Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident date

March 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS3357

LOCATION

محمبل, Mhambel, Idlib, Syria

@wateen_media reported that Russian aircraft carried out strikes on “the city of Ariha and the outskirts of the town of Mhambel”, but made ne mention of civilian harm. According to the Shaam News Agency, “Russian and Regime warplanes launched dozens of very violent air raids on the cities and towns of Idlib, causing dozens of

Summary

First published
March 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS3356

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in alleged Russian and/or regime airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, according to the Shaam News Network. @GenevaUpdates reported that “warplanes bombarded the city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib countryside with two air strikes, causing damage to several residential houses, while no injuries were reported.” However, the Shaam News Network

Summary

First published
March 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS3355

LOCATION

مرج الزهور, Marj Al Zouhur, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces on Marj Al Zuhour in Idlib, Syria on March 31st, 2018, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “Syrian regime warplanes fired a missile on Marj al Zuhour Primary School in Marj al Zuhour village in the

Summary

First published
March 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS3354

LOCATION

بسنقول, Bsanqoul, Idlib, Syria

Up to eight civilians including five children and three women were reported killed and several others injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Bsanqoul village in Idlib, Syria on March 31st, 2018 according to local sources. Shaam Network said that Russian warplanes targeted the town of Bsanqoul with several missiles that hit

Summary

First published
March 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(2–5 children1–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS3353a

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Four or five civilians including a woman and her child died and up to nine more civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on Ariha, local media reported. @shahed_alep: 4 k a number wounded @SyrianCoalition reported “three martyrs and seven wounded in an air strike targeting civilian homes”. Other sources put the

Summary

First published
March 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child1–2 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
7–9
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
14 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS3353

LOCATION

الدانا, Al Dana, Idlib, Syria

Between two and four civilians, including a father and his son – reportedly IDPS from  al Haymaniya village in Hama governorate – died and several more were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on Al Dana according to sources on the ground. @IdlibPlus put the death toll at two, and several sources, including the Violations

Summary

First published
March 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

French MoD for March 29, 2018 – March 30, 2018
Original
Annotated

Report Date

March 30, 2018

Notes

For March 21st-27th, France reports that the Wagram Task Force continued its support for security operations carried out by Iraqi security forces in the Euphrates Valley. This week, four shooting missions – all lighting missions – were carried out

Since the beginning of its mission, TF Wagram has carried out 1639 firing missions.

The activity of the French Air Forces engaged in Operation Chammal focused on supporting the Syrian democratic forces engaged in the Euphrates Valley to reduce the last two pockets of ISIS in Syria. In this context, the aircraft engaged in Operation Chammal made 23 air sorties in support of local forces engaged on the ground. A strike was made in the Tal Afar region of Iraq.

CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE

Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs restent inchangés : défaire les dernières poches terroristes en Syrie et renforcer la sécurisation du territoire irakien.

Poursuite des combats en Syrie

En Syrie, dans la vallée de l’Euphrate, la coalition continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes luttant contre Daech. Celles-ci s’attachent à réduire les deux dernières poches de Daech présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate, autour de Dashisha et Al Qaim, objectif qui prend du temps du fait de la complexité de la situation en Syrie. Les mauvaises conditions météorologiques régulières dans la zone limitent également les capacités de l’appui aérien apportées par la coalition, ralentissant de fait la progression des forces locales présentes au sol.

Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak

En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes maintiennent un maillage territorial important et efficace.

Elles conduisent également des opérations de sécurisation ponctuelles d’ampleur variable, opérations auxquelles la coalition apporte son soutien à leur demande. Leur effort se concentre actuellement sur les régions de Mossoul, d’Hawijah et de Ramadi, où elles obtiennent des résultats conséquents avec des découvertes quotidiennes d’engins explosifs improvisés, d’armements et la capture régulière de terroristes.

ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE

Les Task Force Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent la formation des forces de sécurité irakiennes

En Irak, le rythme des actions de formation se maintient à un niveau élevé afin d’amener l’armée irakienne vers toujours plus d’autonomie. Les Task Force Monsabert et Narvik y participent activement et directement.

Elles sont actuellement impliquées dans de nombreux stages au profit de près de 300 soldats des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Ces formations couvrent un large spectre de domaines, allant du secourisme au tir, en passant par la lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés, le déplacement tactique en véhicule et le combat en localité.

La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation

La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, quatre missions de tirs, toutes d’éclairement, ont été réalisées (bilan du 21 au 27 mars).

Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1639 missions de tirs.

Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations

L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se concentre sur l’appui aux forces démocratiques syriennes engagées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate pour réduire les deux dernières poches de Daech en Syrie.

Dans ce cadre, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé cette semaine 23 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 21 au 27 mars). Une frappe a été réalisée dans la région de Tal Afar en Irak.

Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 :

7919 sorties / 1448 frappes / 2238 objectifs neutralisés.

Report Date

March 30, 2018

Notes

For March 21st-27th, France reports that the Wagram Task Force continued its support for security operations carried out by Iraqi security forces in the Euphrates Valley. This week, four shooting missions – all lighting missions – were carried out

Since the beginning of its mission, TF Wagram has carried out 1639 firing missions.

The activity of the French Air Forces engaged in Operation Chammal focused on supporting the Syrian democratic forces engaged in the Euphrates Valley to reduce the last two pockets of ISIS in Syria. In this context, the aircraft engaged in Operation Chammal made 23 air sorties in support of local forces engaged on the ground. A strike was made in the Tal Afar region of Iraq.

CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE

Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs restent inchangés : défaire les dernières poches terroristes en Syrie et renforcer la sécurisation du territoire irakien.

Poursuite des combats en Syrie

En Syrie, dans la vallée de l’Euphrate, la coalition continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes luttant contre Daech. Celles-ci s’attachent à réduire les deux dernières poches de Daech présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate, autour de Dashisha et Al Qaim, objectif qui prend du temps du fait de la complexité de la situation en Syrie. Les mauvaises conditions météorologiques régulières dans la zone limitent également les capacités de l’appui aérien apportées par la coalition, ralentissant de fait la progression des forces locales présentes au sol.

Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak

En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes maintiennent un maillage territorial important et efficace.

Elles conduisent également des opérations de sécurisation ponctuelles d’ampleur variable, opérations auxquelles la coalition apporte son soutien à leur demande. Leur effort se concentre actuellement sur les régions de Mossoul, d’Hawijah et de Ramadi, où elles obtiennent des résultats conséquents avec des découvertes quotidiennes d’engins explosifs improvisés, d’armements et la capture régulière de terroristes.

ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE

Les Task Force Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent la formation des forces de sécurité irakiennes

En Irak, le rythme des actions de formation se maintient à un niveau élevé afin d’amener l’armée irakienne vers toujours plus d’autonomie. Les Task Force Monsabert et Narvik y participent activement et directement.

Elles sont actuellement impliquées dans de nombreux stages au profit de près de 300 soldats des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Ces formations couvrent un large spectre de domaines, allant du secourisme au tir, en passant par la lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés, le déplacement tactique en véhicule et le combat en localité.

La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation

La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, quatre missions de tirs, toutes d’éclairement, ont été réalisées (bilan du 21 au 27 mars).

Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1639 missions de tirs.

Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations

L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se concentre sur l’appui aux forces démocratiques syriennes engagées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate pour réduire les deux dernières poches de Daech en Syrie.

Dans ce cadre, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé cette semaine 23 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 21 au 27 mars). Une frappe a été réalisée dans la région de Tal Afar en Irak.

Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 :

7919 sorties / 1448 frappes / 2238 objectifs neutralisés.

Netherlands MoD for March 29, 2018 – March 30, 2018
Original
Annotated

Report Date

March 30, 2018

Notes

For March 28th-April 3rd the Dutch reported that its F16s supported ground troops in 8 missions. This happened, among others, in the Syrian provinces Abu Kamal and Deir Al Zour. In Iraq the jets flew above the provinces of Sala ad-Din and Diyala. No weapons were deployed. On Wednesday, the 9th detachment took over the command from ATFME 8.

Nederlandse F-16’s ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 8 missies. Dat gebeurde onder meer in de Syrische provincies Abu Kamal en Deir Al Zour. In Irak vlogen de jachtvliegtuigen missies boven de provincies Sala ad-Din en Diyala. Bij geen van de missies zijn wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 28 maart tot en met 3 april 2018.

Vorige week is het commando over de Air Task Force overgedragen. Sinds woensdag is het negende detachement actief in de strijd van de internationale coalitie tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS boven Irak en Oost-Syrië . Militairen van de achtste lichting zijn inmiddels teruggekeerd in Nederland en herenigd met hun thuisfront.

Nederlandse instructeurs geven cursussen aan militairen in Irak. Zij leren onder meer grote gebieden te beveiligen en krijgen bataljonsstaf- en infanterietrainingen. De instructeurs verzorgen de opleidingen met collega’s van partnerlanden.

Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2-hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Britse medici.

Report Date

March 30, 2018

Notes

For March 28th-April 3rd the Dutch reported that its F16s supported ground troops in 8 missions. This happened, among others, in the Syrian provinces Abu Kamal and Deir Al Zour. In Iraq the jets flew above the provinces of Sala ad-Din and Diyala. No weapons were deployed. On Wednesday, the 9th detachment took over the command from ATFME 8.

Nederlandse F-16’s ondersteunden grondtroepen tijdens 8 missies. Dat gebeurde onder meer in de Syrische provincies Abu Kamal en Deir Al Zour. In Irak vlogen de jachtvliegtuigen missies boven de provincies Sala ad-Din en Diyala. Bij geen van de missies zijn wapens ingezet. Een overzicht van Defensieoperaties in de week van 28 maart tot en met 3 april 2018.



Vorige week is het commando over de Air Task Force overgedragen. Sinds woensdag is het negende detachement actief in de strijd van de internationale coalitie tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS boven Irak en Oost-Syrië . Militairen van de achtste lichting zijn inmiddels teruggekeerd in Nederland en herenigd met hun thuisfront.

Nederlandse instructeurs geven cursussen aan militairen in Irak. Zij leren onder meer grote gebieden te beveiligen en krijgen bataljonsstaf- en infanterietrainingen. De instructeurs verzorgen de opleidingen met collega’s van partnerlanden.

Een Nederlands chirurgisch team opereert in een Amerikaans role 2-hospitaal in westelijk Irak. Het team werkt nauw samen met Britse medici.

French MoD for March 29, 2018 – March 30, 2018
Original
Annotated

Report Date

March 30, 2018

Notes

For March 28th to April 3rd: The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations carried out by Iraqi security forces in the Euphrates Valley. This week, four shooting missions – two illumination and two interdiction – were carried out (balance of March 28 to April 3). Since the beginning of its mission, TF Wagram has carried out 1643 firing missions. The activity of the French Air Forces engaged in Operation Chammal focused on supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces engaged in the Euphrates Valley to reduce the last two pockets of ISIS in Syria. In this context, aircraft carried out 23 air sorties in support of local forces engaged on the ground. No strikes were conducted.

CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE

Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs restent inchangés : défaire les dernières poches terroristes en Syrie et renforcer la sécurisation du territoire irakien.

Poursuite des combats en Syrie

En Syrie, dans la vallée de l’Euphrate, la coalition continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes luttant contre Daech. Celles-ci s’attachent à réduire les deux dernières poches de Daech présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate, autour de Dashisha et Al Qaim.

La situation à l’est de l’Euphrate est restée globalement stable cette semaine.

Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak

En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes maintiennent un maillage territorial important et efficace.

Conduisant des opérations de sécurisation régulières, elles obtiennent des résultats conséquents saisissant régulièrement des quantités importantes d’armes et de munitions à Daech.

ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE

Les Task Force Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent la formation des forces de sécurité irakiennes

En Irak, le rythme des actions de formation se maintient à un niveau élevé afin d’amener l’armée irakienne vers toujours plus d’autonomie. Les Task Force Monsabert et Narvik y participent activement et directement.

Elles sont actuellement impliquées dans de nombreux stages au profit de près de 300 soldats des forces de sécurité irakiennes, notamment dans le domaine de la lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés.

Les Task Force Wagram et Monsabert appuient la remontée en puissance de l’artillerie irakienne

Cette semaine a été marquée par l’organisation d’une conférence sur l’avenir de l’artillerie irakienne à laquelle ont activement participé des instructeurs issus des Task Force Wagram et Monsabert.

La journée était présidée par le Général Hushem, commandant l’école de l’artillerie irakienne.

Cette rencontre devrait déboucher prochainement, sur une formation « pilote » menée par les deux Task Force françaises. Cette formation inclura une partie théorique ainsi qu’une séquence de tir et de mise en application sur les canons irakiens.

La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation

La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, quatre missions de tirs, deux d’éclairement et deux d’interdiction, ont été réalisées (bilan du 28 mars au 3 avril).

Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1643 missions de tirs.

Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations

L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se concentre sur l’appui aux forces démocratiques syriennes engagées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate pour réduire les deux dernières poches de Daech en Syrie.

Dans ce cadre, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé cette semaine 23 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol, sans qu’aucune frappe n’ait été réalisée (bilan du 28 mars au 3 avril).

Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 :

7942 sorties / 1448 frappes / 2238 objectifs neutralisés.

Report Date

March 30, 2018

Notes

For March 28th to April 3rd: The Wagram Task Force continues its support for security operations carried out by Iraqi security forces in the Euphrates Valley. This week, four shooting missions – two illumination and two interdiction – were carried out (balance of March 28 to April 3). Since the beginning of its mission, TF Wagram has carried out 1643 firing missions. The activity of the French Air Forces engaged in Operation Chammal focused on supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces engaged in the Euphrates Valley to reduce the last two pockets of ISIS in Syria. In this context, aircraft carried out 23 air sorties in support of local forces engaged on the ground. No strikes were conducted.

CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE

Sur le théâtre irako-syrien, les opérations se poursuivent. Les objectifs restent inchangés : défaire les dernières poches terroristes en Syrie et renforcer la sécurisation du territoire irakien.

Poursuite des combats en Syrie

En Syrie, dans la vallée de l’Euphrate, la coalition continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes luttant contre Daech. Celles-ci s’attachent à réduire les deux dernières poches de Daech présentes sur les rives orientales de l’Euphrate, autour de Dashisha et Al Qaim.

La situation à l’est de l’Euphrate est restée globalement stable cette semaine.

Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak

En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes maintiennent un maillage territorial important et efficace.

Conduisant des opérations de sécurisation régulières, elles obtiennent des résultats conséquents saisissant régulièrement des quantités importantes d’armes et de munitions à Daech.

ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE

Les Task Force Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent la formation des forces de sécurité irakiennes

En Irak, le rythme des actions de formation se maintient à un niveau élevé afin d’amener l’armée irakienne vers toujours plus d’autonomie. Les Task Force Monsabert et Narvik y participent activement et directement.

Elles sont actuellement impliquées dans de nombreux stages au profit de près de 300 soldats des forces de sécurité irakiennes, notamment dans le domaine de la lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés.

Les Task Force Wagram et Monsabert appuient la remontée en puissance de l’artillerie irakienne

Cette semaine a été marquée par l’organisation d’une conférence sur l’avenir de l’artillerie irakienne à laquelle ont activement participé des instructeurs issus des Task Force Wagram et Monsabert.

La journée était présidée par le Général Hushem, commandant l’école de l’artillerie irakienne.

Cette rencontre devrait déboucher prochainement, sur une formation « pilote » menée par les deux Task Force françaises. Cette formation inclura une partie théorique ainsi qu’une séquence de tir et de mise en application sur les canons irakiens.

La Task Force Wagram en appui des opérations de sécurisation

La Task Force Wagram poursuit son appui aux opérations de sécurisation menées par les forces de sécurité irakiennes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Cette semaine, quatre missions de tirs, deux d’éclairement et deux d’interdiction, ont été réalisées (bilan du 28 mars au 3 avril).

Depuis le début de sa mission, la TF Wagram a réalisé 1643 missions de tirs.

Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations

L’activité des forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération Chammal se concentre sur l’appui aux forces démocratiques syriennes engagées dans la vallée de l’Euphrate pour réduire les deux dernières poches de Daech en Syrie.

Dans ce cadre, les aéronefs engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé cette semaine 23 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol, sans qu’aucune frappe n’ait été réalisée (bilan du 28 mars au 3 avril).

Bilan total depuis le 19/09/14 :

7942 sorties / 1448 frappes / 2238 objectifs neutralisés.

Incident date

March 29, 2018

Incident Code

RS3352

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Sousse , Deir Ezzor, Syria

A child was reported killed in alleged Russian forces airstrikes or Syrian regime shelling on Al Soussa village in Deir Ezzor, Syria on March 29th, 2018 according to local sources. Suleiman Jamil Al-Safan who is originally from Al Bukamal was killed in the attack. Euphrates page  reported on March 31st “The martyrdom of the child

Summary

First published
March 29, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Published

March 29, 2018

Written by

Samuel Oakford

Australia has admitted to killing two civilians and injuring two children during the battle for Mosul – the third such admission of harm by Canberra’s military, and one that further sets the Royal Australian Air Force apart from most other Coalition partners which continue to deny civilian casualties from their own airstrikes.

The case originally came to light during a field investigation by Amnesty International – which was slammed for its findings at the time by the US-led alliance. Airwars then published details of the event – which in turn were investigated by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The admitted incident occurred in the Mosul neighborhood of Islah al Zirae on the night of May 3rd 2017, during an intense push by Iraqi forces with Coalition air support. Civilians who reported being trapped by ISIS fighters or pinned down by heavy fire attempted to flee once ISIS fighters had withdrawn. In the midst of this, several family members were attempting to evacuate a home they had been sheltering in when it was hit by an airstrike.

The ADF said it carried out two investigations into the attack, and found that the civilians were killed and injured by munitions dropped by an RAAF Super Hornet.

“On the balance of probabilities, our strike resulted in the death of two people and the injury of two others,” deputy chief of joint operations, Major General Greg Bilton, said in remarks reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

‘Chaos of airstrikes’

The newly conceded case was one of 45 civilian harm events that Amnesty researchers documented in West Mosul. Amnesty however only published details of nine of the incidents, leaving out the Ishlah al Zirae event because it was based on a single source — a family member of the deceased. The precise date of the incident also could not be narrowed down at the time, with Amnesty flagging it as having likely taken place some time between May 1st and 3rd.

The testimony taken by Amnesty was however shared with Airwars, which in turn alerted the Coalition to the event as part of its own routine advocacy engagement. In its most recent monthly civilian casualty report, released on March 28th, the Coalition said it had been determined that while conducting a strike to destroy an ISIS fighting position in the neighborhood of Islah al Zirai, “two civilians were unintentionally killed and two civilians injured.”

“We were getting dressed to leave and my brother’s family were still getting dressed and putting jackets on the children,” said the relative who survived and spoke with Amnesty researchers. “I set off with my wife and children and we turned the corner and heard an air strikes. I ran back and the house had caved in. My brother died. My sister in law [wife of another brother] also died.”

“People were panicking and running out of their house – four family members were trapped in the house or trying to leave,” said Ben Walsby, part of the Amnesty team that deployed to Mosul. “They hadn’t been able to get out before because ISIS was preventing them, but in the chaos of airstrikes, they felt they had to get out.”

“This was just a quick interview with a family member who had run out of the house because the airstrikes were coming — people were scrambling,” said Walsby.

In their report, Amnesty accused ISIS of war crimes in Mosul, but also said the Coalition and Iraqi forces may have committed violations themselves. The Coalition responded by sharply questioning the veracity of Amnesty’s work.

“I would challenge the people from Amnesty International or anyone else out there who makes these charges to first research their facts and make sure they are speaking from a position of authority,” said Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, then the Coalition’s top commander.

As it turned out, it was the Coalition which needed to further investigate, and in the case of the May 3rd strike, both the alliance and the Australian Defence Force have now accepted responsibility.

Amnesty International investigated civilian harm events in multiple neighbourhoods of West Mosul for its report – including Islah al Zirae

‘Regrettable incident’

There are several reasons why the latest ADF admission is notable. The Australian military remains the only Coalition partner besides the US to admit to any civilian harm in Iraq or Syria since 2014, despite an estimated 10,000 strikes by non-US allies. Countries like France and the United Kingdom have yet to concede a single civilian death — a statistically implausible assertion.

These countries have been aided by a Coalition practice enforced since 2017 that does not identify which partner is responsible for any single event in the alliance’s monthly casualty reports. With rare exceptions, the US itself no longer acknowledges its own Coalition strikes that caused civilian casualties.

The Amnesty account which triggered the Australian investigation – recorded in an informal camp for displaced persons – also illustrates how effective simply speaking with survivors from battles like Mosul’s can be. Australian officials in the May 3rd case were able to conclude involvement without carrying out their own interviews, though only after Amnesty had recorded the initial testimony. As a policy, the Coalition does not conduct interviews with survivors in the aftermath of strikes – a practice that extends into Syria, as recently reported by Airwars at Raqaa.

Australia was identified in December 2016 by Airwars as one of the Coalition’s least transparent members. Since then it has taken steps to improve the reporting of its actions. In September 2017, the ADF reported its involvement in two previous civilian harm events – one an Australian airstrike, the other an action by another ally for which the ADF had supplied flawed intelligence.

“I think it’s very important for us to recognize what a very complex urban environment environment this was, and the face we are operating in a war zone,” said Defence Minister Marise Payne of the latest ADF admission. “Our operators work to the highest standards but regrettably incidents like this happen.”

“The strike was called in because the Iraqi security forces were under direct sniper attack from the building, and the sniper was causing injuries,” said Payne. The witness who spoke to Amnesty, however, said “there were no Daesh around, otherwise how could I have just walked out of my house?”

Airwars director Chris Woods welcomed the latest Australian admission. “With only a single survivor claim and a fairly vague date attached to this incident originally, the ADF would have had to put quite a bit of detective work into identifying its own role in the event,” said Woods. “The event also shows why we must continue to take seriously the voices of affected Iraqis and Syrians.”

▲ Library image: Royal Australian Air Force personnel start post flight maintenance on an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft following an Operation OKRA mission (Via ADF)

Incident date

March 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3351a

LOCATION

القصابية, Al Qassabiya, Idlib, Syria

A number of civilians were reported injured in alleged Russian airstrikes or Syrian regime forces shelling on Al Qassabiya in Idlib, Syria on March 28th, 2018, according to local sources. Step News reported “airstrikes by Russian warplanes on the town of Al-Qasabiya in the southern countryside of Idlib led to the injury of a number

Summary

First published
March 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 28, 2018

Incident Code

RS3351

LOCATION

النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

Three civilians including one child at least were reported killed and several other civilians injured in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrike or artillery strikes on Al Naqir in Idlib, Syria on March 28th, 2018 according to local sources. Northern Syria Observer reported that “a child and two civilians were killed by artillery shelling

Summary

First published
March 28, 2018
Last updated
June 20, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1–2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3350

LOCATION

كفر رومة, Kafar Rouma, Idlib, Syria

According to Sham Network, “Russian and Syrian regime warplanes launched airstrikes on the cities and towns of Barah, Kafrnbell, Mhmbel, Alia, Nukir, Habit, Altmanah and Hass and Kafroma, causing the deaths and injuries among civilians.’ on March 27th, 2018. The number of civilians killed and/or injured in Kafroma is not known.

Summary

First published
March 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3349

LOCATION

حاس, Has, Idlib, Syria

Several civilians were reported injured and/or killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces airstrikes on Hass in Idlib, Syria on March 27th, 2018 according to local sources. The sources reported that the area was targeted at least with two raids while others reported that four raids were launched. The Syrian Observatory for Human

Summary

First published
March 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3348

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Taman'a, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were reported injured and/or killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces’ airstrikes on Al Taman’ah in Idlib, Syria on March 27th, 2018 according to local sources. According to SMART Agency, “Activists added that it is possible that Russian warplanes launched four raids on residential neighborhoods in the town of Al-Taman’ah, south of

Summary

First published
March 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3347

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

Shaam Network reported that “Russian and Syrian regime warplanes launched air strikes on the cities and towns of Barah, Kafrnbell, Mhmbel, Alia, Nukir, Habit, Altmanah and Hass and Kafroma” in Idlib, Syria on March 27th, 2018, “causing deaths and injuries among civilians”. While @abduhaveez and @RFS_mediaoffice blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrike on Al

Summary

First published
March 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3346

LOCATION

النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

One woman was killed and up to three civilians were injured in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime air and artillery strikes on the village of Al Naqir, Idlib governorate, on March 27th, 2018, according to local sources. HalabTodayTV reported that “a woman was killed and several people were wounded, and more than 10 houses were destroyed

Summary

First published
March 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3345

LOCATION

عالية, Alia, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly killed and wounded in alleged Russian or and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Alia, Idlib governorate, on March 27th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. Activists told Smart News Agency that Syrian regime helicopters dropped explosive barrels on the villages of Mhambel and Al Alia, but that there was

Summary

First published
March 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3344

LOCATION

محمبل, Mhambel, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly killed and wounded in alleged Russian and/or Syrian airstrikes on the town of Mhambel, Idlib governorate, on March 27th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @IdlibPlus tweeted that “warplanes targeted the town of Mhambel in the southern countryside of Idlib, with several airstrikes.” @Wateen_Media and @BNN_SYR reported that the warplanes were Russian,

Summary

First published
March 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 27, 2018

Incident Code

RS3343

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Thirteen civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Russian airstrikes in Hajin city on March 27th, 2018, according to local sources. SyriaTV reported that “13 civilians were killed and others injured Tuesday [March 27, 2018] in a town under the control of the Islamic State in the eastern suburb of Deir Ezzor, as a result of airstrikes

Summary

First published
March 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

UK MoD for March 26, 2018 – March 27, 2018
Original
Annotated

Report Date

March 27, 2018

Monday 26 March – a Reaper destroyed a terrorist vehicle in eastern Syria…A Reaper tracked a group of terrorists in a vehicle in the Syrian Euphrates valley on Monday 26 March, and successfully destroyed it and its occupants with a precision Hellfire missile attack. Following an detailed investigation, it is assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed in the strike. For further information please see the Government’s statement here.

Report Date

March 27, 2018

Monday 26 March – a Reaper destroyed a terrorist vehicle in eastern Syria…A Reaper tracked a group of terrorists in a vehicle in the Syrian Euphrates valley on Monday 26 March, and successfully destroyed it and its occupants with a precision Hellfire missile attack. Following an detailed investigation, it is assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed in the strike. For further information please see the Government’s statement here.

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

CS1740

LOCATION

البوكمال, Near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a previously unknown event, the UK for the first time admitted that its forces caused civilian harm during an airstrike against so-called Islamic State. In a written statement to Parliament on May 2nd, UK Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson MP stated that “one civilian was unintentionally killed,” when a UK Reaper drone

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
April 4, 2023
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
UK Military
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3342

LOCATION

كفر نبل, Kafr Nabil, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed and an unknown number of civilians was injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on a camp for displaced people near the city of Kafr Nabal, Idlib countryside, on March 26th, 2018, according to local sources. Idlib Media Center reported “a martyr and several wounded as a result of the targeting of the

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3341

LOCATION

القادرية, Al Qadriya, Idlib, Syria

A 12-year-old girl reportedly died due to a heart attack as she escaped her school in the village of Al Qadriya when the area was targeted by alleged Russian or Syrian regime warplanes. @mohanadalshekh reported that Lujain Rashid (12) from Al Qadriya village in Jisr Al-Shughour countryside died “as a result of the stopping of the

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Cause of injury / death
Accidents related to conflict
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3340

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Ariha, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. Shaam News Network reported the following: “Russian aircraft launched fierce air raids on the cities and towns of Ariha, Al Taman’a, Harsh Abidin, Al Naqir, Harsh Al Habit in the southern countryside,

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3339

LOCATION

التمانعة, Al Taman'a, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly injured in alleged Russian airstrikes or Syrian regime artillery strikes on the town of Al Taman’a, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @Wateen_media reported that “Russian occupation aviation targets the vicinity of the town of Al Taman’a with several airstrikes with vacuum missiles.” @RFS_mediaoffice, however, reported Syrian

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3338

LOCATION

حرش عابدين, Harsh Abdin, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Harsh Abdin, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @RFS_mediaoffice reported that “this morning, Russian warplanes attacked the woods of the town of Adbin in the southern Idlib countryside with missiles loaded with cluster bombs.” @HadiAlabdallah tweeted that “Russian

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3337

LOCATION

النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

A number of civilians were reported injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Naqir in Idlib, Syria on March 26th, 2018 according to local sources. According to @IdlibPlus: “Russian warplanes, using vacuum missiles, targeted the outskirts of Al-Naqir village in southern Idlib countryside.” However, only one of the two sources – the Shaam News Network

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
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
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3336

LOCATION

حرش الهبيط, Harsh Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Harsh Al Habit, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @IdlibPlus tweeted that “Russian warplanes targeted several raids on the outskirts of the town of Harsh Habit in the southern countryside of Idlib.” @HalabTodayTV’s correspondent also reported Russian airstrikes on

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident