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

CS1134

Incident date

July 1, 2017

Location

حي المشلب, Al Mashlab, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9449373, 39.0474701 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian male was killed following airstrikes into Raqqa, local sources reported, however it was not clear who was responsible.

He was reportedly from the Al Mashlab neighbourhood of the city.

All five sources who reported the incident did not make any claims as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. However, only the Coalition was known to be targeting the city by air at this time.

In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Manaf Shabli
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 (3) [ collapse]

  • Abdul Manaf Shibli, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, July 1st 2017. (via AbdoulSalam Shbli)
  • Abdul Manaf Shibli, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, July 1st 2017. (via Moaed shbli)
  • Abdul Manaf Shibli, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, July 1st 2017. (via AbdoulSalam Shbli)
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
  • Stated location
    near al-Mashlab neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV044776
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Feb 28, 2019

  • July 1, 2017, near al-Mashlab neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria via Airwars report. After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 1st-July 2nd: “Near Raqqah, nine strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, a tactical vehicle, a front-end loader, a mortar system and a heavy machine gun.”

It additionally reported that “On July 1, near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, destroyed a fighting position and a heavy machine gun, and suppressed 27 fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Saturday 1 July – A Reaper eliminated a mortar team and Typhoons dealt with a heavy machine-gun, both in Raqqa. Tornados hit three Daesh positions in Mosul…A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft patrolled over Raqqa on Saturday 1 July. A mortar was reported firing on the SDF, and the Reaper’s crew spotted its muzzle flashes from a position concealed beneath a tree. A Hellfire missile destroyed the target. Typhoons were also active over the city, where they used a Paveway IV to silence a heavy machine-gun which was holding up an SDF advance.'

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

CS1415

Incident date

August 25, 2017

Location

Bedo, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.961778, 39.006083 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

More than one civilian was killed by suspected US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Bedou neighbourhood, Raqqa.

Mohamad.othman.7503 posted photographs on Facebook of extensive material destruction on the “health, housing – Hawara School District”, whilst other sources published graphic photographs of civilians who were reported killed.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered later reported on 4th September “The death of Khalil Mustafa al-Jasim al-Ba’zij as a result of the bombing by coalition airforce al Badou neighbourhood last Saturday.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Khalil Mustafa al-Jasim al-Ba’zij
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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (14) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of civilian casualties killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqah. 25th August 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of civilian casualties killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqah. 25th August 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The bodies of civilian casualties killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqah. 25th August 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of civilian casualties killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqah. 25th August 2017. (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The bodies of civilian casualties killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqah. 25th August 2017. (via RBSS)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqa, 25th August 2017. (via Mohamad.othman.7503)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqa, 25th August 2017. (via Mohamad.othman.7503)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqa, 25th August 2017. (via Mohamad.othman.7503)
  • Th aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqa, 25th August 2017. (via Mohamad.othman.7503)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqa, 25th August 2017 (via Mohamad.othman.7503). Geolocated to these coordinates: 35.952903, 39.003110
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqa, 25th August 2017 (via Mohamad.othman.7503). Geolocated to these coordinates: 35.952903, 39.003110
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqa, 25th August 2017 (via Mohamad.othman.7503). Geolocated to these coordinates: 35.952903, 39.003110
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, Raqqa, 25th August 2017 (via Mohamad.othman.7503). Geolocated to these coordinates: 35.952903, 39.003110
  • Khalil Mustafa al-Jasim al-Ba’zij, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Bedo, 25th August 2017. (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Bedou (حارة البدو) in the city of Raqqa (الرقة). The images above show destroyed residential buildings in the neighbourhoods of Al Bedou (حارة البدو) and Al Huni, which appear to still be intact on satellite imagery of August 13. The coordinates for destroyed buildings seen on satellite imagery in the neighbourhood of Al Huni are: 35.952789, 39.002935 and 35.952589, 39.003187. This incident might also correspond to the destroyed buildings seen on satellite imagery in Al Bedou (حارة البدو) (“health housing – Hawari school district”), for which the coordinates are: 35.963119, 39.003409

  • Structural damage seen in the neighbourhood of Al Huni, at 35.952789, 39.002935 and 35.952589, 39.003187 (left: 13 August, 2017; right: 25 August, 2017)

    Imagery:
    © 2018 Google

  • Structural damage seen in the neighbourhood of Al Bedou (حارة البدو), at: 35.963119,39.003409 (left: 13 August, 2017; right: 25 August, 2017)

    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
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2018

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 25th-26th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 24 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 20 fighting positions, two logistics nodes, two command and control nodes, a VBIED, an ISIS UAS, a vehicle, and an ISIS headquarters; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.” It was additionally reported that “On Aug. 25, near Raqqah, Syria, 31 strikes engaged 18 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 11 fighting positions, two command and control nodes, five vehicles, and three heavy machine guns.” And that “On Aug. 25, near Raqqah, Syria, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed a command and control node and two fighting positions.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Friday 25 August – Typhoons and Tornados attacked three terrorist positions in Raqqa, and three in Tal Afar…A mixed Typhoon and Tornado pair delivered three further Paveway attacks in Tal Afar on Friday 25 August, hitting two mortar teams and a Daesh-held building. Over Raqqa, our aircraft continued to support the Syrian Democratic Forces, and used Paveway IVs against two sniper positions and another terrorist strongpoint. The focus for RAF missions remained on Raqqa over the weekend.’

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1550

Incident date

September 29, 2017

Location

المیادین, Al Mayadin, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.016667, 40.444167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Euphrates Post reported “the martyrdom of Fadia Eissa Al Hamada, former director of Al Hussein School, the wife of Eng. Abdul Turki ‘Abu Abdullah’ as a result of the barbaric bombardment of their house”.

Marsad Al Hasaka also reported the woman’s death, though neither source said who was to blame.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Fadia Eissa Al Hamada
Adult female former director of Al Hussein School, the wife of Eng. Abdul Turki ‘Abu Abdullah killed

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 (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a house in the city of Al Mayadin (المیادین), Deir ez-Zor governorate. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The coordinates for Al Mayadin are: 35.016667, 40.444167. 

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 September 28th-29th: “Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, destroyed two fighting positions and a supply route; and damaged a fighting position.” And: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS staging area.“

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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1617

Incident date

October 10, 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

A civilian male died following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Raqqah city, local media reported.

There is limited information at present, Airwars will update the entry when new details arise.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mahmoud al-Aswad
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 (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mahmoud al-Aswad, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, 10th October 2017. (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Ar Raqqah (الرقة‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to the 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

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 October 10th – 11th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed a logistical node.” It additionally reported that “Near Ar Raqqah, Syria, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.”

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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1766

Incident date

June 12, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source reported one civilian killed and an unspecified number of people injured after the village of al Soussa was shelled.

Al Soussa Youth reported that one person was killed and two others were injured when the house of al-Matar al Luqman was struck. The source also stated that an Iraqi family was wounded, although the report did not specify the number of family members that were harmed in the attack.

The report listed the houses that were targeted in the shelling: the house of Hamid al-Salbi, the roof of al-Khaleef al-Mushrif, the house of al-Matar al-Luqman, a property of Habshi al Salbi, the farm of Hamed al Sabli, the shops of Rafe’ al-Ghannam, a shell near the house of Hamdan al-Salem, two shells near al-Ghannam mosque and one near the house of Fallah al Douman.

The report did not identify a culprit. When an individual in the comment section asked whether the shells were being fired by the Kurds or by the regime, Al Soussa Youth replied, “both: the regime is shelling from al Bukamal and the Kurds from Dahrat al Baghouz”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that explosions that “shook the areas in the enclave controlled by Islamic State in the areas near al Soussa, caused by SDF shelling.” The Observatory also noted that there was “no information about casualties caused by the shelling”. Other sources, like Shaam News, also reported on “heavy artillery shelling” by the SDF without making claims of civilian harm.

It is important to note that the SDF is not believed to have had access to its own artillery in Deir Ezzor – making this a likely Coalition event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Reported destruction from Coalition strike (via al Soussa Youth)
  • Reported destruction from Coalition strike (via al Soussa Youth)
  • Reported destruction from Coalition strike (via al Soussa Youth)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Soussa (السوسة), for which the coordinates are: 34.528889, 40.9675. Some sources report civilian casualties occurring “in Al Luqman house” after shelling

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-Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 25, 2018

  • June 12, 2018, near al-Soussa, Syria, via Airwars. 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, the Coalition reported that “On June 12 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of 10 engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged one Daesh tactical unit.”

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For June 6th – 12th, France report that Task Force Wagram conducted 32 artillery shooting missions in support of the ongoing offensive in the Euphrates Valley. Additionally, 22 aerial sorties were conducted in support of local forces engaged on the ground; there were no strikes.

‘Point de situation des opérations ARMÉE FRANÇAISE – OPÉRATIONS MILITAIRES·THURSDAY, 14 JUNE 2018 CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les dernières emprises territoriales de Daech se poursuit.Menée par les forces démocratiques syriennes, coordonnée avec les forces de sécurité irakiennes et appuyée par la coalition, l’offensive a déjà permis de reprendre plus de 40 km2 de territoire à Daech. La progression est néanmoins ralentie par la menace importante que font peser les engins explosifs improvisés sur les forces engagées au sol. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation se poursuivent afin de finir de démanteler les cellules de production d’engins explosifs improvisés et les réseaux terroristes restants. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes La Task Force Monsabert conduit actuellement quatre stages au profit des soldats de la 6e division irakienne. Ils couvrent les domaines de formation respectifs suivants : utilisation de mortiers, fouille opérationnelle, recueil de renseignements, formation au combat. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, ils ont d’ores et déjà réalisé 143 missions de tirs. Cette semaine, 32 missions de tirs ont été réalisées (bilan du 6 au 12 juin inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1802 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Sur la semaine écoulée, 22 sorties aériennes ont été réalisées en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 6 au 12 juin inclus), essentiellement des missions de recueil de renseignements ou de reconnaissance aérienne. Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8137 sorties / 1450 frappes / 2241 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1341a

Incident date

August 6, 2017

Location

مرقدا, Near Markada, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

35.78199, 40.82231 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an event previously untracked by Airwars, in November 2018 the Coalition confirmed the death of a civilian in a strike 15 months previously.

The assessment noted the following: “On Aug. 06, 2017, near Marqadah, al-Shadadi, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft struck an ISIS truck that had just attacked U.S. forces with rockets. While the munitions were in flight, unfortunately a civilian exited a nearby building and was unintentionally killed in the blast. The truck was destroyed.”

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

Research into this incident is ongoing.

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 (1) [ collapse]

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
    Killed by strike blast
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    Near Marqadah, al-Shadadi, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV647613
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Nov 29, 2018

  • On Aug. 06, 2017, near Marqadah, al-Shadadi, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft struck an ISIS truck that had just attacked U.S. forces with rockets. While the munitions were in flight, unfortunately a civilian exited a nearby building and was unintentionally killed in the blast. The truck was destroyed.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

In its original strike report, the Coalition noted: "Near Al Shadaddi, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit, destroyed a mortar system and a vehicle, and damaged a fighting position."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For August 3rd-10th, France reports that in the past week 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. The Task Force (TF) Wagram conducted 6 harassment shooting missions in support of the 15th division west of Mosul. Since Sept 19th 2014, France reports a total of 6919 sorties, 1,322 strikes, and the destruction of 2,095 targets.

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
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS011

Incident date

October 7, 2014

Location

سلوك, Suluk, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.59539, 39.128559 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A number of sources reported that a named civilian male as being killed in a coalition strike on Slouk near Ar Raqqah. The sources mention another male [CS010] but it’s not clear if the incidents are linked. One of the sources claims both males were ISIL members but the rest of the sources say they were civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Salama Mohammad Al Thiab
Adult male Listed by Syrian Martyrs killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Tweet claiming that Salama Mohammad al Thiab and Khalil Ibrahim Al Sheikho [incident CS010] are daesh members from al Hamam. The tweet reports their death in air raids. 7th October 2014
  • Raqqa Media Office reports the death of Salama Mohammad al Thiab and Khalil Ibrahim Al Sheikho [incident CS010] 7th October 2014.

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Civcas reported from coalition airstrike in Slouk, Raqqa province. No further information on time or location. The coordinates for ( سلوك ) Slouk are: 36.59539, 39.128559

  • ( سلوك ) Suluk

    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 Suluk, Syria
    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

The coalition has confirmed activity in the area for October 7th-8th 2014, noting that “Two airstrikes northwest of Ar Raqqah successfully struck an active ISIL training camp and associated ISIL fighters.” However it has denied any non-combatant casualties.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1618a

Incident date

October 10, 2017

Location

Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

35.958656, 39.010066 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, one civilian was reportedly killed in alleged Coalition artillery strikes in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty.

The report states that “An artillery shell struck a house where a family displaced from another neighbourhood was sheltering, killing a woman, Kafa’ Hassan al-‘Arab.”

Husband of the victim and survivor of the strike, Mohammed, told Amnesty in a testimony that “We tried to flee the city but could not. That day there was heavy air and artillery shelling. We were all huddled together in a room. A shell hit the house. It killed my wife and injured me and our three children.”

According to field notes, the victim and her family were IDPs; their home was near Tal-Abyad Street. They were all at home when the strike occurred at Hay al-Ward, near Hamza mosque; the husband and three children survived with injures.

In July 2019 the Coalition announced that it had classed this allegation of civilian harm as non-credible. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The incident occured between 7:30 pm and 7:45 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Kafa’ Hassan al-‘Arab
34 years old female killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Kafa Hassan al-Arab, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, 10th October 2017. (via Amnesty)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • 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
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Stated location
    in Raqqa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV009794
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 26, 2019

  • Oct. 10, 2017, in Raqqa, Syria, via Amnesty International report. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Near Raqqah, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed a
logistical node.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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