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

CI249

Incident date

June 8, 2016

Location

17 تموز, Mosul, Talmuz / July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.3667014, 43.0854607 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple civilians were reported killed and injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on the July 17th district of Mosul.

According to Mosul Eye, the strikes on a Wednesday night took place at prayer time near a mosque in the Almoghait area – particularly busy during Ramadan. The attack “left several civilians killed and wounded as well as elements of Daesh.” Iraqi Revolution said “dozens of civilians” were killed and injured, publishing a graphic photo of what it said was the attack.

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence 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.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • a photo shows the aftermath of the alleged Coalition strike on Mosul June 8th which allegedly caused 'dozens' of civilian casualties (via Iraqi Revolution)

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 36.3667, 43.08545

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF2823926324
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022

  • June 8, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 2959/CI249 38SLF2823926324

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For June 8th-9th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Mosul, three strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL assembly areas.”

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS247

Incident date

July 6, 2016

Location

التوخار كبير, Tokhar Kabir, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.6398429, 37.9810023 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A young civilian non-combatant male named as Osama Ibrahim Mohammad al Rahim was killed in a reported Coalition night time strike on the village of Tokhar Kabir, as part of an ongoing and aggressive air campaign in the area.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Osama Ibrahim Mohammad al Rahim
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For July 6th-7th 2016, the Coalition reported that “Near Manbij, 11 strikes struck five separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL-used bridges and damaged a separate ISIL-used bridge… Near Manbij, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI268

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Location

الشرقاط, Al Shirqat, Salaheldin, Iraq

Geolocation

35.5045616, 43.2404709 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman was reported killed and at least half a dozen civilians injured in an alleged Iraqi government or Coalition airstrike at Sharqat. The casualties were said to have occurred when a Daesh headquarters was bombed in the late morning.

Al Samarra TV reported that three families were injured and one woman killed… after inaccurate shelling by Iraqi aircraft of a Daesh prison. A number of Daesh fighters also reportedly died.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

No strikes were publicly reported for Sharqat itself. For July 18th-19th 2016, the Coalition noted the following: “Near Qayyarah, two strikes destroyed an ISIL headquarters and an ISIL training camp.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS297

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Location

خان طومان, Khan Touman, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.1177702, 37.0513916 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

There were reports that the Coalition or possibly Russia destroyed the Khan Tuman bridge south of Aleppo city in a night time raid. Casualties were reported among civilians, which one source said amounted to ‘dozens.’

Al Jazeera cited armed opposition sources as saying that “international Coalition aircraft destroyed the vital Khan Tuman bridge, causing deaths and injuries – including among those displaced from inside Aleppo to the southern countryside.”

Orient News cited a local activist as saying: “The fact is that the bridge does not pose any importance, not military significance for the rebels or even fighters who can cross from other points. It is only important for humanitarian vehicles, civilian cars and ambulances.”

The Coalition was blamed in part because of the precision nature of the attack. As Radio Hara noted, “our correspondent confirmed that the Russians repeatedly tried to destroy the bridge in dozens of raids, but those attempts failed.” Only Orient News said that Russia itself was responsible for the August 17th strike.

In their May 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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Aleppo today correspondent reported that the international coalition targeted Khan Tuman Bridge, which is the only road between Aleppo city and its southern countryside. The correspondent explained that the target was on Wednesday 17/8/2016 at 2 at night severe missile destruction, which led to the destruction of large parts of the huge bridge and tunnel underneath it, in addition to the death of many civilians and the destruction of about five cars loaded with vegetables and food were heading to the besieged neighborhoods in Aleppo

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
    37SCV246987
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Aug. 17, 2016, in Khan Touman, 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. 3032/CS297 37SCV246987

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For August 16th-18th the Coalition publicly reported no strikes in the direct vicinity of Aleppo, though others in the governorate.

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–24
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS318

Incident date

September 29, 2016

Location

حاجي كوسا, Haji Koussa, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5563, 37.63915 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A woman and her three children were reported killed in an alleged Coalition or Russian strike at Haji Koussa, near Al Bab.

Blame was divided. Local Syran Civil Defence and Qasioun said Russia carried out the strike. Syrian News Desk blamed the Assad regime. Syrian Rebels Gathering said unidentified aircraft were responsible. And Radio Al Kul, Aleppo 24, Halab News, Al Jisr, Baladi News, the Syrian Network and Halab Today blamed the Coalition.

In their May 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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Translation: a woman and her three children martyred in coalition raids on the village of Hajji Koussa in al Bab countryside eastern Aleppo.
  • Translation: A mother and her three children killed following the air raids on the village of Hajji Koussa in the eastern countryside (via SRG_Syria)
  • Translation: activists: a woman and her three children killed following coalition raids targeting the village of Hajji Koussa near al bab in the eastern Aleppo countryside.

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
    37SCA782465
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 1, 2020

  • Sept. 29, 2016, in Haji Koussa, 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. 3054/CS318 37SCA782465

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 28th-29th 2016, the Coalition reported: “Near Manbij, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.“

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI301

Incident date

October 21, 2016

Location

داقوق, Duquq, Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.140191, 44.446261 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 15 civilians – most or all women – were killed and 45 or more wounded by an airstrike which hit a Shi’ite shrine in Duquq, according to local sources. The Coalition later categorically denied that it was responsible for the event, with Iraqi aircraft most likely at fault.

Local official Amir Huda Karam told the AFP that “fifteen women were killed and another 50 wounded in a raid that targeted a Shi’ite place of worship at Dakuk.”

The Middle East Eye noted that the strike took place as “IS launched a major attack on the city of Kirkuk on Friday” which they said killed 18 members of the security forces. Duquq is roughly 30km south of the city of Kirkuk. Neither the AFP or Middle East Eye identified who carried out the strike.

However Yagein blamed the Coalition, and further reported that the strike hit a funeral, resulting in the deaths of “ten women… and a number of men.” Other outlets, including Iraqi Spring and Alghadeer TV also blamed the Coalition, and noted the victims were mostly women. Photographs posted by the Duquq Photographers Union showed a heavily damaged building, the front of which was destroyed.

On October 23rd, the chief Coalition spokesman stated on Twitter that “. has determined definitively that we did not conduct the airstrike w/reported civilian casualties in Daquq.” Al Araby later reported that an Iraqi Sukhoi had been responsible for the attack – and that the pilot and navigator were now under investigation.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (15 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    45–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Images of the aftermath of the attack
  • Coalition tweet denying any involvement
  • Pictures from the funeral of the supposed victims
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 Dahuk, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Aug 4, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For October 21st-22nd the Coalition reported “Near Sultan Abdallah, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three vehicles,” and “Near Al Huwayjah, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three vehicles.” It also reported “Near Bashir, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed a weapons cache”.

Iraq Government Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iraq Government Forces
  • Iraq Government Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (15 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    45–50
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS358

Incident date

November 4, 2016

Location

الحيوي, Al Hiyewi, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Airwars assessment

Three men were killed in airstrikes, according to a local source.

RBSS reported the deaths of three men “following air raids carried out by the international coalition.”

The Syrian Network and several outlets including Shaam News Network also reported the deaths of 3 civilians. Deir Ezzor and al Raqqa Legal Network shared the same three names as RBSS. LCCSY, however, put the number killed in Hiyewi at five.

A statement later issued by 100 Syrian writers provided more details: “Coalition aircraft had targeted on Friday a civilian car with machine guns, killing three people from Khaniz village near Raqqa, close to al Hiywei village.They were returning to their village after giving their condolences to a relative who was also killed by the International Coalition.”

The statement also called on the Coalition to “stop targeting civilians in the province of Raqqa and in all other areas, and open transparent investigation incidents into shelling of civilian sites by the international coalition and to hold accountable anyone found responsible.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mahmoud al Kader
Adult male killed
Mohammad al Rudaini
Adult male killed
Mohammad al Atra
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (3 men)
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Mahmoud al Kader, Mohammad al Rudaini, and Mohammad al Atra (via Raqqa is Being SlaughteredSilently)
  • Translation: 3 civilians killed following international coalition raids on the village of al Hiyewi in the northern Raqqa countryside on 4th November.
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.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 3rd-4th, the Coalition reported “Near Ayn Isa, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (3 men)
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI338

Incident date

November 14, 2016

Location

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

35.97785, 42.57989 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of one civilian near Tal Afar, Iraq.

Their March 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “Nov. 14, 2016, near Tal Afar, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS checkpoint it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured when the vehicle he was driving approached the checkpoint just prior to the munition’s impact.”

The Coalition had previously announced in January 2017 that they were investigating a possible civilian casualty event at Tal Afar that had happened six weeks earlier.

In July 2019, the Coalition provided Airwars with coordinates for the event, accurate to within a 100 metre box.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Prior to the Coalition releasing the MGRS for this incident, Airwars had geolocated it to the nearest town at 36.375659, 42.451536

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 injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Tal Afar, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SKE818842
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 4, 2017

  • Nov. 14, 2016, near Tal Afar, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS checkpoint it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured when the vehicle he was driving approached the checkpoint just prior to the munition’s impact.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For November 13th-14th, the Coalition reported at the time that “Near Tal Afar, one strike destroyed an ISIL-held repeater tower.”

Summary

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