7 people killed and 3 other civilians killed in a cluster bomb raid thought to be Russian on the villages of Al Ghoz and al Samouq in al Shahba dam northern Aleppo countryside.
  • Translation: Syria direct: 10 killed and dozens injured following Russian strikes using cluster bombs on the towns of al Ghoz and al Samouqa and al Shahba Dam area in northern Aleppo countryside.

Unknown Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Unknown
Official source

Russia has not reported any strikes between June 1st – 31st 2016.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SCA430334
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020

  • June 14, 2016, in Samouqa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 2973/CS230 37SCA430334

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 13th - 14th:
• Near Manbij, 13 strikes struck 10 separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed six ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL cave entrances, an ISIL weapons cache, an ISIL command and control node, two ISIL vehicles, and an ISIL security headquarters.
• Near Mar’a, three strikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL tactical vehicle, and an ISIL mortar system.
For June 14th - 14th:
* Near Manbij, six strikes struck six separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.

Summary

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

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI013

Incident date

October 26, 2014

Location

عوينات, Uwaynat, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.683056, 42.400556 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

There were claims that coalition air raids resulted in the deaths of between 10 and 20 civilians in a village 110km northwest of Mosul called Aouinat.

Al Rafidain reported: “Press sources in Mosul confirmed that the bombing, which targeted the village of Aouinat killed ten civilians and destroyed at least two houses.

The forensic medicine department in the province confirmed that they had received the ten bodies; while local sources said that the outcome of the bombing exceeded twenty dead as well as a large number of injured, pointing out that the raids by international occupation forces has been going on for several days.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 20
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Local reports of the incident mention (عوينات) Aouinat, North West of Mosul. The coordinates for (عوينات) Aouinat are: 36.683056, 42.400556. The strike destroyed two houses. Due to the limited satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • (عوينات) Aouinat

    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
    a:1:{i:0;s:20:"no_coalition_strikes";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Awinat, Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 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 25th-26th 2014, the coalition noted: “Six airstrikes west of the Mosul Dam area struck two small ISIL units, damaged an ISIL building and destroyed four ISIL vehicles and an ISIL artillery piece. Three airstrikes southwest of the Mosul Dam area struck a large ISIL unit and a small ISIL unit, and destroyed two ISIL vehicles and two ISIL buildings.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 20
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1942

Incident date

December 25, 2019

Location

البوكمال, Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.45151, 40.918193 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Around ten people were killed and an unknown number wounded in alleged Coalition artillery strikes that reportedly targeted Iranian and Lebanese militias in the city of Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor governorate, on December 25th, 2019, according to local sources. It is unclear if those killed were civilians or belligerents.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitored several explosions in areas where Iranian militias are active, but stated that information is conflicted “about whether it was caused by drones or if it was the result of long-range missiles. The shelling targeted an Iranian militia headquarters in Al Jam’eyyat neighborhood of Al Bukamal city, also other explosions took place in Al Jala’a Des.”

Step News Agency reported on three attacks, stating that American forces stationed in an oil field in Al Shuaitat area were responsible. The first attack allegedly targeted the headquarters of the 47th Brigade of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Militia in the city center with five missiles. Seven people were killed and others wounded.

The second raid targeted the headquarters of the Lebanese Hezbollah militia, which had recently established itself in the outskirts of the city, killing three people and wounding others.

The third raid targeted two headquarters of Iranian militia on the outskirts of the town of Al Galaa in the countryside of Al Bukamal. The death toll is not yet known.

It is unclear if those killed or injured were civilians or members of armed militias.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Belligerents reported killed
    7–10
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes in the city of Abu Kamal (البوكمال) at: 34.45151, 40.918193, and the city of Al Jalaa (الجلاء) at: 34.632043, 40.830081. Some sources mention the neighbourhood of Al Jam’eyyat also being struck, however, due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

{"type":"FeatureCollection","features":[{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"Abu Kamal \n البو كمال","label-type":"black-white"},"geometry":{"type":"Point","coordinates":[40.915489,34.452813]}},{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"Al Jalaa \n الجلاء","label-type":"black-white"},"geometry":{"type":"Point","coordinates":[40.832325,34.626023]}}]}

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU762138/37SFU677337
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 22, 2020
  • Aug 22, 2020

  • Dec. 25, 2019, in Abu Kamal, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3135/CS1942 37SFU762138

  • Dec. 25, 2019, in Al Jalaa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3136/CS1942 37SFU677337

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Belligerents reported killed
    7–10
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS037

Incident date

December 26, 2014

Location

الباب, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.3709658, 37.5179666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An internal CENTCOM review reported unnamed open sources as claiming civilian casualties had occurred as a result of Coalition airstrikes. A provisional review found that there had been no international airstrikes in the vicinity of the city on that date.

Airwars researchers later identified coverage from the time of Assad regime attacks on Aleppo on December 26th, which caused between 4 and 45 civilian deaths.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 45
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

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
    a:1:{i:0;s:24:"insufficient_information";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Aleppo, Syria.
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2015

  • Open sources. No coalition strikes in Aleppo City during relevant time period.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 45
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1981

Incident date

June 9, 2022

Location

العطالة, Al Atta, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.130850, 40.683302 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one man was killed during an airdrop operation carried out by the Syrian Democratic Forces and alleged US-led Coalition in the village of Al-Atta in the countryside of Al-Shaddadi city at dawn on June 9, 2022. Sources were conflicted as to whether the man killed was a civilian or a member of ISIS.

Al Khabour reported that one person was killed during an airdrop operation by the international coalition backed by helicopters at dawn on June 9th. Coalition forces carried out the operation at the house of “Hamed Al-Nasser” in the village of Al-Atta, storming his house after imposing a curfew on the people through loudspeakers and asking them not to leave their houses.

According to Al-Khabour Network correspondent, Al-Nasser worked in an agricultural pharmacy and was the imam of a mosque in the area, adding that “he was arrested for a year and a half by the militias of the Democratic Union Party “PYD” and released earlier.” @asdaslm9 added that Al-Nasser was from the Baggara tribe.

Euphrates Post identified the operation as being carried out by both the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Coalition, adding that Al-Nasser was killed for resisting arrest during the operation. However, Al Mahjar reported that the “young man” was killed after the attacking forces arrested him.

According to @alhariri58, Hamed Al-Nasser’s house was a “civilian house” while @jamlyyyyy_ referred to Al-Nasser as being a “leader of the ISIS organization.” Other sources that reported on the incident were also conflicted as to whether the man killed was a civilian or a militant, with Athar press referring to him as a “civilian who had never participated in any armed action”.

All of the sources reported that the operation was carried out by the Coalition, the SDF, or both, with Syrian Observatory for Human Rights adding that “Al-Atta village is not far from the American base in the city of Al-Shaddadi”, with Athar Press pointing out that it was “remarkable” that the “American forces” would use the airdrop method for a raid so close to their base.

The SDF released a statement that “Special united of the Syrian Democratic Forces carried out a security operation with the support of the International Coalition forces in the southern countryside of Hasaka. The operation targeted a wanted ISIS leader in the village of Al-Atta in Al-Shaddadi countryside, south of Al-Hasakah. He was active in transferring and distributing funds to the organization’s cells and their families, in addition to promoting the organization’s ideological messages, and participating in planning operations targeting service, military and security institutions. The forces executing the raid pursued the desired target after he fled his house, and appealed to him to surrender, but he opened fire, which prompted our forces and the international coalition to deal, and after the shooting stopped and the place was combed, it was found that he had died due to his injury. The weapon that was in the target’s possession was confiscated, the place was thoroughly searched, and other documents belonging to him were found.”

The incident occured around dawn.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • 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
  • Known attacker
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Suspected target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Man killed during alleged Coalition airdrop operation in Al-Atta village on June 9, 2022. (Image posted by Al Khabour)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Atta (العطالة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.130850, 40.683302. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Syrian Democratic Forces
Official source

Special units of the Syrian Democratic Forces carried out a security operation with the support of the International Coalition forces in the southern countryside of Hasaka.
The operation targeted a wanted ISIS leader in the village of Al-Atta in Al-Shaddadi countryside, south of Al-Hasakah. He was active in transferring and distributing funds to the organization’s cells and their families, in addition to promoting the organization’s ideological messages, and participating in planning operations targeting service, military and security institutions.
The forces executing the raid pursued the desired target after he fled his house, and appealed to him to surrender, but he opened fire, which prompted our forces and the international coalition to deal, and after the shooting stopped and the place was combed, it was found that he had died due to his injury.
The weapon that was in the target's possession was confiscated, the place was thoroughly searched, and other documents belonging to him were found.
Our special units concerned with combating terrorism continue with our security forces, in partnership with the international coalition, their activities in combating terrorism and the cells of the terrorist organization ISIS, in order to maintain the security of the region and stabilize the stability that terrorist cells and their supporters seek to undermine.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • 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
  • Known attacker
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Suspected target
    ISIS
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI041

Incident date

February 18, 2015

Location

حديثة, Haditha, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.1460894, 42.3802758 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources in Haditha reported that up to 15 civilians were killed and an unknown number were injured after an alleged coalition airstrike hit Albu Haiyat mosque at midday prayers. Al Iraq News stated that among those killed were captured “members of the Iraqi security forces who are were being guarded at the mosque.”

However an internal CENTCOM review concluded that “nearest coalition strike to Haditha was 34km and was not within close enough proximity to be considered credible.”

The Iraqi Spring Media Centre named ten of those it said were killed.

Others reported that 12 of those killed were brothers and cousins from the same clan, the Sbahnas – the eldest aged 90.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (10)

Suleiman Moslih Asabahani
Age unknown male Listed by Iraqi Spring Media Centre killed
Ali Suleiman Moslih Asabahani
Age unknown male Listed by Iraqi Spring Media Centre killed
Hamdi Suleiman Moslih Asabahani
Age unknown male Listed by Iraqi Spring Media Centre killed
Nima Suleiman Moslih Asabahani
Age unknown male Listed by Iraqi Spring Media Centre killed
Adnan Bedewi Ali Asabahani
Age unknown male Listed by Iraqi Spring Media Centre killed
Udei Bedewi Ali Asabahani
Age unknown male Listed by Iraqi Spring Media Centre killed
Salah Salim Muslih Asabahani
Age unknown male Listed by Iraqi Spring Media Centre killed
Abdul Same’e Abid Salih Asabahani
Age unknown male Listed by Iraqi Spring Media Centre killed
Yasir Rafe’e Bedwi Ali Asabahani
Age unknown male Listed by Iraqi Spring Media Centre killed
Omar Rafe’e Bedwi Ali Asabahani
Age unknown male Listed by Iraqi Spring Media Centre killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 15
  • (1–10 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • 27-year old engineer Yassir Rafeh, killed in a reported coalition airstrike at Haditha, February 17th 2015.
  • Images of those alleged killed in the strike (via deleted Facebook page)
  • Supposed aftermath of the attack (source deleted)

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
    a:1:{i:0;s:5:"other";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Haditha, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2015

  • Open source media. Mosque in Haditha, 15 CIVCAS. No Coalition strikes within 34 km. Non credible.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 15
  • (1–10 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS064

Incident date

April 26, 2015

Location

متراس, Mitras, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.62906, 38.29076 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Reported Coalition airstrikes at 11 am on the village of Mitras killed three civilians, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights.  These were identified as an adult male, a teenager and a child.

This event bears a resemblance to an April 19th incident at the same location (CS063) in that the victims are from the same family. The victims in this incident were the brother and nephew of the victim in incident CS063.

In July 2017 the Coalition classed the event as non credible on grounds of available evidence of civilian harm: “April 26, 2015, near Mitras, Syria, via Airwars report: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.”

The incident occured at 11:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Hassan Ibrahim al Dimmo
40 years old male killed
Ibrahim Haasan al Dimmo
17 years old male Hassan's son killed

The victims were named as:

Amouna al Alewi al Hamadi
6 years old female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Hassan Al Ibrahim Al Dimmo, killed at Mitras on April 26 (via SN4HR)
  • Ibrahim Haasan Ibrahim al Dimmo, killed in reported Coalition strike April 26 (via SN4HR)
  • An image of Hassan al Dimmo's house before the shelling (via SN4HR)
  • An image of Hassan al Dimmo's house after the shelling (via SN4HR)
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
    a:1:{i:0;s:21:"insufficient_evidence";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mitras, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

A number of strikes were reported in the wider vicinity: “Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying five ISIL fighting positions and ISIL heavy machine gun.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI076

Incident date

June 25, 2015

Location

Mahmoudiya, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.3936155, 43.9653113 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Although reporting was confused, there were claims of a fresh coalition airstrike in the vicinity of Hawija which killed a number of civilians.

A Facebook page calling itself Hawija Now said that five women and 2 children died in the nearby village of Mahmoudiya. One extremely graphic image appears to show a woman survivor of the event, clutching the body of a horrifically injured child.

Interviewing eyewitnesses who later fled to Mosul, Al Khaleej said that the alleged strike took place shortly before the end of the day’s Ramadan fast, and targeted an Islamic State headquarters at a location known as the Riyadh grain silo: “According to witnesses, who spoke to our correspondent, coalition aircraft had dropped leaflets on the region, on Wednesday, urging residents to get out and to stay away from the headquarters of IS and its gatherings,, because they will be vulnerable to bombing; prompting dozens of families to leave Hawija towards Mosul.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (2 children5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–13
  • 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]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of a mother with her injured child (via Hawija Now)
  • Image of a cild allegedly injured in the attack (via Hawija Now)
  • Aftermath of the alleged strike (via Hawija Now)
  • Aftermath of the alleged strike (via Hawija Now)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Mahmoudiya (المحمودية) in Hawija as well as the Hawija’s grain silos and the industrial area surrounding it. The generic coordinates for the village of Mahmoudiya (المحمودية) are: 35.3936155, 43.9653113. The coordinates of the Hawija grain silos are: 35.3216711, 43.7828113. On satellite imagery of March 2016 available to Airwars the grain silos and the industrial zone around them seem to be completely destroyed. Due to limited satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to further verify the date at which this destruction took place. 

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 Mahmoudiyah, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SME060171
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 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

The coalition confirmed an airstrike in the near vicinity for June 25th-26th 2015: “Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL mortar firing position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (2 children5 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–13
  • 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]