Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS1510

Incident date

September 18, 2017

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.57888, 40.93441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two to three people were killed and others wounded following airstrikes on Al Sha’afa village, Deir Ezzor governorate, according to local media. It was not wholly clear whether civilians or ISIS members died in the event. Moreover there was some discrepancy regarding the location within the village.

According to Al Araby, the international Coalition targeted a car, resulting in two civilian casualties. Furat Post, cited in All4syria, alleged the car belonged to ISIS, and was struck in a series of raids which targeted ISIS vehicles. The source said “a number or civilians” were “dead and wounded”.

According to Qasioun, “all passengers” of the vehicle died, though the report did not assert whether they were civilians or combatants.

Shaam News suspected all who died were members of ISIS. RFS suspected three civilians were killed and others wounded in Al Sha’afa village. However, it alleged the location of the strike was a house in the centre of town rather than a vehicle.

The Syrian Observatory said “two citizens were killed as a result of targeting by warplanes yesterday after midnight, to areas in Al-Sha’fa village in Deir Ezzor countryside”.

It was not clear from sources which party carried out the raids. Al Araby, Qasioun, Shaam and Baladi blamed the Coalition, whereas All4syria, RFS and SOHR referred to “warplanes” or unknown “aircraft”. The majority of sources located the incident at the vehicle, with only RFS referring to a “civilian house”.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Sha’afa (الشعفة), Deir ez-Zor governorate, for which the coordinates are: 34.57888, 40.93441.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Sha’fah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 17th – 18th the Coalition reported “Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a VBIED and an ISIS headquarters.”

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Unknown

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1509

Incident date

September 18, 2017

Location

قریة السیال, Al Sayyal, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.5713889, 40.9066667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three civilians were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Sayyal village, according to local media – though there was uncertainty regarding two of the victims’ combatant status.

According to Jalaa, on man “of the village of Sayyal died after leaving Abu Kamal for Damascus. His family lost contact with him five days previously”. The source did not say how the victim died.

Two of the named civilians were allegedly killed  “by a raid targeting their vehicle near Sayyal”. However, published images of these men holding guns suggested that they may not have been civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Haj Hamid Ahmed al-Hattroush
Adult male killed
Mohammed Rajab al-Hanashul – aka Abu Zeid
Adult male killed
Khalaf al Dawas
Adult male reportedly Mohammed Rajab al-Hanashul’s “guard” killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Haj Hamid Ahmed al-Hattroush died in alleged Coalition strikes on Al Sayyal, September 18th (via Jalaa)
  • Mohammed al-Rajab al-Hanashul, aka Abu Zeid and his guard Khalaf Ahmed al-Dawas, nicknamed Abu Abdullah, were killed by suspected Coalition airstrikes which hit their vehicle near Al Sayyal, September 18th (via Lawhat Bukmalna)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Sayyal (قریة السیال), Al Boukamal countryside, Deir ez-Zor governorate. The coordinates for this village are: 34.5713889, 40.9066667.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Sayyal, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 17th - 18th, the Coalition reported: "Near Abu Kamal, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a logistics node and an ISIS headquarters" and "Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a VBIED and an ISIS headquarters"

For September 18th - 19th the Coalition reported: "On Sept. 18, near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and damaged three supply routes"

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

‘Sunday 17 September – a Reaper eliminated a truck-bomb near Dayr az Zawr, while Tornados bombed a weapons store near Abu Kamal in eastern Syria…The next day, a Reaper conducted yet another successful attack north-east of Dayr az Zawr, eliminating a truck-bomb with a Hellfire, whilst to the south-east, close to the border with Iraq, two Tornados bombed a weapons store near Abu Kamal.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1507

Incident date

September 18, 2017

Location

Jamaa al Shamati, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported on the death of a civilian male following alleged US-led Coalition strikes in the Jamaa al Shamati area of Raqqah.

Reports of his death came amidst reports of the destruction of Al Shamati mosque in Raqqa city, though only one source connected the death of Ahmed Taher al-Khatib with the destruction of the mosque. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered later published a photo of the victim, and said he died at Jamaa al Shamati.

All sources blamed the US-led Coalition for loss of civilian life and the material destruction.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Taher al-Khatib
Age unknown male killed

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Taher al-Khatib (via Raqqa is Being Slaughrered Silently)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Shamati mosque (الشمطي), in the city of Raqqa. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location of this mosque. The generic coordinates for the city of Raqqa are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 17th – 18th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units, destroyed 44 vehicles and 13 fighting positions, damaged 13 supply routes and a VBIED, and suppressed two fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 17, near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes destroyed six ISIS fighting positions and a logistics node.” And that “On Sept. 17, near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes destroyed seven fighting positions.”

For September 19th - 20th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed 28 fighting positions, three vehicles, two ISIS communications infrastructure items and an ISIS headquarters" It later added "On Sept. 18, near Raqqah, Syria, 42 strikes engaged 23 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 23 fighting positions, eight vehicles, three VBIEDs, two ISIS UAS systems, and a command and control node; and suppressed four fighting positions" and "On Sept. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, 15 strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 vehicles, 13 fighting positions, and suppressed a fighting position"

Summary

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

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1508

Incident date

September 18, 2017

Location

الرقة‎ , Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “International Coalition warplanes bombed Al-Raqqah city after midnight on Monday – Tuesday. This resulted in the death of two persons at least and the injury of others”.

The monitor said fighting was taking place “in areas in the vicinity of the centre of Al-Raqqah city, and in the north-east of the city and areas in the western section of it.”

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة‎), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.  

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 17th – 18th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units, destroyed 44 vehicles and 13 fighting positions, damaged 13 supply routes and a VBIED, and suppressed two fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 17, near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes destroyed six ISIS fighting positions and a logistics node.” And that “On Sept. 17, near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes destroyed seven fighting positions.”

For September 19th - 20th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed 28 fighting positions, three vehicles, two ISIS communications infrastructure items and an ISIS headquarters" It later added "On Sept. 18, near Raqqah, Syria, 42 strikes engaged 23 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 23 fighting positions, eight vehicles, three VBIEDs, two ISIS UAS systems, and a command and control node; and suppressed four fighting positions" and "On Sept. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, 15 strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 vehicles, 13 fighting positions, and suppressed a fighting position"

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1506

Incident date

September 18, 2017

Location

Al Kahraba neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.963349, 39.013546 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A family of five from the city of Aleppo died in the Al Kahraba neighbourhood (the electricity neighbourhood) of Raqqa city, following alleged US-led Coalition strikes, local media reported.

Reports stated the strikes also targeted the juvenile prison area, trains street, Hazima roundabout and Al-Sakia street of Raqqa city, in addition to Al Kahraba.

Two of the four sources attributed the attack at al Kahraba to the US-led Coalition, the remaining two did not specify a culprit. Raqqa24 and RBSS referred to “heavy shelling and aerial bombardment” and “intensive air and artillery shelling”.

Airwars understands only the Coalition has access to artillery in Raqqa.

In May 2019 the Coalition announced that it had classed the civilian harm allegations as non-credible, noting “after a review of all available strike records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Kahraba (حارة الكهرباء), in the city of Raqqa, for which the coordinates are: 35.963349, 39.013546.

  • The neighbourhood of Al Kahraba (الكهرباء) in the city of Raqqa

    Imagery:
    © 2019 Google

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Stated location
    near al-Kahraba neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV012798
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019

  • Sept. 18, 2017, near al-Kahraba neighborhood, Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available strike records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 17th – 18th the Coalition reported “Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units, destroyed 44 vehicles and 13 fighting positions, damaged 13 supply routes and a VBIED, and suppressed two fighting positions.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 17, near Raqqah, Syria, seven strikes destroyed six ISIS fighting positions and a logistics node.” And that “On Sept. 17, near Raqqah, Syria, three strikes destroyed seven fighting positions.”

For September 19th - 20th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 30 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed 28 fighting positions, three vehicles, two ISIS communications infrastructure items and an ISIS headquarters" It later added "On Sept. 18, near Raqqah, Syria, 42 strikes engaged 23 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 23 fighting positions, eight vehicles, three VBIEDs, two ISIS UAS systems, and a command and control node; and suppressed four fighting positions" and "On Sept. 19, near Raqqah, Syria, 15 strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 vehicles, 13 fighting positions, and suppressed a fighting position"

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI849

Incident date

September 18, 2017

Location

القائم, Al Qaim, Anbar, Iraq

Geolocation

34.3957715, 40.9943684 Note: The accuracy of this location is to District level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Civilian casualties were reported following air raids and/or artillery strikes on the district of Qaim, in the west of Anbar province.

Yaqin first reported US occupation heavy artillery shelling on areas of the Anbar, coinciding with the continued displacement of families in the absence of food and medicine. A second Yaqin report alleged civilian casualties and attributed blame to an aerial bombardment of aircraft military-government on residential parts of Qaim.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident only mention the district of Al Qaim (قضاء القائم), for which the generic coordinates are: 34.3957715, 40.9943684. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near al Qaiem, Iraq
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 17th – 18th the Coalition reported “Near Al Qaim, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a VBIED factory and an ISIS-held building.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1493

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian man died in the city of Raqqa, according to multiple local sources.

Initial reports said his death was caused by airstrikes conducted by the US-led Coalition. However this was refuted by the group Raqqa Journalists Without Borders, which claimed he died in a “painful accident”.

No additional details are available at present.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Khalaf al -Rajabi
Age unknown male

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Ali Khalaf al -Rajabi, reportedly killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Sept 14th in Raqqa. (via raqqa_rwb)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 13th – 14th , the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 29 strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 21 fighting positions, a VBIED, and an ISIS UAS; and suppressed four ISIS tactical units.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 13, near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes destroyed four vehicles, three fighting positions, and two logistics nodes.”

For September 14th - 15th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, three vehicles, and a command and control node; and suppressed two fighting positions" The Coalition later reported: "On Sept. 14, near Raqqah, Syria, 31 strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed 25 fighting positions, 25 vehicles, three ISIS supply routes, two logistics nodes, ISIS engineering equipment, and an IED"

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

[In the past week, France carried out 6 strikes destroying 6 targets. The strikes were carried out mainly in Raqqah. The total number of strikes, 2144 targets destroyed and 7095 sorties.] CHAMMAL OPERATION SITUATION In Iraq, Security operations in the Tall Afar region are coming to an end. Ground military operations remained limited this week, with the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) pursuing redeployment in the two main areas still in the hands of Daesh, Hawijah and Anbar. In Syria, In Raqqah, the progress of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continues in a slow but methodical way, facing Daesh fighters few but particularly well entrenched in areas that they saturated with FDI. At the same time the FDS launched this week, with the support of the Coalition, a new offensive in the East of the Country from Shaddadi towards the Euphrates. FORCE ACTIVITIES The soldiers of Operation Chammal continue their missions of support and training for the benefit of the Iraqi units engaged against Daesh. Air Action This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal have made 37 sorties, including 26 armed reconnaissance and ground support (CAS), 6 sorties and 5 outlets intelligence gathering by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. These sorties resulted in 6 strikes and the destruction of 6 targets. Most of the strikes were carried out in support of the fighting in Raqqah. The global balance of the air activity since 19 September 2014 amounts to 1369 strikes, 2144 objectives destroyed and 7095 sorties. Fire support - TF WAGRAM With the end of security operations in the Tal Afar region, the Task Force (TF) Wagram is redeployed to Q-West and Erbil. Since Q-West this week she shot several shots to neutralize jihadist fighters carrying out harassing actions since Hawijah. The CAESAR guns conducted 6 firing missions (6 neutralization).

[In the past week, France carried out 6 strikes destroying 6 targets. The strikes were carried out mainly in support of the fighting in Raqqah. The overall record of air activity since 19 September 2014 amounts to 1369 strikes, 2144 targets destroyed and 7095 sorties.] ‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Irak, Les opérations de sécurisation de la région de Tall Afar s’achèvent. Les opérations militaires au sol sont restées limitées cette semaine, les Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) poursuivant le redéploiement dans les deux principales régions encore aux mains de Daech, Hawijah et l’Anbar. En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) se poursuit de façon lente mais méthodique, face à des combattants de Daech peu nombreux mais particulièrement bien retranchés dans des quartiers qu’ils ont saturés d’IED. Dans le même temps les FDS ont lancé cette semaine, avec l’appui de la Coalition, une nouvelle offensive dans l’Est du Pays depuis Shaddadi en direction de l’Euphrate. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Les soldats de l’opération Chammal poursuivent leurs missions d’appui et de formation au profit des unités irakiennes engagées contre Daech. Action du volet aérien Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 26 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), 6 sorties de ravitaillement ainsi que 5 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Ces sorties ont donné lieu à la réalisation de 6 frappes et à la destruction de 6 objectifs. Les frappes réalisées ont majoritairement été conduites en appui des combats à Raqqah. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1369 frappes, 2144 objectifs détruits et 7095 sorties. Appui feu – TF WAGRAM Avec la fin des opérations de sécurisation dans la région de Tal Afar, la Task Force (TF) Wagram est redéployée sur Q-West et Erbil. Depuis Q-West elle a réalisé cette semaine plusieurs tirs pour neutraliser des combattants Djihadistes menant des actions de harcèlement depuis d’Hawijah. Les canons CAESAR ont mené 6 missions de tir (6 de neutralisation).

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1492

Incident date

September 14, 2017

Location

Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.9505639, 39.0094148 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians from the same family were reported killed following alleged US-led Coaltion airstrikes on Raqqa.

All sources blamed the Coalition for the strike which targeted “the remaining neighbourhoods” of “besieged Raqqa”.

There is limited information available at present.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mohammed Issa al-Shehatha
Adult male killed
Son of Mohammed Issa al-Shehatha
Adult male killed
Grandson of Mohammed Issa al-Shehatha
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Raqqa (الرقة), for which the coordinates are: 35.9505639, 39.0094148. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

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

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

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SEV008784
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018

  • The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For September 13th – 14th , the Coalition reported: “Near Raqqah, 29 strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 21 fighting positions, a VBIED, and an ISIS UAS; and suppressed four ISIS tactical units.” It additionally reported that “On Sept. 13, near Raqqah, Syria, five strikes destroyed four vehicles, three fighting positions, and two logistics nodes.”

For September 14th - 15th, the Coalition reported: "Near Raqqah, 14 strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, three vehicles, and a command and control node; and suppressed two fighting positions" The Coalition later reported: "On Sept. 14, near Raqqah, Syria, 31 strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed 25 fighting positions, 25 vehicles, three ISIS supply routes, two logistics nodes, ISIS engineering equipment, and an IED"

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

[In the past week, France carried out 6 strikes destroying 6 targets. The strikes were carried out mainly in Raqqah. The total number of strikes, 2144 targets destroyed and 7095 sorties.] CHAMMAL OPERATION SITUATION In Iraq, Security operations in the Tall Afar region are coming to an end. Ground military operations remained limited this week, with the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) pursuing redeployment in the two main areas still in the hands of Daesh, Hawijah and Anbar. In Syria, In Raqqah, the progress of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continues in a slow but methodical way, facing Daesh fighters few but particularly well entrenched in areas that they saturated with FDI. At the same time the FDS launched this week, with the support of the Coalition, a new offensive in the East of the Country from Shaddadi towards the Euphrates. FORCE ACTIVITIES The soldiers of Operation Chammal continue their missions of support and training for the benefit of the Iraqi units engaged against Daesh. Air Action This week, the aircraft of Operation Chammal have made 37 sorties, including 26 armed reconnaissance and ground support (CAS), 6 sorties and 5 outlets intelligence gathering by Atlantic 2 or Rafale patrol. These sorties resulted in 6 strikes and the destruction of 6 targets. Most of the strikes were carried out in support of the fighting in Raqqah. The global balance of the air activity since 19 September 2014 amounts to 1369 strikes, 2144 objectives destroyed and 7095 sorties. Fire support - TF WAGRAM With the end of security operations in the Tal Afar region, the Task Force (TF) Wagram is redeployed to Q-West and Erbil. Since Q-West this week she shot several shots to neutralize jihadist fighters carrying out harassing actions since Hawijah. The CAESAR guns conducted 6 firing missions (6 neutralization).

[In the past week, France carried out 6 strikes destroying 6 targets. The strikes were carried out mainly in support of the fighting in Raqqah. The overall record of air activity since 19 September 2014 amounts to 1369 strikes, 2144 targets destroyed and 7095 sorties.] ‘OPÉRATION CHAMMAL SITUATION En Irak, Les opérations de sécurisation de la région de Tall Afar s’achèvent. Les opérations militaires au sol sont restées limitées cette semaine, les Forces de Sécurité Irakiennes (FSI) poursuivant le redéploiement dans les deux principales régions encore aux mains de Daech, Hawijah et l’Anbar. En Syrie, A Raqqah, la progression des Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) se poursuit de façon lente mais méthodique, face à des combattants de Daech peu nombreux mais particulièrement bien retranchés dans des quartiers qu’ils ont saturés d’IED. Dans le même temps les FDS ont lancé cette semaine, avec l’appui de la Coalition, une nouvelle offensive dans l’Est du Pays depuis Shaddadi en direction de l’Euphrate. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE Les soldats de l’opération Chammal poursuivent leurs missions d’appui et de formation au profit des unités irakiennes engagées contre Daech. Action du volet aérien Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 37 sorties aériennes dont 26 de reconnaissance armée et d’appui au sol (CAS), 6 sorties de ravitaillement ainsi que 5 sorties de recueil de renseignement par Atlantique 2 ou patrouille de Rafale. Ces sorties ont donné lieu à la réalisation de 6 frappes et à la destruction de 6 objectifs. Les frappes réalisées ont majoritairement été conduites en appui des combats à Raqqah. Le bilan global de l’activité aérienne depuis le 19 septembre 2014 s’élève à 1369 frappes, 2144 objectifs détruits et 7095 sorties. Appui feu – TF WAGRAM Avec la fin des opérations de sécurisation dans la région de Tal Afar, la Task Force (TF) Wagram est redéployée sur Q-West et Erbil. Depuis Q-West elle a réalisé cette semaine plusieurs tirs pour neutraliser des combattants Djihadistes menant des actions de harcèlement depuis d’Hawijah. Les canons CAESAR ont mené 6 missions de tir (6 de neutralisation).

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (5) [ collapse]