News

News

Published

September 22, 2020

Written by

Airwars Staff

Airwars adds voice to partners calling on the US government to end its targeting of the ICC

The United States Government recently applied sanctions to senior officers of the International Criminal Court – a court of last resort established by treaty, and endorsed by a majority of countries including most of the US’s closest allies. In partnership with a number of organisations working on the protection of civilians in conflict, Airwars is calling upon the US Government to end its targeting of ICC officials. The public statement also calls on both Presidential campaigns to publicly commit to rescinding an Executive Order passed by President Trump in June, which formed the basis of the ICC sanctions.

We the undersigned, representing human rights and humanitarian non-governmental organizations working on the protection of civilians in conflict, write in opposition to United States sanctions against named senior personnel within the International Criminal Court (ICC).

We call on President Trump to revoke these harmful sanctions immediately and to rescind Executive Order 13928 on “Blocking Property of Certain Persons Associated with the International Criminal Court.” We also call on the Presidential campaigns of both major parties to publicly commit to reversing this harmful Executive Order. The United States should support the rule of law rather than punish those seeking to provide redress to victims of harm.

The ICC exists as a court of last resort to hold government officials and other powerful actors accountable when domestic courts are unable or unwilling to prosecute the most serious international crimes. The Court has secured successful prosecutions for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The primary beneficiaries are the many civilian victims who can secure no justice elsewhere and the communities subject to cycles of violence fuelled by impunity. They include many victims and survivors of violence for whom the United States has been a strong, vocal advocate for justice and accountability.

We understand that the United States takes issue with some of the ICC’s jurisprudence and assertions of jurisdiction. However, we believe that concerted diplomatic efforts and engagement with the ICC will enhance its effectiveness more than punishing individuals who have dedicated their careers to delivering justice to victims of egregious crimes.

As condemnatory statements from close U.S. allies make clear, the United States has lost significant international standing through these sanctions, which have undermined the international rule of law and provided succour to war criminals seeking to evade justice. 

The United States should recommit to an independent and credible domestic process of investigating and holding to account U.S. citizens for alleged abuses, free from executive interference and consistent with U.S. and international law. That is the best way to ensure that U.S. service members are afforded due process of law in a domestic forum for any alleged wrongdoing and that the U.S. is recognized as a leader in the pursuit of global justice and accountability.

Signed,

Action on Armed Violence

Airwars

Amnesty International USA

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)

Human Rights First

Oxfam America

Oxford Research Group

Saferworld

▲ A recent appeal hearing at the International Criminal Court (Image via ICC)

French MoD for September 16, 2020 – September 22, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

September 22, 2020

PROCHE MOYEN-ORIENT – CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE
L’opération CHAMMAL se poursuit, et les Armées restent résolument engagées dans leur lutte contre l’organisation terroriste Daech, qui tente de reconstituer son réseau et poursuit toujours ses actions violentes à bas niveau.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE
Destruction d’une position de Daech

Le 19 septembre 2020, soit une semaine après leur dernière frappe, des Rafale déployés sur la Base aérienne projetée (BAP) au Levant, ont agi en soutien des troupes de la coalition. Opérant au nord de l’Irak, la patrouille de Rafale a frappé une position occupée par des combattants de Daech, neutralisant ces derniers et détruisant plusieurs entrées de grottes.

Le SNR-O CHAMMAL se rend à Bagdad
Afin de poursuivre au plus près du terrain son action de directeur du DICE (Directorat de l’environnement civil et inter agences), le général de brigade aérienne Tardif est actuellement dans la capitale irakienne. Il se rendra notamment au quartier général de l’opération INHERENT RESOLVE et près du Joint Operations Center Irak (JOC-I), le centre des opérations interarmées des forces irakiennes.

En outre, il rencontrera de nouveau quelques directeurs d’agences gouvernementales et non gouvernementales pour coordonner leurs actions.

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 16 au 22 septembre inclus)

Les aéronefs français basés au Levant et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la Coalition. Cette semaine, les avions engagés dans l’opération CHAMMAL ont réalisé 15 sorties aériennes et une frappe.

Report Date

September 22, 2020

Confirmed Actions

France
Weekly air outlets (results from September 16 to 22 included)

French aircraft based in the Levant and the United Arab Emirates are continuing their actions against Daesh, within the Coalition. This week, the planes engaged in Operation CHAMMAL carried out 15 aerial sorties and one strike.

Incident date

September 20, 2020

Incident Code

TS449

LOCATION

عون الدادات, Awn al-Dadat, Aleppo, Syria

Up to two civilians including a woman were reported injured in the village of ِAwn al-Dadat in northern Manbij, Aleppo on September 20th, 2020 as a result of alleged Turkey or Turkey backed militants shelling. Local sources named the two civilians as Maryam Al-Kadro aged 50 and Ali Al-Daher. It was also reported that also

Summary

First published
September 20, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2020

Incident Code

RS4522

LOCATION

محيط ادلب, The vicinity of Idlib City, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was injured by multiple alleged airstrikes from Russian warplanes on the outskirts of the city of Idlib on September 20th 2020. The identities of those injured were not reported. Images show the raids took place in the day time. @HalabTodayTV reported that “The Syrian Civil Defense announces the injury of two people as

Summary

First published
September 20, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

Incident date

September 20, 2020

Incident Code

RS4523

LOCATION

عرب سعيد, Arab Saeed, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reportedly injured as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes on the vicinity of Arab Sa’id village, west of Idlib on September 20th, 2020 at noon according to local sources and news agencies. Edlib Media center said that according to the civil defense one civilian was injured after “eight Russian su34 and su35

Summary

First published
September 20, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 15, 2020

Incident Code

RS4521

LOCATION

الأحراش المحيطة بمعرة مصرين وباتنتة, The bush near Ma’aret Misrin And Batinta, Idlib, Syria

One civilian has been injured as a result of multiple strikes by alleged Russian warplanes and missiles hitting the west of Maarat Misrin in Idlib on September 15th 2020. The civil defense team took the injured man to hospital to treat his injuries. Images of the location show civilians living in informal camps close to

Summary

First published
September 15, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

French MoD for September 9, 2020 – September 15, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

September 15, 2020

PROCHE MOYEN ORIENT – CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

L’opération Chammal se poursuit, et les Armées restent résolument engagées dans leur lutte contre l’organisation terroriste Daech, qui tente de reconstituer son réseau et poursuit toujours ses actions violentes à bas niveau.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

Destruction d’une position de Daech
Le 12 septembre 2020, une patrouille de Rafale provenant de la Base aérienne projetée (BAP) au Levant et opérant au nord de l’Irak a été engagée pour conduire une frappe contre une position occupée par Daech. En lien avec les troupes de la coalition, les Rafale ont tiré plusieurs bombes, détruisant des caches d’armes et neutralisant plusieurs terroristes.

Cette frappe est la première frappe opérationnelle pour des Rafale mis au standard F3-R. Pour mémoire, ce standard d’aéronefs est déployé au Levant depuis le 30 août dernier.

Le JOCAT de Bagdad monte en puissance
C’est au sein du Joint Operations Command Advisory Team (JOCAT), nouvelle entité de l’opération INHERENT RESOLVE, que la France délivre désormais son expertise de commandement auprès des forces irakiennes.

Commandé par un officier français, le colonel Laurent, le JOCAT qui comptera un peu moins de trente personnes d’une dizaine de nationalités différentes a vu son effectif se compléter. Outre le colonel Laurent, quatre officiers français spécialisés dans les domaines du renseignement et des opérations aériennes ont intégré cette structure. Très prochainement, le JOCAT sera pleinement opérationnel pour assister et conseiller les officiers irakiens du Joint Operations Center Irak (JOC-I), centre de commandement des opérations de l’état-major irakien.

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 9 au 15 septembre inclus)

Les aéronefs français basés au Levant et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la Coalition. Cette semaine, les avions engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 19 sorties aériennes et une frappe.

Report Date

September 15, 2020

Confirmed Actions

France
Weekly air outlets (results from September 9 to 15 included)

French aircraft based in the Levant and the United Arab Emirates are continuing their actions against Daesh, within the Coalition. This week, the planes engaged in Operation Chammal carried out 19 air sorties and one strike.

Incident date

September 12, 2020

Incident Code

TS448

LOCATION

شيراوا - برج القاس, Burj al-Qass -Shirawa, Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported injuries in Burj Al Qass in Shirawa, Aleppo on September 12th, 2020 when “Turkish forces shelled with heavy artillery from their military bases stationed in the northern Aleppo countryside positions in the villages of Aqiba, Soghanka and Burj al-Qass in the Shirawa area within areas held by Kurdish

Summary

First published
September 12, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Suspected target
YPG/SDF
View Incident

French MoD for September 2, 2020 – September 8, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

September 8, 2020

PROCHE MOYEN ORIENT – CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

L’opération Chammal se poursuit, et les Armées restent résolument engagées dans leur lutte contre l’organisation terroriste Daech, qui tente de reconstituer son réseau et poursuit toujours ses actions violentes à bas niveau.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

Changement de chef à la tête de la coalition internationale luttant contre Daech
Après un an à la tête de l’opération Inherent Resolve (OIR) qui rassemble 80 pays et organisations, dont la France, le lieutenant general Pat White a cédé sa place au lieutenant general Paul Calvert. Alors que l’opération est entrée dans sa phase dite de « normalisation », il aura pour tâche principale de poursuivre l’évolution du format des forces déployées et de leurs missions. En effet, les opérations de lutte contre Daech se poursuivent, le moment est venu de consolider les capacités des hautes autorités militaires irakiennes à planifier et conduire des opérations.

L’opération CHAMMAL qui représente le volet français de cette opération internationale accompagne cette adaptation. En effet, un colonel français dirige le Joint Operations Advisory Team (JOCAT), équipe d’une trentaine de conseillers pour le commandement interarmées des opérations irakien.

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 02 au 08 septembre inclus)
Les aéronefs français basés au Levant et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la Coalition. Cette semaine, les avions engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes.

Incident date

September 7, 2020

Incident Code

RS4520

LOCATION

أريحا , Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were killed and up to 24 injured as a result of alleged Russian, Assadi and/or Iranian airstrikes on the town of Ariha on September 7th 2020. One civilian killed in the strike was named as Saeed Zidan Abu Yarub Al Zaidan. @seerij80 reported that he had just graduated from Idlib University and Fajr

Summary

First published
September 7, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6–24
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2020

Incident Code

YS095

LOCATION

العلوة , Alawa, Raqqa, Syria

A single source reported that three civilians were injured in alleged YPG strikes on Alawa village, Raqqa governorate, on September 4th, 2020. Khabour wrote that “three civilians were injured by the bombing of the #PYD_PKK militia on Alawa village west of Tel Abid city, north of Raqqa.” Currently, further information is unavailable to Airwars.

Summary

First published
September 4, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
YPG
View Incident

French MoD for August 26, 2020 – September 1, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

September 1, 2020

PROCHE MOYEN ORIENT – CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

L’opération Chammal se poursuit, et les Armées restent résolument engagées dans leur lutte contre l’organisation terroriste Daech, qui tente de reconstituer son réseau et poursuit ses actions violentes à bas niveau.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

Ø Relèves d’aéronefs sur la BAP au Levant : arrivée du Rafale F3-R
Au-delà de la visite de la ministre des Armées au Levant et d’une activité aérienne en soutien de l’opération Inherent Resolve, l’actualité aura été marquée par l’arrivée sur le théâtre du Rafale au standard rénové F3-R.

Le 30 août dernier, quatre Rafale au standard F3-R de la 30e escadre de chasse, dernière évolution de ce chasseur, sont arrivés sur la base aérienne projetée au Levant. Ils remplacent nombre pour nombre les quatre Rafale biplaces de la 4e escadre. Pilotes, navigateurs et aéronefs rentrent en France ce jeudi 3 septembre après avoir réalisé plus de 250 sorties aériennes, soit près de 1300 heures de vol.

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 26 août au 01 septembre inclus)

Les aéronefs français basés au Levant et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la Coalition. Cette semaine, les avions engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes.

Incident date

August 31, 2020

Incident Code

ISSY014

LOCATION

الهيجانة, Al Hayjana, Rif Dimashq, Syria

Up to three civilians, including at least one woman, were reportedly killed in alleged Israeli air or artillery strikes or the shrapnel of Syrian regime defence missiles in Al Hayjana in rural Damascus, Syria on August 31st, 2020. At least one other civilian was injured. Several sources reported multiple alleged Israeli strikes in southern Syria.

Summary

First published
August 31, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3–7
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
Israeli Military, Unknown, Syrian Regime
Suspected targets
Assad regime, Iranian military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
11
View Incident

CJTF–OIR for August 1, 2020 – August 31, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

August 31, 2020

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

September 14, 2020
Release No. 20200914-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CJTF-OIR Strike Summary Report, August 2020

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and
its partners continue to target and pursue the enduring defeat of Daesh.

CJTF-OIR and partner forces have liberated nearly 110,000 square kilometers
(42,471 square miles) from Daesh. As a result, 7.7 million people no longer
live under Daesh oppression.  CJTF-OIR remains committed to the enduring
defeat of Daesh to improve conditions for peace and stability in the region
and to protect all our homelands from the Daesh terrorist threat.

Strike Summary
Between August 1 and August 31, 2020, CJTF-OIR conducted a total of 17
strikes consisting of 42 engagements in Iraq and Syria.

In Iraq, CJTF-OIR conducted 11 strikes against Daesh targets consisting of
36 engagements. This resulted in nine enemy killed, eight caves denied,
eight tunnels neutralized, and four successful terrain denial operations.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted six strikes against Daesh targets consisting of
six engagements. This resulted in six terrain denial operations.

This CJTF-OIR strike release contains all strikes conducted by fighter,
attack, bomber, rotary-wing, or remotely piloted aircraft, rocket propelled
artillery and ground-based tactical artillery.

A strike, as defined in the CJTF-OIR release, refers to one or more kinetic
engagements that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a
single, sometimes cumulative effect in that location. For example, a single
aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone Daesh vehicle is one
strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against a
group of Daesh-held buildings and weapon systems in a compound, having the
cumulative effect of making that facility harder or impossible to use.
Strike assessments are based on initial reports and may be refined.

CJTF-OIR does not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a
strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of
individual munition impact points against a target. The information used to
compile the daily strike releases is based on ‘Z’ or Greenwich Mean Time.

#DefeatDaesh

-30-

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

Report Date

August 31, 2020

Report Summary

  • 17 total strikes
  • 11 in Iraq
  • 6 in Syria

Confirmed Actions

US
Between August 1 and August 31, 2020, CJTF-OIR conducted a total of 17
strikes consisting of 42 engagements in Iraq and Syria.

In Iraq, CJTF-OIR conducted 11 strikes against Daesh targets consisting of
36 engagements. This resulted in nine enemy killed, eight caves denied,
eight tunnels neutralized, and four successful terrain denial operations.
August 1, 2020 – August 31, 2020
Syria: 6 strikes
Between August 1 and August 31, 2020, CJTF-OIR conducted a total of 17
strikes consisting of 42 engagements in Iraq and Syria.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted six strikes against Daesh targets consisting of
six engagements. This resulted in six terrain denial operations.   

Incident date

August 30, 2020

Incident Code

RS4519

LOCATION

الشيخ بحر, Sheikh Bahar, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were injured as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes on Sheikh Bahar, Idlib on August 30th 2020. @baladinetwork reported: “#Baladi: Civilians were wounded by the bombing of Russian warplanes targeting a camp for the displaced near Sheikh Bahr in the northern countryside of Idlib #Syria”. The strike took place in the early hours of

Summary

First published
August 30, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 26, 2020

Incident Code

TS447

LOCATION

شيخ حسن, Sheikh Hassan, Raqqa, Syria

A civilian male was reportedly killed by Turkish forces as he was crossing the M4 highway near the village of Sheikh Hassan, Raqqa governorate, on August 26th, 2020, according to local sources. Rojava Network wrote that “a civilian named Qasim Al Khalil (48) was martyred as a result of Turkish shelling on the Sheikh Hassan

Summary

First published
August 26, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

UK MoD for August 20, 2020 – August 26, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

August 26, 2020

Summary

Thursday 20 August – an RAF Reaper struck a Daesh command post in a cave in northern Iraq.

Wednesday 26 August – an RAF Reaper attacked a second Daesh position and provided surveillance support to a coalition air strike in northern Iraq.

Detail
As part of the UK’s contribution to the Global Coalition in the fight against Daesh, the Royal Air Force continues to fly daily missions against the terrorist movement in Syria and Iraq. Our aircraft conduct strikes on terrorist targets when required.

Intelligence analysis confirmed that a Daesh leadership group had established a cave network 85 miles west of Kirkuk in northern Iraq. An RAF Reaper kept a close watch on the location during the early hours of Thursday 20 August. When terrorists were identified at the cave entrance, the Reaper’s crew conducted an attack with a single Hellfire missile, having first swept the area for any signs of civilians who might be placed at risk. The missile struck the target accurately, and the blast was observed to emerge from another part of the cave network, indicating that weapon’s effect had reached deep inside the caves.

In addition to this, an RAF Reaper maintained surveillance on another set of caves in the area on Wednesday 26 August, which confirmed the presence of a number of Daesh extremists at the site. When terrorists were observed at the mouth of one of the caves, the Reaper’s crew engaged successfully with a Hellfire missile, then provided surveillance support to a follow-up attack by two coalition fast jets which struck the rest of the Daesh position.

Previous update
As part of the UK Armed Forces’ contribution to the global coalition against Daesh, our aircraft have continued to fly armed reconnaissance patrols in support of the Iraqi security forces, striking terrorist targets as necessary.

A Royal Air Force remotely piloted Reaper investigated on Sunday 31 May a location in northern Iraq, some seventeen miles west of Tuz Khurmatu, where a Daesh group had been identified as having established themselves at a bunker situated in the mountains. The Reaper’s crew conducted a thorough check of the area, finding no signs of any civilians nearby, but confirming the presence of several terrorists close to the bunker itself, who were attempting to conceal themselves in heavy foliage. The Reaper therefore conducted two attacks in succession, destroying the bunker with a GBU-12 guided bomb, then hitting those terrorists who were outside the bunker with a Hellfire missile.

On Wednesday 3 June, a pair of Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker, joined other coalition aircraft in an operation against Daesh positions which had been identified on a mountainous ridge some thirty-five miles north-west of Kirkuk. Having confirmed that there were no signs of civilians in the area, the Typhoons provided surveillance support to a strike by coalition jets, and were then allocated a cave, occupied by Daesh, as their own target. This position was struck with a single Paveway IV guided bomb, and Iraqi ground forces subsequently confirmed the attack to have been a success.

A further group of caves, situated thirty miles north-west of Tikrit, were confirmed as being used by Daesh both as accommodation and storage for improvised explosive devices. Two Typhoons were accordingly tasked to attack the terrorist position on Monday 22 June. Having checked the area for any civilians who might be at risk, four Paveway IVs were successfully used to strike four carefully selected targets within the cave network.

Intensive coalition surveillance efforts were able to confirm that another group of Daesh terrorists had established themselves in a cave network in the Makhmur mountains of northern Iraq. RAF Typhoons were therefore tasked with the destruction of this terrorist base on Wednesday 24 June. After the usual precautionary check of the area for civilians, our aircraft attacked with four Paveway IVs, all of which struck their targets successfully.

For more information see Daesh: UK government response page on GOV.UK

Report Date

August 26, 2020

Report Summary

  • 2 total strikes
  • 2 in Iraq

Confirmed Actions

UK
Intelligence analysis confirmed that a Daesh leadership group had established a cave network 85 miles west of Kirkuk in northern Iraq. An RAF Reaper kept a close watch on the location during the early hours of Thursday 20 August. When terrorists were identified at the cave entrance, the Reaper’s crew conducted an attack with a single Hellfire missile, having first swept the area for any signs of civilians who might be placed at risk. The missile struck the target accurately, and the blast was observed to emerge from another part of the cave network, indicating that weapon’s effect had reached deep inside the caves.
August 26, 2020
Iraq: 1 strikes
In addition to this, an RAF Reaper maintained surveillance on another set of caves in the area on Wednesday 26 August, which confirmed the presence of a number of Daesh extremists at the site. When terrorists were observed at the mouth of one of the caves, the Reaper’s crew engaged successfully with a Hellfire missile, then provided surveillance support to a follow-up attack by two coalition fast jets which struck the rest of the Daesh position.

French MoD for August 19, 2020 – August 25, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

August 25, 2020

PROCHE MOYEN ORIENT – CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

L’opération Chammal se poursuit, et les Armées restent résolument engagées dans leur lutte contre l’organisation terroriste Daech, qui tente de reconstituer son réseau et poursuit ses actions violentes à bas niveau.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

Ø Relève des postes de commandement
Cet été a vu la relève des postes de direction de l’opération Chammal.

Outre les relèves du commandant de la base aérienne projetée (BAP) au Levant et du commandement des éléments français en poste à Al Udeid au Qatar au sein du Combined Air Operation Center (CAOC), on notera celle du senior national représentative opératif (SNR-O).

En effet, le 14 juillet, le général de brigade aérienne Dominique Tardif a succédé au général Stéphane Dupont comme représentant national opératif de théâtre et chef du Directorate of Interagency and Civil Environment (DICE).

Ø L’opération Inherent Resolve s’adapte

La défaite de Daesh et l’autonomie acquise par les forces de sécurité irakiennes, notamment grâce au travail de formation et de conseil, réalisé par la coalition, dont la France, avec les Task Forces Narvik et Monsabert, imposent une adaptation et une réorganisation de certaines de l’opération Inherent Resolve (OIR).

Ce sont tout d’abord les actions civilo-militaires qui ont été repensées, avec la création du Directorate of Interagency and Civil Environment (DICE). Ce service, dirigé par le général Tardif, SNR-O de l’opération Chammal, se trouve au cœur des relations entre le gouvernement irakien, les acteurs militaires et les organisations internationales et non gouvernementales qui ont des représentants en Irak. Il a pour objectif de coordonner les activités de ces différentes entités dans les domaines de l’assistance humanitaire, du déminage, de l’aide d’urgence et de l’assistance à l’établissement des conditions de stabilisation de la zone.

C’est ensuite la « fonction formation » qui est complètement refondue. Une entité globale, le Military Advisory Group (MAG), est en charge de la politique de conseil qui sera désormais prodiguée aux hautes autorités militaires irakiennes, en particulier au sein du joint operation center – Irak (JOC-I), le centre de commandement des opérations de l’état-major irakien.

Cette mission est confiée à un nouvelle organe : le Joint Operations Advisory Team (JOCAT) qui est une équipe de conseil pour le commandement interarmées des opérations. Ce JOCAT, basé à Bagdad, sera dirigé par un colonel français et intègrera une trentaine de personnes. Quatre officiers français supplémentaires seront positionnés au sein de cette nouvelle structure

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 19 au 25 août inclus)

Les aéronefs français basés au Levant et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la Coalition. Cette semaine, les avions engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 14 sorties aériennes.

Published

August 19, 2020

Written by

Airwars Staff

Support from the Reva and David Logan Foundation follows recent study showing challenges of mainstream media coverage of civilian casualties.

A new Senior Investigator will be joining the Airwars core team in the coming weeks, thanks to a two year grant from the Reva and David Logan Foundation – a Chicago based family philanthropic fund.

Over the past six years, Airwars has consistently shown that its groundbreaking work has a powerful impact on the public understanding of civilian harm – and can lead to positive changes in both policies and practices among militaries. However, systemic challenges in many newsrooms can result in the issue being poorly reported. Our recent study News In Brief, authored by US investigative reporter Alexa O’Brien and also funded by the Logan Foundation, explored the many obstacles to good reporting of this critical issue.

Responding to this deficit, new funding will enable Airwars to majorly enhance its own capacity for much-needed investigations into civilian casualties and their causes, in particular with the appointment of an in-house Senior Investigator – who will be supported by a wider team of geolocation, research and design professionals.

Airwars will then seek partnerships with key US and international media on the most vital and controversial cases and stories. In doing so, it aims to bridge a critical gap in the mainstream reporting of civilian harm from war – and bring many more stories to public awareness. A key focus will be to explore innovative approaches to engaging new audiences on civilian harm issues.

Major investigations

Since its founding, Airwars has published several major investigations into civilian harm. In 2017 our then-inhouse reporter Samuel Oakford revealed with Foreign Policy that, according to senior US military officials, more than 80 civilians had been killed in non-US international airstrikes in Iraq and Syria. That investigation still serves as a key point of engagement for our advocacy work with individual belligerents.

In June 2019, Airwars partnered with Amnesty International on a major project War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality – which found that at least 1,600 civilian deaths had likely been caused by the US-led Coalition during the battle of Raqqa. More recently, Airwars has played a prominent role in reporting the scandal surrounding Dutch responsibility for a 2015 airstrike in Hawijah, Iraq, in which 70 or more civilians likely died. And in early 2020 – in partnership with the BBC, Liberation, De Morgen and RTL Netherlands – Airwars revealed that European militaries were failing to declare civilian deaths from their own actions in the war against ISIS, even where US military personnel had concluded otherwise.

“Airwars is unique. There are few organisations that shine a light so intensely on the wholesale slaughter of innocent civilians caught up in the fury of war. The Airwars team has developed groundbreaking methodology to track these horrors and has delivered their consequent findings with authority to governments, the military and the public,” commented Richard Logan, President of the Reva and David Logan Foundation.

“Their work has consistently brought changes in perceptions and in the conduct of war. It has contributed to a significant reduction of non-combatant battlefield deaths and injuries. For these and other related reasons, it is crucial to magnify Airwars’ investigative capacity to ensure that the plight of the most vulnerable stays at the forefront of all our minds. We are honoured to support their efforts.”

▲ A young girl passes a bomb crater in West Mosul, April 2017 (Image courtesy of Kainoa Little. All rights reserved)

French MoD for August 12, 2020 – August 18, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

August 18, 2020

CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

L’opération Chammal se poursuit, et les armées restent résolument engagées dans leur lutte contre l’organisation terroriste Daesh qui, profitant de la pandémie COVID-19, essaie de reconstituer son réseau et poursuit ses actions violentes à bas niveau.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

Le général Tardif poursuit ses rencontres DICE

A Bagdad et suite à sa récente prise de fonction, le général de brigade aérienne Dominique Tardif, Senior national representative (SNR, soit représentant national de théâtre) français de l’opération internationale Inherent Resolve (OIR, dont Chammal est la partie française) continue ses rencontres dans le cadre de ses activités de DICE (Director of interagency and civilian environment), qui consiste à coordonner les opérations militaires de la coalition avec celles des ambassades, des organisations internationales, des organisations non-gouvernementales du gouvernement irakien et des différents partenaires.

Il a en particulier rencontré l’ambassadeur d’Allemagne en Irak et le général canadien Jennie Carignan, commandant la Nato Mission Iraq (NMI). Cette mission de l’OTAN vise à former et renforcer les capacités militaires des forces irakiennes en apportant conseils et formation au ministère irakien de la Défense.

 

Un français aux commandes de la fonction “Conseil” de la coalition
Après le général Tardif, SNR opératif français et DICE (Directorate Interagency and civil Environment) de l’opération, le colonel Brahim, commandant la base aérienne projetée au Levant, et le colonel Bruno, commandant les Français insérés au CAOC au Qatar, le colonel Laurent est le quatrième officier supérieur français à prendre un poste de haute responsabilité cet été dans le cadre de l’opération Chammal. Il arme un poste nouvellement créé au sein du CJTF-OIR.

Les activités de conseil et de formation ont évolué au sein de la coalition depuis que l’Irak est entré dans une phase de stabilisation et de normalisation, suite à la défaite de Daesh. Ainsi, et pour conseiller les officiers irakiens du JOC-I (Joint Operations Command – Irak), le centre interarmées des opérations irakien, une nouvelle structure voit le jour. Le Joint Operations Advisory Team (JOCAT), unité de conseil pour les opérations interarmées, dont le colonel Laurent prend le commandement, sera insérée au sein du Military Advisory Group (qui regroupe les conseillers des hautes autorités du JOC-I).

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 12 au 18 août inclus)
Les aéronefs français basés au Levant et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la Coalition. Cette semaine, les avions engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes.

Incident date

August 17, 2020

Incident Code

TS446

LOCATION

M4 غرب عين عيسى, M4, West of Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Deaths and injuries among civilians were reported by local sources as a result of alleged Turkish forces and Turkey-backed militants shelling of Ain Issa, in Raqqa, Syria on August 17th, 2020. While most sources reported that two civilians were wounded, others reported deaths without a specific number. @dersi4m tweeted that ‘theTurkish army and it’s jihadist

Summary

First published
August 17, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2020

Incident Code

RS4518

LOCATION

البادية السورية, Syrian Badia, Homs, Syria

Civilians were reported killed and injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Syrian desert, or Al Badia Al Souria, on August 14th, 2020. @so_ria98 reported intense airstrikes by Russian warplanes in several areas of the desert and stated there were reports of civilian casualties, as well as the targeting of a car believed to be

Summary

First published
August 14, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
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 belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

French MoD for August 5, 2020 – August 11, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

August 11, 2020

CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

L’opération Chammal se poursuit, et les armées restent résolument engagées dans leur lutte contre l’organisation terroriste Daesh, qui profitant de la pandémie COVID-19, essaie de reconstituer son réseau et poursuit ses actions violentes à bas niveau.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

Le général Tardif à Bagdad
Le général Tardif, représentant national de théâtre pour l’opération Chammal, est à Bagdad dans le cadre de ses activités de DICE (Director of interagency and civilian environment), qui consiste à coordonner les opérations militaires de la coalition avec les activités civiles dans les domaines de l’assistance humanitaire, du déminage, de l’aide d’urgence et de l’assistance à l’établissement des conditions de stabilisation de la zone irako-syrienne. Il est également régulièrement en lien avec les ambassades, les organisations internationales et les organisations non-gouvernementales (ONG), le gouvernement irakien, les ONG et les différents partenaires.

A ce titre, après s’être entretenu avec le lieutenant général White (appellation américaine pour général de corps d’armée), commandant de l’opération Inherent Resolve, dont l’opération Chammal est la partie française, le général Tardif a rencontré plusieurs représentants des organisations internationales et non gouvernementales.

En quelques jours, le général Tardif aura rencontré notamment Monsieur Waite, représentant à Bagdad de l’organisation internationale pour les migrations, et les directeurs pour l’Irak de Médecins sans Frontières et du Comité international de la Croix-Rouge.

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 05 au 11 août inclus)
Les aéronefs français basés au Levant et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la Coalition. Cette semaine, les avions engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes.

Incident date

August 6, 2020

Incident Code

TS445

LOCATION

قامشلي, Electrical cables manufacturing facility, Qamishli, Al Hassakah, Syria

One civilian was allegedly injured by a Turkish drone strike on Qamishli. ANHA reported: “On Thursday evening, an explosion was heard at about 18:30 in the Swiss Canal neighborhood, east of Qamishlo, which was found to have been caused by a shell fired by a drone belonging to the Turkish occupation at a civilian electrical

Summary

First published
August 6, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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
Turkish Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 4, 2020

Incident Code

TS444

LOCATION

Efdikê, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian was allegedly injured by Turkish shelling on Afdko, west of Tal Abyad. ANHA wrote: “Our agency correspondent reported that, in the meantime, the Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries are bombing the village of Afdko, located to the west of Tel Abyad. Our correspondent explained that the shelling hit civilians and their homes,

Summary

First published
August 4, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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
Turkish Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

French MoD for July 29, 2020 – August 4, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

August 4, 2020

CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

L’opération Chammal se poursuit, et les Armées restent résolument engagées dans leur lutte contre l’organisation terroriste Daech, qui tente de reconstituer son réseau et poursuit ses actions violentes à bas niveau.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

Transfert d’autorité au centre interallié des opérations aériennes de Al Udeid au Qatar
Pour les quelques Français de l’opération Chammal stationnés au CAOC (Combined air operation center), le centre interallié des opérations aériennes, c’est l’heure de changer de commandant. Le colonel Bernard passe le témoin au colonel Bruno. Les quelques français insérés sur place assurent la programmation des missions aériennes des avions français de l’opération Chammal au sein de l’opération Inherent Resolve, la coalition internationale contre Daesh. Chasseurs Rafale, avions de transport A400m Atlas, E3F pour le commandement et la conduite aéroportées des opérations aériennes, ravitailleurs A330 Phénix, chaque avion français a eu son plan de vol validé par les militaires désormais sous les ordres du colonel Bruno.

Relève de frégate

Le 17 avril dernier, la frégate furtive de type La Fayette (FLF) Aconit quittait Toulon pour un déploiement en Méditerranée. Pour l’occasion l’Aconit avait embarqué un détachement de la flottille 36F et son hélicoptère Panther. L’équipage a été particulièrement engagé en soutien direct de l’opération CHAMMAL de lutte contre le terrorisme en Méditerranée orientale. La frégate a également contribué à entretenir la coopération et l’interopérabilité de la Marine nationale avec les partenaires de la région en conduisant différents exercices (sauvetage en mer au large de Chypre avec l’Italie, la Grèce et la République de Chypre).

La FLF Aconit a finalement été relevée par son sistership la FLF La Fayette, et a retrouvé son port de base le mercredi 5 août 2020.

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 29 juillet au 04 août inclus)
Les aéronefs français basés au Levant et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la Coalition. Cette semaine, les avions engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 16 sorties aériennes.

Incident date

August 3, 2020

Incident Code

RS4517

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Up to four civilians have been killed and up to seven injured due to multiple alleged airstrikes by Russian and Assadi forces on the town of Binnish, Idlib province on August 3rd 2020. Ariha post reported the names of three civilians from one family killed in the strike : Majed Ibn Jassim Al-Mohammed, Majid Ibn

Summary

First published
August 3, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–7
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2020

Incident Code

TS443

LOCATION

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources reported that three children were injured in alleged Turkish forces and/or Turkey-backed forces artillery strikes on Ain Issa on August 1st, 2020. One of them is in a critical condition. “The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitored, this evening, artillery shelling carried out by the Turkish forces and the factions loyal to them,

Summary

First published
August 1, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Suspected targets
Assad regime, YPG/SDF
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

CJTF–OIR for July 1, 2020 – July 31, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

July 31, 2020

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

September 8, 2020
Release No. 20200908-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CJTF-OIR Strike Summary Report, July 2020

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and
its partners continue to target and pursue the enduring defeat of Daesh.

CJTF-OIR and partner forces have liberated nearly 110,000 square kilometers
(42,471 square miles) from Daesh. As a result, 7.7 million people no longer
live under Daesh oppression.  CJTF-OIR remains committed to the enduring
defeat of Daesh to improve conditions for peace and stability in the region
and to protect all our homelands from the Daesh terrorist threat.

Strike Summary
Between July 1 and July 31, 2020, CJTF-OIR conducted a total of 13 strikes
consisting of 29 engagements in Iraq and Syria.

In Iraq, CJTF-OIR conducted nine strikes against Daesh targets consisting of
25 engagements. This resulted in 27 enemy killed, three caves reduced, four
caches destroyed, three logistics locations neutralized and one camouflage
position destroyed.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted four strikes against Daesh targets consisting
of four engagements. This resulted in four terrain denial operations.

This CJTF-OIR strike release contains all strikes conducted by fighter,
attack, bomber, rotary-wing, or remotely piloted aircraft, rocket propelled
artillery and ground-based tactical artillery.

A strike, as defined in the CJTF-OIR release, refers to one or more kinetic
engagements that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a
single, sometimes cumulative effect in that location. For example, a single
aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone Daesh vehicle is one
strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against a
group of Daesh-held buildings and weapon systems in a compound, having the
cumulative effect of making that facility harder or impossible to use.
Strike assessments are based on initial reports and may be refined.

CJTF-OIR does not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a
strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of
individual munition impact points against a target. The information used to
compile the daily strike releases is based on ‘Z’ or Greenwich Mean Time.

#DefeatDaesh

-30-

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

Report Date

July 31, 2020

Report Summary

  • 13 total strikes
  • 9 in Iraq
  • 4 in Syria

Confirmed Actions

US
Between July 1 and July 31, 2020, CJTF-OIR conducted a total of 13 strikes
consisting of 29 engagements in Iraq and Syria.

In Iraq, CJTF-OIR conducted nine strikes against Daesh targets consisting of
25 engagements. This resulted in 27 enemy killed, three caves reduced, four
caches destroyed, three logistics locations neutralized and one camouflage
position destroyed.
July 1, 2020 – July 31, 2020
Syria: 4 strikes
Between July 1 and July 31, 2020, CJTF-OIR conducted a total of 13 strikes
consisting of 29 engagements in Iraq and Syria.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted four strikes against Daesh targets consisting
of four engagements. This resulted in four terrain denial operations.   

French MoD for July 22, 2020 – July 28, 2020
Original
Annotated

Report Date

July 28, 2020

CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

L’opération Chammal se poursuit, et les Armées restent résolument engagées dans leur lutte contre l’organisation terroriste Daech, qui tente de reconstituer son réseau et poursuit ses actions violentes à bas niveau.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

Ø Le général Tardif, SNR mais aussi directeur des affaires civilo-militaires (ACM) de la coalition internationale
Prenant la succession du général Dupont comme Senior national representative pour le théâtre (SNR-O) pour l’opération Chammal, le général Tardif s’est fait présenter les différentes missions du DICE (Directorate of interagency and civil environment) dont il assure la direction. Ce nouveau service de l’état-major de l’Operation inherent resolve (OIR) est responsable des actions civilo-militaires (ACM). Le DICE assurera désormais le lien direct entre toutes les ONG et autres agences présentes en Irak et le gouvernement irakien.

Ø 2000 heures de vol pour le Rafale depuis le début de l’année

L’activité aérienne de nos chasseurs engagés dans la coalition est toujours aussi conséquente. Depuis le 1er janvier 2020, l’escadron de chasse de la Base aérienne projetée (BAP) au Levant a effectué près de 440 sorties pour un total de 2000 heures de vol. 2000 heures, c’est autant d’activités pour toutes les spécialités connexes : contrôleurs aériens, mécaniciens, commandos, pompiers, etc. qui œuvrent pour que, tous les jours, les avions français de Chammal puissent participer aux missions aériennes de OIR.

Ø 1000e rotation d’un avion de transport
Cette semaine, la BAP au Levant a accueilli son millième avion de transport depuis sa création en novembre 2014. Hub logistique incontournable pour l’opération Chammal, la BAP accueille chaque semaine A400M, Transall et, depuis la semaine dernière, le tout nouveau A330 MRTT Phénix.

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 22 au 28 juillet inclus)

Les aéronefs français basés au Levant et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la Coalition. Cette semaine, les avions engagés dans l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes.