Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident date

April 13, 2019

Incident Code

RS3617

LOCATION

أورم الجوز, Urma Al Jouz, Idlib, Syria

Alleged Russian airstrikes struck the town of Urma Al Jouz, in the western countryside of Idlib, around midnight between April 13th and 14th, wounding a family of five, according to local media. Over a dozen missile strikes were reportedly fired from three Russian planes. The strikes were described as rocket attacks, or more specifically as

Summary

First published
April 13, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 13, 2019

Incident Code

CS1917

LOCATION

الطكيحي, Al Takihi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between midnight and 5 am on the morning of April 13th five people were reportedly killed in what was described as a “landing operation” by the US-led Coalition in Al-Takihi village. According to Jisir TV, the operation was carried out by several Apache helicopters and Hummer vehicles. It was, however, unclear who killed the victims (whose

Summary

First published
April 13, 2019
Last updated
March 22, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 woman0–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
8
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
0–4
View Incident

Incident date

April 13, 2019

Incident Code

ISSY-120419

LOCATION

مصياف, Massyaf, Hama, Syria

At least one belligerent was killed and between six and 17 were injured in alleged Israeli strikes on the town of Massyaf in the Hama Countryside between April 12th and April 13th, 2019. Arab News quoted Syrian Arab News Agency as stating “an Israeli airstrike on a military position in central Syria early Saturday wounded

Summary

First published
April 13, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
Israeli Military
Suspected targets
Assad regime, Iranian military
Belligerents reported killed
1
Belligerents reported injured
6–17
View Incident

Published

April 10, 2019

Written by

Airwars Staff

Partnership with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism helps secure long-term accountability for US drone wars

Airwars has announced that in partnership with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, it will also now be monitoring airstrikes and reported civilian harm from secretive US campaigns in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia, in addition to its current portfolio of major conflicts.

The US counter terrorism campaigns – conducted by the CIA and US Special Forces – have been monitored by the Bureau since 2010, as part of one of the longest continuous investigations in modern media history. While the Bureau will continue to pursue investigative stories, Airwars will now take over the daily monitoring of reported airstrikes and local claims of civilian harm from US actions in Yemen, Somalia and Pakistan.

“Holding governments and militaries properly to account for civilian harm is central to our work at Airwars – and we’re pleased to be partnering with the Bureau to ensure long term monitoring and advocacy engagement on these challenging US conflicts,” says the Director of Airwars Chris Woods.

“The Bureau’s pioneering work investigating the use of drones in secret wars has had significant impact in improving transparency and accountability around the use of these modern weapons. Our monitoring of these strikes, and wider air strikes, has been an important part of this work,” says Rachel Oldroyd, Editor of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

“We are delighted that Airwars has agreed to take on this crucial aspect of keeping power accountable for civilian harm, leaving our journalists able to focus on digging into the important stories buried in the data.”

Poor transparency

More than 1,100 civilian deaths have been locally alleged from US actions in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia since 2002, in controversial campaigns which have been dominated by CIA and Special Forces drone strikes. However US transparency for these actions has historically been poor. Limited accountability improvements introduced in the last months of the Obama  Administration were recently scrapped by President Trump.

Airwars already monitors and assesses civilian harm claims from international military actions in Iraq, Syria, and Libya. It also engages with militaries where possible to improve their own understanding of public casualty claims. This has helped lead to significant improvements in US military reporting of civilian harm during the war against ISIS, for example.

Chris Woods – who originally founded the Bureau’s award winning Drones Project back in 2010 – says casualty events and data for the three US campaigns will continue to feature on the Bureau’s website. The Airwars team expects to integrate the three additional conflicts into its own site by early summer, with daily monitoring and assessments starting immediately.

▲ Library image: A US MQ-9 Reaper drone at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada in July 2016. Creech is also home to CIA remote drone operations. (Image: US Air Force/ Airman 1st Class Kristan Campbell)

French MoD for April 3, 2019 – April 9, 2019
Original
Annotated

Report Date

April 9, 2019

Notes

For April 3rd-9th, French MoD report 66 sorties and 2 airstrikes.

CHAMMAL
SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

L’opération Chammal, au sein de la Coalition, poursuit la lutte contre Daesh et continue à appuyer les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS), en Syrie, dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, et les Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI), en Irak.

À la suite des combats qui ont conduit à la fin de l’emprise territoriale du pseudo-califat, ces opérations, allant du renseignement aux frappes ont pour vocation d’interdire toute tentative de résurgence de Daesh, qui agit désormais en semi-clandestinité.

En Syrie, les FDS poursuivent les opérations de sécurisation de la MERV.

En Irak, la situation sécuritaire reste sous contrôle des FSI. Le pèlerinage de Kaazhimiyah (Al Khadeim) qui s’est tenu du 28 mars au 4 avril s’est déroulé sans incident. La sixième division irakienne a participé aux opérations de filtrage en marge de ce pèlerinage, après avoir bénéficié des conseils de la Task Force Monsabert.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

La France poursuit son engagement au sein du pilier appui de la coalition à travers la poursuite des opérations aériennes.

Le groupe aéronaval agit toujours en soutien de l’opération CHAMMAL.

Visite du commandant de la Coalition à bord au groupe aéronaval

Le porte-avions a reçu la visite, le 6 avril, du lieutenant général LaCamera, commandant de la « Combined Joint Task Force » (CJTF) de la coalition, accompagné du général de brigade aérienne Vigilant, French Senior National Representative (SNR) de l’opération Chammal. Il s’agissait de la première visite du commandant de l’opération Inherent Resolve à une unité française engagée au sein du CJTF.

La Task Force Monsabert participe à la formation « servant » sur l’obusier M198

Du 24 au 27 mars, les spécialistes de la Task Force Monsabert ont secondé les instructeurs de l’école d’artillerie irakienne lors d’un cours de formation d’équipage de pièce sur l’obusier de 155 mm M198 Howitzer.

La formation initiale des artilleurs irakiens étant dédiée à l’utilisation des mortiers de 120 mm, une formation complémentaire sur ce matériel dont sont dotés les Irakiens était nécessaire.

La générale de brigade Duncan rend visite à la Task Force Monsabert.

Le jeudi 4 avril, la générale de brigade australienne Ana Duncan, chef de la division « plans » de la Coalition a rendu visite au sein de la Task Force Monsabert, dont elle a pu constater la spécificité au sein du pilier « formation » de l’opération Inherent Resolve.

Les militaires français vivent au sein même de la 6e division. Ce positionnement lui permet d’optimiser et d’élargir son offre de formation : la Task Force Monsabert offre à la fois des actions d’advise and assist, d’instruction des soldats, de formation des cadres et de coaching des formateurs, dans une quinzaine de domaines de spécialités différents.

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 3 au 9 avril inclus)

Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis, et projetés depuis le groupe aéronaval poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.
Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 66 sorties aériennes. Les Rafale français ont conduit 2 frappes cette semaine.

Incident date

April 6, 2019

Incident Code

RS3616

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shughour, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that long-range high-explosive ballistic missiles struck the city of Jisr al-Shughour. Step News specified that ten missiles struck residential buildings and infrastructure in the city. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the strikes struck an area near the Mamoun Haj Yahya School in al Shamali al Sharqi neighborhood, severely destroying

Summary

First published
April 8, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery, Naval bombardment
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
12–14
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
12 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3396

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

A family was among seven civilians killed as Russian and regime forces reportedly struck the city of Douma. Civil Defense teams said warplanes and helicopters bombed the city with more than 100 raids and an explosive barrel, in addition to rocket and artillery shelling. Sources also reported the use of cluster munitions.

Summary

First published
April 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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

April 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3615

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

Local sources reported that an elderly man was killed when multiple Russian airstrikes allegedly struck several neighbourhoods in the city of Kafr Zeita. Local news outlet Baladi News reported that the Russian Airforce conducted eight airstrikes with high-explosive rockets on residential neighbourhoods in the town. According to Step News, the Russian planes launched a total

Summary

First published
April 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 6, 2019

Incident Code

RS3614

LOCATION

كفرنبل, Kafr Nubul, Idlib, Syria

A child and a woman were reportedly killed and more than a dozen civilians were injured in shelling on the town of Kafr Nabil in Idlib, according to sources on the ground. In an initial post, Smart News blamed the Russian forces but later blamed the Syrian regime instead. Other local sources blamed the Syrian

Summary

First published
April 6, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
10–22
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
7 named
View Incident

CJTF–OIR for March 24, 2019 – April 6, 2019
Original
Annotated

Report Date

April 6, 2019

CJTF-OIR Strike Summary March 24 – April 6, 2019

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 Daesh’s terrorist threat.

Strike Summary

Between March 24 – April 6, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 52 strikes consisting of 98 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 29 strikes consisting of 53 engagements, engaged 28 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 72 vehicles, 17 fighting positions, 15 supply routes, and three vehicle borne improvised explosive devices.

In Iraq, CJTF-OIR conducted 23 strikes consisting of 45 engagements, engaged three Daesh tactical units, and destroyed seven tunnels, four supply routes, two buildings, two caves, one command and control center, and one compound.

Between March 24 – April 6, 2019, CJTF-OIR detected 67 strikes from other actors that crossed the Euphrates River Valley. CJTF-OIR is committed to avoiding and in every case minimizing civilian casualties; CJTF-OIR calls on all other actors in the area to observe the same precautions.

This Coalition 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 Coalition 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.

Report Date

April 6, 2019

Report Summary

  • 52 total strikes
  • 29 in Syria
  • 23 in Iraq

Confirmed Actions

US

CJTF-OIR Strike Summary March 24 – April 6, 2019

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 Daesh's terrorist threat.

Strike Summary

Between March 24 - April 6, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 52 strikes consisting of 98 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.

March 24, 2019 – April 6, 2019
Syria: 29 strikes
Iraq: 23 strikes
In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 29 strikes consisting of 53 engagements, engaged 28 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 72 vehicles, 17 fighting positions, 15 supply routes, and three vehicle borne improvised explosive devices.
In Iraq, CJTF-OIR conducted 23 strikes consisting of 45 engagements, engaged three Daesh tactical units, and destroyed seven tunnels, four supply routes, two buildings, two caves, one command and control center, and one compound.

Between March 24 - April 6, 2019, CJTF-OIR detected 67 strikes from other actors that crossed the Euphrates River Valley. CJTF-OIR is committed to avoiding and in every case minimizing civilian casualties; CJTF-OIR calls on all other actors in the area to observe the same precautions.

This Coalition 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 Coalition 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.

French MoD for March 27, 2019 – April 2, 2019
Original
Annotated

Report Date

April 2, 2019

Notes

For March 27th to April 2nd, France report that its Rafales conducted 36 air sorties but no strikes.

CHAMMAL
SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

Poursuite des opérations en Syrie

L’opération Chammal, au sein de la Coalition, continue à appuyer les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) dans leur lutte contre Daesh, en particulier pour la sécurisation de la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, après l’annonce de fin de l’emprise territoriale du pseudo-califat faite par les FDS le samedi 23 mars. La lutte contre Daesh continue.

Poursuite des actions en Irak
La situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak, et reste sous contrôle des Forces de sécurité intérieures qui poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE
La France poursuit son engagement au sein du pilier appui de la coalition à travers la poursuite des opérations aériennes. Le groupe aéronaval est toujours intégré à l’opération Chammal.

Le partenariat de la TF Monsabert et de l’école d’artillerie irakienne
La Task Force (TF) Monsabert déploie depuis février 2019 une équipe d’instructeurs au sein de l’école d’artillerie irakienne en plus des actions de formation et de conseil au profit de la 6e division irakienne.

Une équipe composée de dix artilleurs est responsable de ce nouvel axe de formation en plus des équipes dédiées aux cours donnés aux bataillons d’artillerie de la 6e division.

Deux types de cours sont dispensés : les cours de l’avant et de l’arrière.
Le cours de l’avant est un stage très sélectif dont l’objectif est de donner la qualification de « joint fire observer ». Les élèves qui termineront les huit semaines de formation seront en mesure de planifier le soutien feu interarmées, de fournir des renseignements ou le guidage pour les aéronefs lors d’opération de soutien aérien ou de combat rapproché.

Une trentaine de candidats ont été proposés pour participer au premier stage qui a débuté le 23 février.

Le cours de l’arrière forme des soldats et des instructeurs aux fondamentaux de l’artillerie comme l’emploi des canons ou le calcul de tir… Après deux mois de cours, plus de 330 élèves ont été formés.

Seize stages sont programmés jusqu’en juin.

Une journée avec les démineurs – EOD de la TF Monsabert
Le dimanche 16 mars, à Bagdad, les démineurs français de la TF Monsabert, et irakiens de la 24e brigade irakienne ont organisé une séance conjointe afin de détruire les munitions utilisées de manière conventionnelle ou les éléments utilisés pour la confection d’Engins explosifs improvisés (EEI). Une vingtaine d’obus de 122 mm et autres composants avaient été saisis par les soldats de la 6e division dans des caches de Daech. Ils ont été détruits selon les procédures des spécialistes irakiens sous l’œil attentif des Français.
Les EOD des deux nations (Explosive ordnance disposal) ont ainsi pu partager leur savoir-faire, et ce nouvel exercice conjoint a permis de confirmer les compétences techniques des Irakiens dans le domaine des EOD. Les démineurs français ont proposé aux sapeurs irakiens quelques aménagements pour gagner en sécurité lors de ce type de séance, notamment à travers la mise en place de moyens médicaux adaptés à proximité des interventions.

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 27 mars au 2 avril inclus)
Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis, et projetés depuis le groupe aéronaval poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.
Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 36 sorties aériennes (bilan du 27 mars au 02 avril inclus). Les Rafale français n’ont pas conduit de frappe cette semaine.

Incident date

April 1, 2019

Incident Code

RS3613

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafar Zeita, Hama, Syria

One adult male civilian died and up to four other civilians (including a father and his two children) were wounded in an alleged Assad regime or Russian artillery bombardment of Kafar Zeita on the afternoon of April 1st, local sources reported. According to Smart News, Russian forces conducted heavy artillery shelling on the cities of

Summary

First published
April 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3612

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma'aret Al Nu'man, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that four civilians including a woman were wounded when a cluster bomb that was dropped in a previous strike (the date unknown) exploded in Ma’aret Al Nu’man on March 28th. Sources were conflicted on whether the cluster bomb had originally been dropped by regime or Russian forces.  

Summary

First published
March 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
4
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, 2019

Incident Code

RS3611

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

One woman was injured in an alleged regime or Russian artillery strike on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. On March 28th, the Syrian Observatory said “that it had monitored more violations in the areas of the Russian-Turkish truce and surrounding areas” It added that it had “monitored intensive bombardment by regime forces with more than

Summary

First published
March 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
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 27, 2019

Incident Code

RS3610

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Al Lataminah, Hama, Syria

One adult male civilian was wounded in alleged regime or Russian artillery shelling of Al Lataminah, according to local media. The Smart News Agency, citing activists as its source, reported: “A civilian was wounded as a result of artillery shelling on the town of Latamna, north of Hama, the source of the Russian forces camp in

Summary

First published
March 27, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

UK MoD for March 27, 2019 – March 27, 2019
Original
Annotated

Report Date

March 27, 2019

Wednesday 27 March – Typhoons collapsed the entrances to two caves used by Daesh in northern Iraq…

Following the liberation by the Syrian Democratic Forces of the last territory held by Daesh in Syria, Royal Air Force aircraft have continued to fly daily armed reconnaissance missions ready to support both the SDF and the Iraqi security forces to frustrate any attempts by the terrorists to re-establish a presence in either country.

On Wednesday 27 March, two Typhoon FGR4s flying from RAF Akrotiri, and supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker as normal, were tasked to assist the Iraqis, who had identified a set of caves used by Daesh in very hilly terrain some thirteen miles east of Bayji. The Typhoons were able to strike the two cave entrances with a Paveway IV apiece.

Incident date

March 27, 2019

Incident Code

ISSY-270319

LOCATION

الشيخ نجار وقرب مطار حلب الدولي, Al sheikh Najar and near Aleppo airport, Aleppo, Syria

Between seven and 10 belligerents, specifically member of the Iranian forces and their loyal militias, were killed and others were wounded in alleged Israeli strikes on Al sheikh Najar and near Aleppo airport around midnight between March 27/28, 2019. Euphrates Post reported “Israeli planes targeted midnight on Wednesday with violent raids in the vicinity of

Summary

First published
March 27, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
Israeli Military
Suspected targets
Assad regime, Iranian military
Belligerents reported killed
7–10
Belligerents reported injured
2
View Incident

French MoD for March 20, 2019 – March 26, 2019
Original
Annotated

Report Date

March 26, 2019

Notes

From March 20th to March 26th, French MoD report that aircraft conducted 26 sorties but no airstrikes.

CHAMMAL
SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

Reprise de la poche de Baghouz
Après de violents combats, les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes ont planté leur drapeau sur Baghouz le samedi 23 mars, ce qui marque la fin de l’emprise territoriale de Daesh au Levant.
Cette chute du pseudo-califat marque une étape décisive et couronne les efforts des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes, des forces de sécurité irakiennes, de la coalition internationale et des forces françaises de l’opération Chammal, dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, mais elle ne signifie pas la fin de la guerre contre Daesh. Comme l’a annoncé la ministre des Armées, madame Florence Parly, le combat continue.
Poursuite des actions en Irak
La situation sécuritaire reste stable en Irak, et reste sous contrôle des forces de sécurité intérieures.
ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

A la suite de la reprise des derniers territoires encore aux mains de Daesh, le dispositif des forces françaises engagées au Levant va évoluer ces prochaines semaines. La France poursuit actuellement son engagement au sein du pilier appui de la coalition à travers la poursuite des opérations aériennes : ; les aéronefs français continuent de remplir des missions de surveillance et de renseignement en Irak et en Syrie tout en étant en mesure de procéder à des frappes.

Le groupe aéronaval participe toujours à l’opération Chammal. Le destroyer américain USS Ross a rejoint le groupe aéronaval le 22 mars.
Un A330 MRTT « Phénix » participe pour la première fois à la relève des Rafale au Levant

Vendredi 22 mars 2019, l’A330 Phénix de la 31e escadre aérienne de ravitaillement et de transport stratégique a été déployé au Levant, dans le cadre de la relève de deux avions de combat Rafale.

Pour la première fois, le nouvel avion stratégique de l’Armée de l’air a convoyé deux Rafale de la 30e escadre de la base aérienne 118 de Mont-de-Marsan, qui ont pris le relais deux Rafale de la 4e escadre, stationnée sur la base aérienne 113 de Saint-Dizier. Le Phénix a décollé peu après 9 h de la base aérienne 125 d’Istres. Il a rejoint les Rafale de Mont-de-Marsan sur un axe de ravitaillement au large de la Corse. Après 4 h 30 de vol, le Phénix a atterri à Amman-Marqa en Jordanie. Au total, un peu plus de douze tonnes de pétrole ont été délivrées aux deux avions de chasse.
Il s’agissait du premier véritable convoyage d’avions d’armes confié à un Phénix. Le succès de cette mission confirme les capacités du Phénix, et en particulier, le système de préparation de mission récemment reçu.

Livré à l’Armée de l’air au mois de septembre 2018, le Phénix est un aéronef multi-rôles, tant ravitailleur que transporteur (fret et passagers). L’avion de ligne A330 a été militarisé et adapté aux besoins spécifiques de l’Armée de l’air. En janvier dernier, l’A330 Phénix réalisait sa première mission très longue distance dans le cadre de l’exercice « Marathon-Monfreid ».

Si la dissuasion reste la mission première des ravitailleurs, le Phénix permettra aussi d’assurer, sans discontinuité et avec des performances substantiellement accrues, les missions de ravitaillement en vol des capacités conventionnelles de transport de personnel et de fret, d’évacuation aéro-médicalisée et de relais de communication et de renseignement. Aux termes de la loi de programmation militaire 2019-2025, l’Armée de l’air sera dotée de 15 Phénix à l’horizon 2025.

La Task Force Monsabert forme les auxiliaires sanitaires irakiens

Fin mars a lieu le pèlerinage chiite d’Al Kadhimiya qui est l’un des plus importants de la région. Cet événement — qui rassemble des millions de personnes à Bagdad —, constitue un réel défi pour la 6e division irakienne chargée de la sécurité de la capitale. Il représente également un défi pour les auxiliaires sanitaires militaires.

La Task force Monsabert a organisé avec l’équipe médicale française un programme de formation et d’entraînements spécifiques qui s’est déroulé du 17 au 19 mars, pour entraîner le personnel de santé irakien en vue de son déploiement sur le terrain.

La première journée a été consacrée à la remise à niveau des ambulances irakiennes. Les véhicules ont été équipés selon des standards simples, avec du matériel adapté pour les premiers secours et le combat.

Pour la seconde journée, les instructeurs ont créé trois protocoles de prise en charge de blessé adaptés aux ressources matérielles dont disposent les Irakiens.
Les stagiaires ont pu mettre en pratique les procédures et protocoles nouvellement acquis de la prise en charge sur le lieu de l’incident au transport vers le centre de traitement.

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 20 au 26 mars inclus)

Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis, et projetés depuis le groupe aéronaval poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.
Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 62 sorties aériennes (bilan du 20 au 26 mars inclus). Les Rafale français n’ont pas conduit de frappe cette semaine.

CJTF–OIR for March 10, 2019 – March 23, 2019
Original
Annotated

Report Date

March 23, 2019

CJTF-OIR Strike Summary March 10 – 23, 2019

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 Daesh’s terrorist threat.

Strike Summary

Between March 10 – 23, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 250 strikes consisting of 398 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 193 strikes consisting of 338 engagements, engaged 346 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 104 vehicles, 63 supply routes, 39 fighting positions, 31 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, nine tactical vehicles, six fuel tankers, four weapons caches, two command and control nodes, one tunnel, one tanker for petroleum oil and lubricants, one mortar system, and one checkpoint.

In Iraq, CJTF-OIR conducted 57 strikes consisting of 60 engagements, engaged 44 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 14 supply routes, three buildings, two fighting position, one weapons cache, and one cave.

Between March 10 – 23, 2019, CJTF-OIR detected 72 strikes from other actors that crossed the Euphrates River Valley. CJTF-OIR is committed to avoiding and in every case minimizing civilian casualties; CJTF-OIR calls on all other actors in the area to observe the same precautions.

This Coalition 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 Coalition 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.

Report Date

March 23, 2019

Report Summary

  • 250 total strikes
  • 193 in Syria
  • 57 in Iraq

Confirmed Actions

US

CJTF-OIR Strike Summary March 10 - 23, 2019

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 Daesh's terrorist threat.

Strike Summary

Between March 10 - 23, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 250 strikes consisting of 398 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.

March 10, 2019 – March 23, 2019
Syria: 193 strikes
Iraq: 57 strikes
In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 193 strikes consisting of 338 engagements, engaged 346 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 104 vehicles, 63 supply routes, 39 fighting positions, 31 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, nine tactical vehicles, six fuel tankers, four weapons caches, two command and control nodes, one tunnel, one tanker for petroleum oil and lubricants, one mortar system, and one checkpoint.
In Iraq, CJTF-OIR conducted 57 strikes consisting of 60 engagements, engaged 44 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 14 supply routes, three buildings, two fighting position, one weapons cache, and one cave.

Between March 10 - 23, 2019, CJTF-OIR detected 72 strikes from other actors that crossed the Euphrates River Valley. CJTF-OIR is committed to avoiding and in every case minimizing civilian casualties; CJTF-OIR calls on all other actors in the area to observe the same precautions.

This Coalition 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 Coalition 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.

CJTF–OIR for March 23, 2019 – March 23, 2019
Original
Annotated

Report Date

March 23, 2019

Coalition, partner forces liberate last territory held by Daesh

SOUTHWEST ASIA – The Coalition congratulates the Syrian Democratic Forces on the liberation of the remaining civilians under Daesh control and the elimination of Daesh’s self-proclaimed territorial caliphate in the Middle Euphrates River Valley, Syria, March 23, 2019.

Since the beginning of operations in 2014, the Coalition 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.

“The end of the so called physical caliphate is a historic military accomplishment that brought together the largest Coalition in history, but the fight against Daesh and violent extremism is far from over,” said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Paul LaCamera, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve commanding general.

The SDF ground operation to defeat Daesh in the MERV began in September 2018. Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces supported the ground offensive through cross border air and artillery strikes. The Coalition and its partner forces have, among other areas, liberated Hajin, Dashisha, land around Deir ez-Zor and Baghuz Faqwani.

“It is important for us to remember all those who died during the fight against Daesh. During this four-year campaign, thousands of Syrian Democratic Forces and Iraqi Security Forces did not return to their families. I pray for your losses, and for a speedy recovery of your wounded,” said LaCamera. “We also cannot forget our Coalition members who saw their last full measure of devotion in the pursuit of defeating Daesh. These Coalition and partner force fighters put their nation’s needs before their own and defended the world against the threat of Daesh. They represented the best of their country. We must never forget their courage, dedication, and sacrifice.”

LaCamera continued, “The 74 nation and five international organization Coalition will need to maintain a vigilant offensive against this now widely dispersed and disaggregated organization.”

“Make no mistake, Daesh is preserving their force” LaCamera added. “They have made calculated decisions to preserve what is left of their dwindling personnel and capabilities by taking their chances in camps for internally displaced persons and going to ground in remote areas. They are waiting for the right time to reemerge.”

More than 60,000 Daesh terrorist and civilian have surrendered or fled from Baghuz Faqwani over the past month.
“Many civilians evacuated from Baghuz Faqwani are family members of Daesh terrorists and they willingly subscribed to Daesh’s radical ideology. These family members will not easily abandon their ideology. Their reintegration into society will require a collective effort from the coalition and international community to help eliminate conditions that would allow Daesh to reemerge,” said LaCamera.

“Now is not the time to rest and the assistance from the members of the Coalition is critical in consolidating our military gains. We recognize that military action alone will not ensure success and will continue to advocate continued support towards the enduring defeat of Daesh. International support to Iraq and northeast Syria is critical to the success of the enduring defeat of Daesh. More importantly, we must redouble our efforts at defeating their ideology,” LaCamera concluded.

The Coalition will continue work with our SDF partners and assist them in building their capabilities to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh; we will also focus on defeating their ideology.

Report Date

March 23, 2019

Coalition, partner forces liberate last territory held by Daesh

SOUTHWEST ASIA - The Coalition congratulates the Syrian Democratic Forces on the liberation of the remaining civilians under Daesh control and the elimination of Daesh's self-proclaimed territorial caliphate in the Middle Euphrates River Valley, Syria, March 23, 2019.

Since the beginning of operations in 2014, the Coalition 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.

"The end of the so called physical caliphate is a historic military accomplishment that brought together the largest Coalition in history, but the fight against Daesh and violent extremism is far from over," said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Paul LaCamera, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve commanding general.

The SDF ground operation to defeat Daesh in the MERV began in September 2018. Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces supported the ground offensive through cross border air and artillery strikes. The Coalition and its partner forces have, among other areas, liberated Hajin, Dashisha, land around Deir ez-Zor and Baghuz Faqwani.

"It is important for us to remember all those who died during the fight against Daesh. During this four-year campaign, thousands of Syrian Democratic Forces and Iraqi Security Forces did not return to their families. I pray for your losses, and for a speedy recovery of your wounded," said LaCamera. "We also cannot forget our Coalition members who saw their last full measure of devotion in the pursuit of defeating Daesh. These Coalition and partner force fighters put their nation's needs before their own and defended the world against the threat of Daesh. They represented the best of their country. We must never forget their courage, dedication, and sacrifice."

LaCamera continued, "The 74 nation and five international organization Coalition will need to maintain a vigilant offensive against this now widely dispersed and disaggregated organization."

"Make no mistake, Daesh is preserving their force" LaCamera added. "They have made calculated decisions to preserve what is left of their dwindling personnel and capabilities by taking their chances in camps for internally displaced persons and going to ground in remote areas. They are waiting for the right time to reemerge."

More than 60,000 Daesh terrorist and civilian have surrendered or fled from Baghuz Faqwani over the past month.

"Many civilians evacuated from Baghuz Faqwani are family members of Daesh terrorists and they willingly subscribed to Daesh's radical ideology. These family members will not easily abandon their ideology. Their reintegration into society will require a collective effort from the coalition and international community to help eliminate conditions that would allow Daesh to reemerge," said LaCamera.

"Now is not the time to rest and the assistance from the members of the Coalition is critical in consolidating our military gains. We recognize that military action alone will not ensure success and will continue to advocate continued support towards the enduring defeat of Daesh. International support to Iraq and northeast Syria is critical to the success of the enduring defeat of Daesh. More importantly, we must redouble our efforts at defeating their ideology," LaCamera concluded.

The Coalition will continue work with our SDF partners and assist them in building their capabilities to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh; we will also focus on defeating their ideology.

Incident date

March 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3609

LOCATION

كفريا والفوعة, Kafriya and Al Fou’a, Idlib, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, which several sources referred to as a “massacre”, up to 28 civilians died and as many as 30 more were wounded in multiple alleged Russian airstrikes on he town of Kafriya and Al Fou’a in Idlib. According to Baladi, Russia launched “more than 15 successive airstrikes” on the town

Summary

First published
March 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 28
(3–4 children1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20–30
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2019

Incident Code

CS1915

LOCATION

مخيم الباغوز, Al-Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that a family of five including three children were killed in alleged Coalition bombing in Al-Baghouz camp days several days before March 20th. The exact date they were killed remains unknown. Ahmad Abd Al Rzzaq said: “My cousin Louay Abdel Wahab Al-Hamad Al-Ibrahim Al-Abdullah and his wife Nadra Abdul Aziz Al Thabet

Summary

First published
March 21, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3606

LOCATION

الفقيع, Faqee’, Idlib, Syria

The children Mariam, Fatima, Abdullah and Islam al Mer’e, IDP’s from Al Traimsa village in Hama, were killed alongside their father Ismail while their mother was injured in what was believed to be a Russian airstrike on their house in Al Faqee in Idlib, according to local media. The airstrike was reportedly conducted after midnight

Summary

First published
March 21, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
(2–4 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6
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
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3607

LOCATION

قرية بسيدا, Bsida village, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that six Russian aircrafts carried out airstrikes on a number of villages in rural Idlib including Bsida village. One woman was reported injured in this particular village, while an airstrike on Al Faqee caused a number of fatalities and wounded civilians that Airwars documented in assessment R3397.

Summary

First published
March 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2019

Incident Code

CS1914

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz , Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported the death of the young woman “Alaa Mahmoud Al-Shakran” displaced from the city of Palmyra, as a result of alleged Coalition on the town of Al-Baghouz on March 20th. According to a post by Revo.palmyra3, this brings the number of fatalities to four civilians displaced from Palmyra including two women and one

Summary

First published
March 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2019

Incident Code

RS3608

LOCATION

بلدات متعددة في ريف إدلب, Several towns in Idlib countryside, Idlib, Syria

Local media reported that Russian warplanes carried out strikes on a number of towns and villages in Idlib on March 20th and 21st, resulting in the death of up to five civilians. According to the Step News Agency, “Russia launched several air raids on the towns of Sheikh Mustafa and Basida  and the outskirts of

Summary

First published
March 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1 child)
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

March 19, 2019

Incident Code

CS1916

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two local sources reported that two named civilians – Shaimaa Walid Al Turki  and Rahaf Darwish – died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Baghouz camp. According to revo.palmyra3, the two victimns were displaced from Palmyra and died “as a result of the daily bombardment of aircraft”. Palmyra and Al Sukhna group noted that

Summary

First published
March 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS3304

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

An unknown number of civilians was reportedly killed or wounded in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime air and artillery strikes on the city of Zamalka on March 19th, 2018, according to local sources. @SYR_REV_NEWS reported “martyrs and wounded civilians as a result of warplanes raids with vacuum missiles on the cities and towns of Zamalka,

Summary

First published
March 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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

French MoD for March 13, 2019 – March 19, 2019
Original
Annotated

Report Date

March 19, 2019

Notes

For March 13th-19th, France report that Task Force Wagram did not carry out any artillery missions. Aircraft carried out 57 sorties and there was one strike. It also provides a review of the four years of training of TF Narvik and Monsabert

CHAMMAL

SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THÉÂTRE

Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie

En moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques
syriennes, appuyés par la coalition, pour reconquérir le réduit de Baghouz continuent. Les combats sont intenses, la progression effective, mais lente, en raison de l’évacuation de nombreux civils, et de l’imbrication des combattants et des non combattants.

Poursuite des actions en Irak

La situation sécuritaire est stable en Irak, et reste sous contrôle des Forces de sécurité intérieures qui poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.

ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCE

Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué depuis la semaine dernière. Le groupe aéronaval participe toujours à l’opération Chammal : une frappe aérienne a été réalisée par ses Rafale cette semaine en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes.

En parallèle, le groupement naval est intégré, en soutien associé, à l’opération Sea Gardian, opération maritime de l’OTAN qui accomplit actuellement trois tâches de sûreté maritime en Méditerranée : la constitution de capacités de sûreté maritime, la connaissance de la situation maritime, et la lutte contre le terrorisme.

Enfin, la frégate britannique HMS Duncan a rejoint le groupe aéronaval cette semaine.

Bilan des quatre ans de formation des TF Narvik et Monsabert

Depuis mars 2015, en complément de l’appui feu aux troupes engagées au sol contre Daech, la France a déployé à Bagdad des militaires dont la mission est d’améliorer les capacités de commandement et les savoir-faire des troupes irakiennes. Deux Task Force (TF), Narvik et Monsabert, aux périmètres différents, ont été mises en place pour assurer cette mission.

La TF Narvik prend part à la formation des forces spéciales de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS), dans des domaines d’expertise immédiatement exploitables dans la lutte contre Daech : le combat en zone urbaine, le renseignement, le tir aux armes collectives et armes lourdes, la lutte contre les engins explosifs ou le sauvetage au combat.

Les premiers mandats proposaient des instructions générales et spécialisées aux jeunes recrues et aux soldats expérimentés. L’ICTS est progressivement devenue autonome dans ces domaines et la TF Narvik porte désormais ses efforts sur la formation des cadres et des opérateurs spécialisés tout en perfectionnant à travers des stages dédiés des bataillons opérationnels de l’ICTS.

Au bilan, la TF Narvik a formé plus de 8000 soldats et 300 instructeurs, et a mené des stages de perfectionnement au profit de plus de 3000 soldats, ce qui représente 25 % des actions de formation menées par la coalition pour l’ICTS.

De son côté, la TF Monsabert fournit assistance et conseil (Advise and Assist — A2) à l’État-major et aux soldats de la 6e division d’infanterie, responsable notamment de la sécurisation de Bagdad.

Dans le cadre de son partenariat avec la 6e division, la TF Monsabert a formé depuis sa création plus de 3300 soldats irakiens, et plus de 1700 formateurs.

En constante évolution pour répondre aux besoins de ses partenaires irakiens, la TF Monsabert a récemment mis en place des cycles d’évaluation des savoir-faire fondamentaux des soldats de la 6e division. Plus de 4000 soldats irakiens ont déjà été passés au crible, permettant aux experts de la TF et au commandement de la 6è division de disposer d’une appréciation globale du niveau des différents régiments.
Enfin, depuis 6 mois, dans le cadre de son partenariat avec l’école d’artillerie irakienne la TF Monsabert a formé 330 officiers et sous-officiers irakiens.

Depuis quatre ans, ce sont au bilan plus de 20 000 soldats irakiens qui ont bénéficié de l’expertise de 1400 instructeurs français qui se sont relayés au sein de l’opération Chammal, dispensant 150 stages et participant à plus de 200 missions de conseil et d’appui.

La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate

La Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.

La TF Wagram n’a pas réalisé de missions de tir, depuis le territoire irakien, cette semaine (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus).

Sorties air hebdomadaires (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus)

Les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis, et projetés depuis le groupe aéronaval poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 57 sorties aériennes (bilan du 13 au 19 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 01 frappe cette semaine, réalisée par les aéronefs du groupe aeronaval.

Incident date

March 18, 2019

Incident Code

CS1912

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As the SDF sought to take control of Al-Baghouz, the last ISIS territorial stronghold in Syria, local sources reported on what was referred to as a significant “massacre” in which between 160 and 300 civilians including 45 children were alleged killed by Coalition airstrikes according to local sources. However, Central Command has only admitted to killing

Summary

First published
March 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 300
(1–45 children)
Civilians reported injured
8
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
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Belligerents reported killed
16
View Incident