Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

LC030

Incident date

May 19, 2016

Location

الوشكة, Al-Wushka, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

31.371944, 15.567778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to various local sources a GNA/Misurata Air Force airstrike hit a car while targeting ISIS forces. Two members of the al-Mazoughi family, a man and his wife, were reportedly severely injured. The incident took place near the villages Al-Washka, Al-Qadihah and Zamzam.

In addition, ten ISIS members were reported killed in the strike, including Tunisian, Sudanese, Somali and Libyan citizens.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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
    Government of National Accord
  • Suspected target
    ISIS - Libya

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Footage shows the moment GNA airforce conducted several airstrikes targeting ISIS convoy in Sirte (Source: GNA airforce media)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al-Wushka (الوشكة). The coordinates for Al-Wushka are: 31.371944, 15.567778.

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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
    Government of National Accord
  • Suspected target
    ISIS - Libya

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS212

Incident date

May 16, 2016

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.466049, 40.907593 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple sources reported that Coalition aircraft were responsible for the deaths of up to seven members of two families following a dawn airstrike near the post office building in Al Bukamal. The target appears to have been a key Islamic State figure, whose family members died in the attack.

According to Shaam News, “Activists said planes believed to be with the international coalition launched several raids with rockets on the post office zone in Abu Kamal, hitting the houses of civilians from the family of Hajj Fawaz [or Fawzi] and his brothers killing more than seven people from the same family and there are still people trapped under the rubble and the residents are working to lift them out, including children.”

Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered later named the following as having been killed by the Coalition: “The child Msa’ab [or Musab] Katiba al Rawi [or al Raqi], The child Maria Katiba al Rawi, the child Ali Katiba al Rawi and their aunt Hana’a Fawaz al Rawi.” Ms al Rawi’s brother Katiba was also reported injured in the attack.

According to a case study later issued by Amnesty International, the likely target was a prominent Daesh figure, Fawaz al Rawi: “On the basis of the available information, Coalition forces were most likely responsible for this attack in which only civilians were killed, according to multiple sources. Since all indications are that at least four civilians were killed, and the apparent intended target was not present, the attack raises concerns regarding whether adequate precautions were taken. It is also unclear whether Fawaz al-Rawi’s activities amounted to direct participation in hostilities.“

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Maria Katiba al Rawi
Child female killed
Msa’ab Katiba al Rawi
Child male killed
Ali Katiba al Rawi
Child male killed
Hana’a Fawaz al Rawi.
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 7
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of reported Coalition strike at Abu Kamal May 16th, which killed multiple civilians (via Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently)
  • Photo of the place that was bombed by planes (via Deir ezzor is being slaughtered silently)
  • Aftermath of reported Coalition strike at Abu Kamal May 16th, which killed multiple civilians (via Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently)
  • Translation: Our sources: civilian casualties including 3 children and a woman in coalition bombing on al Bukamal east of Deir Ezzor.
  • Translation: Al Bukamal: the location of the raids that targeted civilians in the town as it targeted the home of Katiba al Raqi. He was injured and his sister was martyred.
  • Translation: The number of those killed in the coalition raids on the town of al Bukamal in the countryside of Deir Ezzor has risen to 4 civilians including three children.
  • Translation: The air raids that targeted al Bukamal at dawn today killed Hana’a Fawaz al Rawi and the children Musa’ab, Maria and Ali Katiba al Rawi.
  • Children Ali and Musab Qutayba Al Rawi (via SNHR)

US-led Coalition Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition confirms carrying out an airstrike in the vicinity on May 15th-16th 2016: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike struck an ISIL financial headquarters.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 7
  • (3 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS799

Incident date

May 15, 2016

Location

السحل, Al Sahal, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.87441, 38.63985 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Raqqa News 24/24 reported that a “Russian warplane” targeted the home of one of the residents of the village at 02.30am, leading to the man’s immediate death. It also said that the planes targeted the water pump east of Al Mansoura, causing material damage. Muslim Forum also reported the death of the man and said others were wounded.

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently referred only to “warplanes” and did not identify them. However, it said there had been four strikes which led to the death of the young man Z’eitar Mohammad Al Hussein al Ali.

The VDC also named this victim as killed in “warplane shelling”.

Alwatan news (pro-regime source) said the Coalition was responsible for the raids.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Z’eitar Mohammad Al Hussein al Ali.
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS798

Incident date

May 15, 2016

Location

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.93, 36.74 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to multiple local sources, Russian warplanes targeted farmlands in the northern and western suburbs of the town of Ar Rastan with vacuum missiles, leading to the death of one or two civilians and the wounding of several others. Sources spoke of dozens of Russian raids.

Ar-Rastan media office said the civilian killed was Siham Ibrahim Ayyoub, daughter of Abu Ayyoub.

In two tweets, by Syriafree339 and Gelal1985abdo, the death of a combatant was also reported: “Sameer Zabateh from Ar-Rastan was killed in Russian warplane shelling in Al Zara front.”

Okaz news and Homs Committee news spoke of a total of more than 50 Russian airstrikes in the districts of Ar-Rastan, Ghajar, Talbiseh and E’z Al-deen which killed 8 and wounded others.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Siham Ibrahim Ayyoub
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS211

Incident date

May 11, 2016

Location

دابق‎, Dabiq, thread making workshop, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.539778, 37.269556 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One or more civilian non-combatants were reported killed – and at least two others injured – after an alleged Coalition air raid on the village of Dabiq.

Step News, citing an Islamic State source – said seven civilians were also injured in the event. Another source said the civilian casualties occurred when a workshop for making thread was struck. Three Daesh fighters were also reported killed.

According to ARA News, “Saleh Zein, one of the field commanders in the opposition in the northern countryside of Aleppo, confirmed to ARA News, that ‘the international coalition aircraft targeted with several air raids Daesh positions in the northern Aleppo countryside. The bombing focused on the towns of Dabiq, Asnabil, Hor al Naher and the outskirts of the town of Soran Izaz which led to the death of two civilians as well as the death of dozens of Daesh members.”

In its July 2017 report, the Coalition said it had classed the event as non credible based on insufficient evidence of civilian harm: “May 11, 2016, near Dabiq, Syria, via Airwars report: After a review of available information it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.”

However given the specific reported details of the event and the named source, Airwars continues to class this event as likely.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

  • Translation: News just in: One person martyred and others injured in coalition raids on the village of Dabiq in northern Aleppo countryside.
  • Translation: Urgent: sources loyal to IS: one person killed and 7 others injured in coalition raids with two missiles on the village of Dabiq.
  • Translation: Al A’amaq, urgent - one person killed and 7 others injured in American raids with two missiles on a workshop for thread making in the village of Dabiq in the Aleppo countryside (via Omar Al-Falahi)
  • Translation: #Aleppo - International coalition planes target a gathering of Daesh in the village of Dabeq which led to the death of 3 IS members.
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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Dabiq, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

The Coalition reports carrying out one strike in Aleppo governorate on May 10th-11th 2016: “Near Manbij, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • 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

CI237

Incident date

May 11, 2016

Location

الرطبة, Ar Rutbah, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

33.036997, 40.285862 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to local sources, a Coalition airstrike at Ar Rutbah resulted in the deaths of seven civilians and the injuring of an additional 13.

News of Iraq reported that the attack destroyed the house of Aref Abrash in Methaq neighbourhood, and the home of Abdullah al-Fayad near the Mustafa mosque.

A propaganda video issued by Al A’Amaq showed a number of injured civilians, along with widespread damage to central Ar Rutbah.

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
    7
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFS200561
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 25, 2020

  • May 11, 2016 in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, 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. 2949/CI237 37SFS200561

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For May 10th-11th 2016 the Coalition reported that “Near Ar Rutbah, one strike produced inconclusive results.”

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS210

Incident date

May 7, 2016

Location

احتيملات, Ahtemlat, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.56556, 37.25067 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Six civilians including up to 5 children died in a reported night time Coalition strike at Ahtemlat in Aleppo governorate. Graphic images showed the bodies of at least two infants being recovered.

According to the Syrian Observatory, “SOHR activists were informed that no less than 4 IS including a commander were killed by aerial bombardment by the U.S led coalition warplanes during the last 24 hours around the strategic town of Dabiq, the aerial bombardment also killed 6 civilians including children. No less than 12 IS were killed by aerial bombardment targeted Dalha and Hor areas in the northern countryside near the Turkish borders.”

In its July 2017 monthly report, the Coalition classed the event as non credible on grounds of available evidence of civilian harm: “May 7, 2016, near Ahtemlat, 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.”

Given the well documented nature of this event – and the existence of a video showing casualties – Airwars continues to assess this event as likely.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (5 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Translation: Al A’maq agency (ISIS propaganda): 1 person and 5 children killed following US strikes on the village of Ahteimlat in the northern Aleppo countryside (via Ibrahim al masry)
  • Translation: The result of US raids on the town of Ahteimlat in the northern Aleppo countryside: one person killed and 5 others injured, all muslims, by US raids on Ahteimlat in the northern Aleppo countryside (via AlWalaa’ and al Bara’a)
  • Translation: 5 children and one woman killed and livestock destroyed following coalition bombing of the town of Ahteimlat (via Syria-Rebels).
  • Translation: 5 civilians killed including children in coalition bombing on the village of Ahteimlat which is under Daesh control.
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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Ahtemlat, 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
Official source

The Coalition reports for May 6th-7th 2016 that “Near Mar’a [Aleppo governorate], three strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL command and control node, and ISIL headquarters and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL fighting position.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (5 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–5
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS792

Incident date

May 6, 2016

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.51631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that five civilians were killed in alleged Russian raids on a park in Al Bab.

According Al Jisr TV, Russian warplanes killed five civilians in Al Bab. Qasioun and Nasaem News also blamed Russia. Other sources did not identify who was responsible.

Baladi News also reported the incident and said that “warplanes and helicopters targeted the general park in Al Bab. Five were killed and dozens wounded and this is the initial death toll.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military
Official source

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (8) [ collapse]