Military Reports

Military Reports

Canadian MoD for April 19, 2015 – April 20, 2015
Original
Annotated

Report Date

April 20, 2015

On April 19, 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIS fighting positions in vicinity of Ramadi using precision guided munitions.

Report Date

April 20, 2015

On April 19, 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIS fighting positions in vicinity of Ramadi using precision guided munitions.

  • An E-2C Hawkeye ready for launch from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, supporting coalition operations in the region (US Navy/ Specialist John Philip Wagner Jr)
    150419-N-TP834-114 INDIAN OCEAN (April 19, 2015) An Air Department Sailor directs a Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116 “Sun Kings” E-2C Hawkeye onto a catapult on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) flight deck. Carl Vinson is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner, Jr./Released)

Incident Code

CS063

Incident date

April 19, 2015

Location

متراس, Mitras, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A shepherd was reported by the Syrian Network as having been killed in a Coalition airstrike near Mitras. Five other people were injured by shrapnel.

The victim’s son later described retrieving his father’s body: “The rocket caused a great hole in the ground, almost two metres deep. I buried my father’s body in the town.“

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

Airwars has requested additional information from the Coalition – and continues to class this event as likely.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Dimmo al Hassan Dimmo
Adult male Shepherd killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Footage released by the coalition reportedly showing 'Coalition Airstrike on a Daesh Mortar Position near Kobani, Syria, April 19, 2015'. Footage was published on 27/04/2015 by US Central Command.
  • Smoke rising following the shelling on Mitras town. Photo in SN4HR report detailing the incident and published on August 11th, 2015.
  • Photo of the victim Dimmo al Hassan Dimmo, published in SN4HR report -published on August 11th, 2015- in which the incident was detailed including an interview with his son.
  • Published in SN4HR report in which the incident was detailed. Report published August 11th 2015
CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    a:1:{i:0;s:21:"insufficient_evidence";}
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mitras, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 7, 2017

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

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Confirmed strike at location for April 19th-20th, including video released of an attack on a ‘Daesh mortar position’ which SN4HR reports is at Mitras: “Near Kobani, seven airstrikes struck seven ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL mortar tube and an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR for April 18, 2015 – April 19, 2015
Original
Annotated

Report Date

April 19, 2015

April 19th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 18, and 8 a.m., April 19, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted an airstrike using attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. “We have witnessed continued, simultaneous successes on the ground in Iraq, most notably in Northern Iraq,” said Combined Joint Task Force Public Affairs Officer Col. Wayne Marotto. “All of the coalition airstrikes reported today were dynamic in nature, directly supported forces on the ground from Sinjar in the far North to Ramadi, in Central Iraq, and maintained the ongoing degradation of ISIL.” The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

SYRIA

• Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position.

IRAQ

• Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and two ISIL sniper positions.

• Near Fallujah, two airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL large and smaller tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon, an ISIL machine gun and three ISIL vehicles.

• Near Kirkuk, three airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck two ISIL large and one smaller tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings.

• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroyed an ISIL structure, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL mortar system.

• Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings.

Report Date

April 19, 2015

Report Summary

  • 13 total strikes
  • 1 in Syria
  • 12 in Iraq

Report Summary

  • 13 total strikes
  • 12 in Iraq (1960 – 1971)
  • 1 in Syria (1394)

Confirmed Actions

US, Canada

April 19th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 18, and 8 a.m., April 19, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted an airstrike using attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. “We have witnessed continued, simultaneous successes on the ground in Iraq, most notably in Northern Iraq,” said Combined Joint Task Force Public Affairs Officer Col. Wayne Marotto. “All of the coalition airstrikes reported today were dynamic in nature, directly supported forces on the ground from Sinjar in the far North to Ramadi, in Central Iraq, and maintained the ongoing degradation of ISIL.” The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

SYRIA

April 19, 2015
Syria: 1 strikes
Iraq: 12 strikes
Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position.

IRAQ

Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and two ISIL sniper positions.
Near Fallujah, two airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL large and smaller tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon, an ISIL machine gun and three ISIL vehicles.
Near Kirkuk, three airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck two ISIL large and one smaller tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings.
Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroyed an ISIL structure, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL mortar system.
Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings.

CJTF–OIR for April 18, 2015 – April 19, 2015
Original
Annotated

Report Date

April 19, 2015

April 19th 2015 – Kurdish Security Forces enabled by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve airstrikes, reconnaissance, and advise and assist elements, seized dozens of square miles of ISIL occupied terrain today in Northern Iraq. Peshmerga forces quickly overcame ISIL resistance in the area and secured large swaths of territory, in order to advance the line that divides ISIL and the KSF. The operation served to disrupt, degrade, and destroy ISIL capabilities as well as secure key villages and lines of communication in Kirkuk Province.

During the operation, Kurdish Security Forces cleared 11 villages of enemy combatants, restoring security, and enhancing stability in an area roughly 25 square miles. Coalition forces conducted supporting air strikes resulting in multiple ISIL weapons systems, fighters, mobility assets, and fighting positions being destroyed.

“The operation is yet another example demonstrating the commitment and ability of our partners to defeat Daesh forces on the battlefield in Iraq,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commander Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. “The determined efforts of the Peshmerga, combined with Coalition support, further denies Daesh key terrain and freedom of movement in Northern Iraq.”

Kurdish Security Forces supported by the CJTF-OIR coalition, continue to degrade and dismantle the influence and effectiveness of ISIL in the area of operations.

Report Date

April 19, 2015

April 19th 2015 – Kurdish Security Forces enabled by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve airstrikes, reconnaissance, and advise and assist elements, seized dozens of square miles of ISIL occupied terrain today in Northern Iraq. Peshmerga forces quickly overcame ISIL resistance in the area and secured large swaths of territory, in order to advance the line that divides ISIL and the KSF. The operation served to disrupt, degrade, and destroy ISIL capabilities as well as secure key villages and lines of communication in Kirkuk Province.

During the operation, Kurdish Security Forces cleared 11 villages of enemy combatants, restoring security, and enhancing stability in an area roughly 25 square miles. Coalition forces conducted supporting air strikes resulting in multiple ISIL weapons systems, fighters, mobility assets, and fighting positions being destroyed.

“The operation is yet another example demonstrating the commitment and ability of our partners to defeat Daesh forces on the battlefield in Iraq,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commander Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. “The determined efforts of the Peshmerga, combined with Coalition support, further denies Daesh key terrain and freedom of movement in Northern Iraq.”

Kurdish Security Forces supported by the CJTF-OIR coalition, continue to degrade and dismantle the influence and effectiveness of ISIL in the area of operations.

CJTF–OIR for April 18, 2015 – April 19, 2015
Original
Annotated

Report Date

April 19, 2015

April 19th 2015 – Iraqi Security Forces, supported by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, regained full control of the Bayji Oil Refinery after having successfully cleared the massive facility of any remaining ISIL fighters. ISF reinforcements and supplies have arrived and work has begun to fortify the facilities defenses. The Coalition continues to provide aviation fires and reconnaissance, as well as advise and assist elements to enable on-going operations in and around Bayji.

“Daesh clearly used the opportunity to attack the Oil Refinery facility in order to bolster its on-line propaganda activities,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Commander Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. “ISF personnel have demonstrated great resolve and proven that the tactical momentum resides with them, not only in Bayji, but in many other locations throughout Iraq.”

Over the past nine days coalition aircraft conducted 47 airstrikes in and around Bayji. Concurrent to the Bayji success, yesterday, Kurdish Security Forces enabled by coalition airstrikes, reconnaissance, advise and assist elements, seized dozens of square miles of ISIL occupied terrain in Northern Iraq. Simultaneously, Government of Iraq Security Forces are conducting successful operations to clear ISIL elements in Eastern Anbar, in addition to defending terrain and reinforcing forces within Ramadi.

ISF/KSF Operations, enabled by Coalition support provided on a daily basis, continue to degrade, dismantle, and defeat ISIL throughout Iraq.

Report Date

April 19, 2015

April 19th 2015 – Iraqi Security Forces, supported by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, regained full control of the Bayji Oil Refinery after having successfully cleared the massive facility of any remaining ISIL fighters. ISF reinforcements and supplies have arrived and work has begun to fortify the facilities defenses. The Coalition continues to provide aviation fires and reconnaissance, as well as advise and assist elements to enable on-going operations in and around Bayji.

“Daesh clearly used the opportunity to attack the Oil Refinery facility in order to bolster its on-line propaganda activities,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Commander Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. “ISF personnel have demonstrated great resolve and proven that the tactical momentum resides with them, not only in Bayji, but in many other locations throughout Iraq.”

Over the past nine days coalition aircraft conducted 47 airstrikes in and around Bayji. Concurrent to the Bayji success, yesterday, Kurdish Security Forces enabled by coalition airstrikes, reconnaissance, advise and assist elements, seized dozens of square miles of ISIL occupied terrain in Northern Iraq. Simultaneously, Government of Iraq Security Forces are conducting successful operations to clear ISIL elements in Eastern Anbar, in addition to defending terrain and reinforcing forces within Ramadi.

ISF/KSF Operations, enabled by Coalition support provided on a daily basis, continue to degrade, dismantle, and defeat ISIL throughout Iraq.

Canadian MoD for April 18, 2015 – April 19, 2015
Original
Annotated

Report Date

April 19, 2015

On April 18, 2015, while taking part in coalition missions in support of Iraqi security forces ground operations conducted south of Kirkuk, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS staging area and a compound used as a staging area using precision guided munitions.

On April 18, 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIS fighting positions north of Al Karmah using precision guided munitions.

Report Date

April 19, 2015

On April 18, 2015, while taking part in coalition missions in support of Iraqi security forces ground operations conducted south of Kirkuk, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS staging area and a compound used as a staging area using precision guided munitions.

April 18, 2015

On April 18, 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIS fighting positions north of Al Karmah using precision guided munitions.

CJTF–OIR for April 17, 2015 – April 18, 2015
Original
Annotated

Report Date

April 18, 2015

April 18th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 16, and 8 a.m., April 17, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using attack and bomber aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 13 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Today’s airstrike details highlight that clearly identifiable ISIL units, equipment, leadership and vehicles will be struck with utmost precision through our dynamic targeting process,” said Combined Joint Task Force Public Affairs Officer Col. Wayne Marotto. “These strikes, conducted on a daily basis, have lasting results as they degrade ISIL’s fighting capability and allow the ISF the ability to go on the offensive.”

The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

SYRIA

* Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions.

* Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL vehicle.

IRAQ

* Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.

* Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and two ISIL heavy machine guns, destroyed one other ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL check point and an ISIL excavator.

* Near Al Asad, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, three ISIL vehicles and one ISIL excavator.

* Near Fallujah, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles and one ISIL heavy machine gun.

* Near Sinjar, one airstrike destroyed one ISIL building and struck and ISIL fighting position.

* Near Hit, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL vehicle.

* Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL fighting position.

Report Date

April 18, 2015

Report Summary

  • 20 total strikes
  • 7 in Syria
  • 13 in Iraq

Report Summary

  • 20 total strikes
  • 13 in Iraq (1947 – 1959)
  • 7 in Syria (1387 – 1393)

Confirmed Actions

US, UK

April 18th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 16, and 8 a.m., April 17, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using attack and bomber aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 13 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Today’s airstrike details highlight that clearly identifiable ISIL units, equipment, leadership and vehicles will be struck with utmost precision through our dynamic targeting process,” said Combined Joint Task Force Public Affairs Officer Col. Wayne Marotto. “These strikes, conducted on a daily basis, have lasting results as they degrade ISIL’s fighting capability and allow the ISF the ability to go on the offensive.”

The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

SYRIA

April 18, 2015
Syria: 7 strikes
Iraq: 13 strikes
Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions.
Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL vehicle.

IRAQ

Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.
Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and two ISIL heavy machine guns, destroyed one other ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL check point and an ISIL excavator.
Near Al Asad, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, three ISIL vehicles and one ISIL excavator.
Near Fallujah, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles and one ISIL heavy machine gun.
Near Sinjar, one airstrike destroyed one ISIL building and struck and ISIL fighting position.
Near Hit, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL vehicle.
Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL fighting position.

UK MoD for April 17, 2015 – April 18, 2015
Original
Annotated

Report Date

April 18, 2015

The following day [Friday April 17th], a Reaper strike removed the threat posed by a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED).

Report Date

April 18, 2015

The following day [Friday April 17th], a Reaper strike removed the threat posed by a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED).