Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

USSOM206

Incident date

March 12, 2019

Location

Huley, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

2.2211000, 44.3694990 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

US Africa Command confirmed that it had carried out an airstrike on March 12th 2019 in the vicinity of Huley, Lower Shabelle Region. According to AFRICOM, the airstrike killed two “terrorists”, and “at this time, it is assessed no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.”

In September 2019, the TRT World Research Centre alleged that properties and livestock suffered “huge damage” in this attack, though no civilian harm was reported.

According to the TRT report: “A likely US-Somali raid attacked a neighboring village inflicting huge damage to the livestock and properties including farmland. However, testimony capture did not permit factual gathering regarding what occurred on that night.’

“TRT World Research Centre, interviewed Abshiro, who witnessed the attack and provided the following testimony: ‘The next night, a neighboring village was also raided by white and black men”, Abshiro said. ‘That assault contained both missile strike and infantry (men landed from planes – likely a Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey). They were Americans. The people who saw the soldiers the next night said they were Americans.

“‘A long time ago, Al Shabaab was present in the area, I think the Americans were probably searching for them. But the white man’s [the Americans] plan was misguided. The Al-Shabaab were not that far away from us. They control the whole area including Awdheegle and Barriire. However, our village was between a disputed area between the Somali government and Al Shabaab. It was normal that Somali soldiers used to come to our village on one day,  and Al Shabaab the next day. We were between them.'”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons, Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the vicinity of the settlement Huley, for which the coordinates are: 2.2211000, 44.3694990. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

"In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia's continued efforts to weaken al-Shabaab, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Huley, Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia, on March 12, 2019."

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons, Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1907

Incident date

March 11, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.447579, 40.953426 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A number of ISIS family members were reportedly killed and injured, following air and artillery strikes on the Daesh stronghold, Al Baghouz camp. Sources blamed both the US-led Coalition and the SDF.

Deir Ezzor 24 for example reported: “Killing and injuring a number of the families of # Da’ash who preferred to stay in the camp of the town of # Albagouz in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, due to artillery shelling and from the international coalition aircraft.”

There were no specific numbers of casualties or wounded reported.

There are no other known details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • The exact moment a US-led Coalition raid - supported by the SDF - struck Al Baghouz camp, 11th March 2017. (via Euphrates Post)
  • The exact moment a US-led Coalition raid - supported by the SDF - struck Al Baghouz camp, 11th March 2017. (via Euphrates Post)

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
    in al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU794135
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 16, 2021

  • 5. Mar. 11, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. 3276/CS1907 37SFU794135

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

"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."

Syrian Democratic Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Syrian Democratic Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI877a

Incident date

March 10, 2019

Location

near Qayyarah-West Airfield, Iraq, Qayyarah, Iraq

Geolocation

35.74559, 43.1553 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an event previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of one civilian in an event near Qayyarah-West Airfield, Iraq. The Pentagon later confirmed this as a US action.

In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: “Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally injured by Coalition small arms fire.”

The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100 metre box. Airwars researchers could not find any reported claims of civilian harm in the area on this day.

In May 2020, in its annual civilian harm report to Congress, the Department of Defense declared this to be a US action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Table of US-only civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria for 2019, declared by the Pentagon to Congress in May 2020.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Previously unknown
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Qayyarah-West Airfield, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLE332573
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019

  • Mar. 10, 2019, near Qayyarah-West Airfield, Iraq, via media-report. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally injured by Coalition small arms fire.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Incident Code

RS3597

Incident date

March 9, 2019

Location

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.859101, 36.797731 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that one child died and five members of his family were wounded in alleged regime or Russian artillery or airstrikes on Saraqeb. Additionally, an adult male was also reported killed on this day.

According to Halab Today TV, “since yesterday [March 9th], the city of Idlib has been subjected to Russian air strikes targeting medical facilities including Al-Hayat Hospital, and the blood bank [and emergency services] in the city of Sarqib. Civil defense centres and residential areas have also been attacked”.

@yasinaboraed reported a strike by both the regime and Russian on a civil defense centre, while @gH8ytDcQWj5RrrY noted that “planes destroyed the obstetric hospital in Saraqib” – and that casualties were expected. A report by Amnesty (below) also noted these attacks on vital medical facilities.

According to @YusufAd37777161, the family of the dead child (Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen) were originally “from the town of Al Nahla near the city of Jericho” and had then moved to Saraqeb. Five of them were wounded; Ahmed himself died.

A number of other sources said that a lawyer, named Hussein Al Dahir Abu Yamen, was also killed – and blamed rockets and artillery fire.

Amnesty reported on this latest incident – and the ongoing bombardment of the area: “In Saraqeb, on 9 March, Syrian government forces dropped four munitions in an aerial attack that struck al-Hayat hospital, a blood bank, an ambulance response unit, and Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets – all located within 100 meters of each other – according to four witnesses.

“The witnesses said that the explosions caused serious damage to the structures and injured a staff member from the ambulance response unit. The al-Hayat hospital was shut down after the attack and patients in critical condition were transferred to other nearby hospitals while others were sent home, residents said.

“Witnesses told Amnesty International that two civilians – a 25-year-old man and a child – were killed on the same day in aerial attacks on residential neighbourhoods around 150 meters away from another field hospital. They said the escalation in attacks on residential and other civilian buildings in the past few weeks had displaced half of the population to the outskirts of Saraqeb into the farming fields or close to the border with Turkey.”

The UN Commission of Inquiry referenced events in Saraqib  on this date in its September 2019 report:

“For example, on 9 March, between approximately 6.40 and 8.30 p.m., government forces carried out an aerial attack in northern Saraqib, launching four missiles, which caused damage to Al-Hayat women’s and children’s hospital, a blood bank and an ambulance response unit providing services to approximately 80,000 residents. Al-Hayat hospital was included in the United Nations deconfliction mechanism and the pro-government forces were aware of its coordinates at the time of the attack. One witness described that, at around 6.40 p.m., a first missile struck a residential area in the vicinity of the hospital, killing one man and one girl. Minutes later, a second missile hit a blood bank in northern Saraqib, located some 300 metres from Al-Hayat hospital, damaging vital equipment and medical supplies and rendering the building unusable for at least four days.

Approximately 20 minutes later, in anticipation of further attacks, patients at Al-Hayat hospital were transferred to an underground shelter, in which they remained for 30 minutes before being evacuated. During the evacuation, between 7.00 and 8.00 p.m., a third missile struck the main entrance of Al-Hayat hospital, damaging a generator and vital medical equipment. Some 15 to 30 minutes later, a fourth missile struck an ambulance response unit located less than 1 kilometre from Al-Hayat hospital, damaging its walls and windows and injuring a male staff member (see annex II for a detailed description of a series of other attacks).”

The incident occured at 18:40:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen
Child male killed
Father of Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen
Adult male injured
Mother of Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen
Adult female injured
Sibling of Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen
injured
Sibling of Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen
injured
Sibling of Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen
injured

The victims were named as:

Hussein Al Dahir Abu Yamen
25-30 years old male Reportedly a lawyer killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–5
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (19) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Footage showing the aftermath of an alleged regime strike on Saraqeb March 9th.
  • 'Photos from the city of Sarakib after being targeted by the war planes and the martyrdom of a child.' (via @IdlibPlus)
  • 'Photos from the city of Sarakib after being targeted by the war planes and the martyrdom of a child.' (via @IdlibPlus)
  • 'Photos from the city of Sarakib after being targeted by the war planes and the martyrdom of a child.' (via @IdlibPlus)
  • 'Photos from the city of Sarakib after being targeted by the war planes and the martyrdom of a child.' (via @IdlibPlus)
  • 'The moment when the Assad regime and the Russians bombed the headquarters of the Civil Defense in Saraqib.'
  • 'Moments of the bombing of Russian air space missiles on the city of Saraqib in the eastern suburb of Idlib'
  • A child killed in a strike on Saraqeb, Mar 9th. The image was originally published by the now suspended twitter account @ss678xTx. However, Airwars has archived the picture.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A very graphic image of the child Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen, killed in shelling on Saraqeb, March 9th. Five members of this family were reportedly wounded in the same strike.
  • Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen
  • The obstetric hospital in Saraqib, reportedly destroyed by Russian and regime warplanes on a March 9th (via @gH8ytDcQWj5RrrY)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Wounded children from Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen's family - and the dead body of Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    'Blood of martyrs, March 9th, Saraqib'
  • Smoke over Saraqeb, March 9th, following a strike.
  • Footage showing destruction in Saraqeb following the March 9th strikes.
  • Hussein Yamen al Daher, a lawyer, killed in alleged regime shelling on Saraqeb, March 9th (via SN4HR)
  • The aftermath of a strike on al Hayat Women and Obstetrics Hospital, Saraqeb Emergency System, the blood bank, March 9th (via SN4HR)
  • The body of Ahmed Mahmoud Ameen (via SN4HR)

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–5
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1902

Incident date

March 3, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.447579, 40.953426 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that Coalition airstrikes or possibly an Apache helicopter attack struck Al Baghouz “camp” on the night of March 3rd 2019. Other sources blamed SDF (in fact most likely Coalition) artillery.

One source reported that civilians were killed and injured in the attack, including five people from the same family, but did not provide more details.

In a civilian casualty assessment issued April 16th 2021, the Coalition dismissed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that “The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action.”

The incident occured around midnight.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Scenes from the battle ground in Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via SOHR).
  • SDF forces backed by the International Coalition attack Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via Euphrates Post).

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
    in al Baghouz, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU794135
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Apr 16, 2021

  • Mar. 3, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars. The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. . 3273/CS1902 37SFU794135

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Between Feb. 24 - March 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 99 strikes consisting of 139 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 97 strikes consisting of 137 engagements, engaged 228 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 71 tactical vehicles, 35 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 17 supply routes, 11 fighting positions, 10 weapons caches, eight staging areas, four command and control nodes, two tunnels, two heavy machine guns, one anti-aircraft gun, one fuel tanker, and one boat.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For February 27th to March 5th, French MoD report 4 firing missions from the Iraqi territory by Task Force Wagram. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties. There was one strike.

CHAMMALSituation militaire du théâtreOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la coalition, se poursuivent autour de la ville de Baghouz.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire reste stable. Les Forces de sécurité intérieures poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien 4 missions de tir (soit 1 mission d’aveuglement et 3 missions de certification – bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus).Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérationsLes aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit une frappe cette semaine.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1901a

Incident date

March 2, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz Fawqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.44932, 40.94851 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In its monthly civilian harm report issued January 3rd 2020, the US-led Coalition conceded a self-reported civilian harm event in al Baghouz Fawqani on this date which killed one civilian. The event was previously untracked by Airwars.

As the CJTFOIR report noted, “March 2, 2019, in Baghouz Faqwani, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh fighters. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of the strike. 2671 37SFU790137”.

Coalition officials confirmed to Airwars by email that this was separate to an incident already listed for this date [CS1901] in which three named members of the Mu’az family were killed: “This appears to be a separate event and will be assessed that way going forward.”

In its May 2020 annual report to Congress, the Pentagon confirmed this to be a US-only civilian harm event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Table of US-only civilian harm events in Iraq and Syria for 2019, declared by the Pentagon to Congress in May 2020.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Given reason for civilian harm
    No reason given
    Airwars’ assessment of belligerent’s civilian casualty statement
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Previously unknown
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in Baghouz Fawqani, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU790137
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 3, 2020

  • March 2, 2019, in Baghouz Faqwani, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh fighters. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of the strike. 2671 37SFU790137

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Between Feb. 24 - March 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 99 strikes consisting of 139 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 97 strikes consisting of 137 engagements, engaged 228 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 71 tactical vehicles, 35 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 17 supply routes, 11 fighting positions, 10 weapons caches, eight staging areas, four command and control nodes, two tunnels, two heavy machine guns, one anti-aircraft gun, one fuel tanker, and one boat.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Saturday 2 March – a Reaper killed a small group of terrorists around Baghuz Fawqani in eastern Syria...A Reaper provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces as they fought Daesh around Baghuz Fawqani on Saturday 2 March. The Reaper’s crew observed a rocket-propelled grenade being fired from a building, and shortly afterwards a small group of armed terrorists emerged. They were tracked by the Reaper, whilst careful checks were made that no SDF or otherwise unidentified individuals were too close to them, then successfully engaged with a single Hellfire missile.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For February 27th to March 5th, French MoD report 4 firing missions from the Iraqi territory by Task Force Wagram. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties. There was one strike.

CHAMMALSituation militaire du théâtreOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la coalition, se poursuivent autour de la ville de Baghouz.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire reste stable. Les Forces de sécurité intérieures poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien 4 missions de tir (soit 1 mission d’aveuglement et 3 missions de certification – bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus).Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérationsLes aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit une frappe cette semaine.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1901

Incident date

March 2, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.447579, 40.953426 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that three ISIS family members were killed when air and artillery strikes allegedly struck an IDP camp on the outskirts of Al Baghouz. The incident occurred on the evening of March 2nd. A number of sources said the victims were Russian. Khawlan ibn Al Sinia named the family as that of  ‘Mu’az the Russian.’

According to all but one source, a woman and two children were among the victims. Step News reported that the woman was the mother of the children. Baladi News was the only source that claimed all three victims were children. An unspecified number of other people were reported injured. Deir Ezzor 24 blamed both SDF artillery and Coalition airstrikes.

According to one source whose Twitter account was later suspended, the Russian father of the children was himself also killed shortly afterwards in another Coalition strike.

In its monthly civilian harm report issued January 3rd 2020, the Coalition conceded a self-reported civilian harm event near  al Baghouz on this date. However, officials confirmed to Airwars that “This [CS1901] appears to be a separate event and will be assessed that way going forward.”

In a civilian casualty assessment released July 10th 2021, the Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that “After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The incident occured between 7:00 pm and 11:59 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Mother of the Mu'az family
Adult female killed
Child of the Mu'az family
Child female killed
Child of the Mu'az family
Child killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2–3 children1 woman)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Screen capture of a suspended twitter account, claiming that the pictured Russian male was killed in a Coalition strike several hours after his daughter died
  • A child was alleged killed by a Coalition airstrike on Al Baghouz on March 2nd 2019 (via @DeirEzzor24).
  • According to Khawlan ibn Al Sinia, the smaller hole in the pit was meant for the daughter of the Mu'az family who was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on March 2nd 2019 (via Khawlan ibn Al Sinia).

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
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU794135
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 10, 2021

  • Mar. 2, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3282/CS1901 37SFU794135

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Between Feb. 24 - March 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 99 strikes consisting of 139 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 97 strikes consisting of 137 engagements, engaged 228 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 71 tactical vehicles, 35 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 17 supply routes, 11 fighting positions, 10 weapons caches, eight staging areas, four command and control nodes, two tunnels, two heavy machine guns, one anti-aircraft gun, one fuel tanker, and one boat.

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

Saturday 2 March – a Reaper killed a small group of terrorists around Baghuz Fawqani in eastern Syria...A Reaper provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces as they fought Daesh around Baghuz Fawqani on Saturday 2 March. The Reaper’s crew observed a rocket-propelled grenade being fired from a building, and shortly afterwards a small group of armed terrorists emerged. They were tracked by the Reaper, whilst careful checks were made that no SDF or otherwise unidentified individuals were too close to them, then successfully engaged with a single Hellfire missile.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For February 27th to March 5th, French MoD report 4 firing missions from the Iraqi territory by Task Force Wagram. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties. There was one strike.

CHAMMALSituation militaire du théâtreOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la coalition, se poursuivent autour de la ville de Baghouz.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire reste stable. Les Forces de sécurité intérieures poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien 4 missions de tir (soit 1 mission d’aveuglement et 3 missions de certification – bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus).Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérationsLes aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit une frappe cette semaine.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2–3 children1 woman)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3594

Incident date

March 1, 2019

Location

خان شيخون,, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

35.44208, 36.65095 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three civilians including a child died and four or five others were wounded in a heavy bombardment of Khan Sheikhoun on March 1st, according to local media. The majority of sources blamed the Assad regime, though there were also allegations against Russia.

The heavy shelling reportedly encompassed rockets, artillery and airstrikes. Multiple sources noted that up to 130 artillery shells and rockets hits residential neighbourhoods of the city, resulting in fires to civilian homes and infrastructure and widespread destruction.

According to the White Helmets, who published multiple images depicting the aftermath of the attacks, “two men died and four others were wounded in heavy shelling with more than 130 artillery shells and missiles, targeting the residential neighbourhoods of Khan Sheikhoun city.”

The White Helmets worked to both inspect the sites and rescue victims – and were reportedly struck during the rescue attempts, though the damage in this case was only material.

Mena-monitor also put the death toll at two civilians, adding that this included a child.

Geiroon also reported from the city, stating that “the Syrian regime on Friday [March 1st], the Syrian regime bombed the town of Khan Sheikhan in the southern Idlib countryside with more than 80 rockets, some of them by the air force, some by rocket launchers. The city is now almost empty of residents, activists and eyewitnesses said.”

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the regime shelled “near the al Rawda Mosque in the al Sharqi neighbourhood”, partially destroying the building.

While most sources attributed the strikes to Assad, there were also claims against Russia. For example, Smart reported that “the commander of Civil Defense Center in Khan Sheikhoun, Khalid Al Najim, said that forces belonging to the regime to Russia targeted residential neighbourhoods in the city with more than 116 rocket shells, killing two young people, and moderately wounding four others, who were taken to a nearby medical point”.

Baladi pointed to “the forces of the regime and its military militias”.

Amnesty International also reported on the shelling: “Amnesty International also interviewed four residents from Khan Sheikhoun, south of Idlib, who said the vast majority of residents had been displaced after escalating airstrikes and artillery attacks in February which had destroyed or damaged homes and other buildings, including two bakeries and medical clinics located in residential buildings. A civil defence volunteer said: ‘The al-Rawda bakery, the central bakery in Khan, was destroyed in an airstrike attack on 11:30 AM. I removed the bodies of two men who died in the explosion in front of the bakery on the street.” Residents stated that there was no longer any operational hospital in Khan Sheikhoun after an airstrike had destroyed the only field hospital in the town in February 2018. The closest hospital is 20 kilometres away in Maarat al Numan.”

Commenting on the ongoing strikes on the city, Jisrtv said that the additional two civilians deaths in this particular incident on March 1st had brought “the number of civilian deaths in Khan Sheikhoun to 48 since the start of the bombing campaign on the city on February 9th”.

The incident occured at approximately 11:30 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 child1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–5
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    'Shocking scenes' following strikes on Khan Sheikhoun, March 1st 2019.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The moment a strike hit Khan Sheikhoun, March 1st 2019.
  • 'A violent rocket attack by the Assad terrorist gangs on the town of Khan Sheikhoun, south of Idlib'
  • Translation: 'Activists More than 85 rockets landed on # Khan Sheikhoun until the moment.'
  • Translation: '80 missiles on Khan Shaykhun Oh Allah peace be upon you'

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A young girl wounded in a strike on Khan Sheikhoun, March 1st 2019.
  • Images from the White Helmets in the aftermath of strikes on Khan Sheikhoun, March 1st 2019.. The White Helmets said that more than 130 artillery shells and missiles had "targeted" neighbourhoods of the city.
  • More footage showing the aftermath of strikes on Khan Sheikhoun, March 1st 2019.
  • Footage from the Step News Agency showi9ng the immediate aftermath of the strikes on Khan Sheikhoun, March 1st 2019.
  • "Heavy artillery and missiles" from "the criminal regime" hitting Khan Sheikhoun, March 1st 2019 (via Ebaa)
  • "Heavy artillery and missiles" from "the criminal regime" hitting Khan Sheikhoun, March 1st 2019 (via Ebaa)
  • An ambulance reportedly shelled by the regime in Khan Sheikhoun, March 1st 2018 (via SN4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child reportedly injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Khan Sheikhoun on March 1st, 2019 (via @shmal123456).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteer extinguishing fire after alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Khan Sheikhoun on March 1st, 2019 (via @SyriaCivilDefe).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers on the site after alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Khan Sheikhoun on March 1st, 2019 (via @SyriaCivilDefe).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers on the site after alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Khan Sheikhoun on March 1st, 2019 (via @SyriaCivilDefe).
  • Syrian Civil Defence volunteers extinguishing fire after alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on Khan Sheikhoun on March 1st, 2019 (via @SyriaCivilDefe).

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 child1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–5
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (33) [ collapse]