Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

USSOM188

Incident date

February 3, 2019

Location

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

1.8349369, 44.9668452 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

US Africa Command reported that it had conducted an  airstrike “in the vicinity of Gandarshe, Lower Shebelle Region, Somalia, on February 3, 2019”.

AFRICOM added that “at this time, it was assessed no civilians were injured or killed in either airstrike.” It did not specify whether any belligerent forces had been killed or injured.

According to CNN’s Ryan Browne, presumably citing AFRICOM sources, “the first strike destroyed a vehicle that had been utilized to transport al-Shabaab militants near Gandarshe.”

In a subsequent FOIA response obtained by journalist Joshua Eaton in May 2019, AFRICOM again confirmed it had struck what it says was an “al Shabaab Armored Personnel carrier (APC)”, in the vicinity of Gandarshe.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1–5

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the vicinity of the village Gandarshe (غندرشي), for which the coordinates are: 1.8349369, 44.9668452. 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

In support of the Federal Government of Somalia's increased efforts to degrade al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted two airstrikes in separate engagements in the last 48 hours. The first airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Gandarshe, Lower Shebelle Region, Somalia, on February 3, 2019. U.S. Africa Command also conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Leego, Bay Region, Somalia, on February 5, 2019.

These precision airstrikes support Somali partners’ ongoing efforts to reduce al-Shabaab safe havens, degrade the terrorists’ infrastructure, and destroy terrorist equipment. Strikes complement our Somali partners’ successes against al-Shabaab, and are one component of our combined efforts to protect the Somali people from terrorism.

At this time, it was assessed no civilians were injured or killed in either airstrike.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States, and U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to protect the Somali people, including partnered military counter-terror operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM and Somali National Armyforces.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1–5

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM186

Incident date

February 1, 2019

Location

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

1.8349369, 44.9668452 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

AFRICOM reported that the previous day it had “conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab fighters in the vicinity of Gandarshe, Lower Shebelle Region, Somalia, on February 1, 2019.”

It added that “at this time, it was assessed no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.” However, AFRICOM claimed that the strike had “killed 13 militants.” According to the release, “Al-Shabaab has previously used Gandarshe, 30 miles southwest of Mogadishu, as a staging area for attacks including vehicle borne improvised explosive devices that threaten the capital and its residents.”

Adow Mohamed, a Somali National Army (SNA) captain in the Lower Shebelle region confirmed the airstrike to the Anadolu news agency over the phone.

In a subsequent FOIA response obtained by journalist Joshua Eaton in May 2019, AFRICOM again confirmed it had struck what it says were al Shabaab fighters, in the vicinity of Gandarshe.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    13

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the vicinity of the village Gandarshe (غندرشي), for which the coordinates are: 1.8349369, 44.9668452. 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

To support the Federal Government of Somalia's continued efforts to degrade al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab fighters in the vicinity of Gandarshe, Lower Shebelle Region, Somalia, on February 1, 2019.

Al-Shabaab has previously used Gandarshe, 30 miles southwest of Mogadishu, as a staging area for attacks including vehicle borne improvised explosive devices that threaten the capital and its residents. On December 15 and 16, six U.S. airstrikes killed 62 al-Shabaab militants near Gandarshe, who were preparing for an attack on a Somali government military base in the region, and recently, a U.S. airstrike killed 24 militants in neighboring Hiran Region on January 30.

“Somali security forces continue to keep pressure on al-Shabaab, creating conditions for further political and economic development,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations. “Somalia continues to demonstrate its commitment toward enhancing regional stability and security while degrading a transnational threat.”

U.S. Africa Command currently assesses this airstrike killed thirteen (13) militants.

At this time, it was assessed no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States, and U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to protect the Somali people, including partnered military counter-terror operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM and Somali National Army forces.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    13

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM186a-C

Incident date

February 1, 2019

Location

IVO Janay Abdalle, Lower Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.02819, 42.287022 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unspecified number was allegedly killed by a US strike on Janay Abdalle, which AFRICOM later discounted.

In first quarterly civilian casualty assessment it says: “February 3, 2019, AFRICOM received one allegation from an online media source claiming an unspecified number of civilians were killed from an airstrike in the vicinity of Janay Abdalle, Somalia, on February 1, 2019. The allegation does not state who conducted the airstrike. After review, the allegation was assessed to be unsubstantiated because no U.S military strike took place at the alleged location.”

Airwars was not able to find the original online source.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces 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

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

February 3, 2019, AFRICOM received one allegation from an online media source claiming an unspecified number of civilians were killed from an airstrike in the vicinity of Janay Abdalle, Somalia, on February 1, 2019. The allegation does not state who conducted the airstrike. After review, the allegation was assessed to be unsubstantiated because no U.S military strike took place at the alleged location.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM185

Incident date

January 30, 2019

Location

Shebeeley, Hiiraan, Somalia

Geolocation

3.23493, 45.53063 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

US Africa Command reported that the previous day it had “conducted an airstrike near a terrorist encampment location in the vicinity of Shebeeley, Hiran Region, Somalia, on January 30, 2019.”

It added: “no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.” However, AFRICOM claimed that the airstrike “killed twenty-four militants.” This contrasted with AFRICOM claims just a week earlier that it would no longer give enemy casualty numbers in its reports.

According to the Turkish news agency Anadolu, “Government officials in Baledwayne, the capital of the Hiran region, also confirmed the incident to Anadolu Agency over the phone.”

In a subsequent FOIA response obtained by journalist Joshua Eaton in May 2019, AFRICOM again confirmed it had struck on this date what it says were “al Shabaab fighters”, in the vicinity of Shebeeley.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    24

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike targeted a terrorist encampment in the vicinity of the village Shebeleey in Hiiraan region. According to UN mapping of the area, this most likely refers to a settlement (Shabeeleye) at the following location: 3.23493, 45.53063. However, there is another settlement of which the name is also close in spelling to the reported village, called Shabellow (or Shabceellow or Sabeelley), at these coordinates: 4.71542, 45.21618. 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

To support the Federal Government of Somalia's continued efforts to degrade al-Shabaab, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike near a terrorist encampment location in the vicinity of Shebeeley, Hiran Region, Somalia, on January 30, 2019.


This precision airstrike is part of a larger effort to support the Somali National Army (SNA) as it increases pressure on the terrorist network and its recruiting efforts in the region.


“We are partnered with the Federal Government of Somalia, and other international partners, to protect the people of Somalia,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations. “Precision strikes are part of our strategy. Strikes continue to help our partners make progress in their fight against the transnational terrorists who oppose peace in Somalia and in the region.”


The SNA and its partners will continue to effectively target terrorist training camps and assessed safe havens in order to deny al-Shabaab the ability to build capacity and attack the people of Somalia. In particular, the group uses portions of southern and central Somalia to plot and direct terror attacks, steal humanitarian aid, extort the local populace to fund its operations, and shelter radical terrorists.


U.S. Africa Command currently assesses this airstrike killed twenty-four militants.


At this time, it was assessed no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.


U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States, and U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to protect the Somali people, including partnered military counter-terror operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM and Somali National Army forces.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    24

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1894

Incident date

January 30, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to several local sources, the “American coalition” bombed the town of Al-Baghouz with several airstrikes, killing two civilians and causing significant material damage.

No additional details are known at this time.

In its January 2021 monthly civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition determined this event to be ‘non credible’, asserting: “The allegation provided insufficient detail to identify a specific date, time, or location to search for corroborating Coalition action. ”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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 attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

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
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jan 6, 2021

  • Jan. 30, 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. 3269/CS1894 37SFU786153

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Between Jan. 27 - Feb. 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 199 strikes consisting of 326 engagements against ISIS targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 179 strikes consisting of 303 engagements, engaged 146 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 131 supply routes, 53 fighting positions, 31 staging areas, 14 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 13 engineering equipment, 11 explosive belts, nine tankers for petroleum oil and lubricants, eight tactical vehicles, five command and control nodes, four buildings, three aircrafts operations areas, three tunnels, two petroleum oil and lubricant storage facilities, two manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, two artilleries, two weapons caches and one armored vehicle.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Jan 30th - Feb 5th, French MoD report aerial 20 sorties - but no airstrikes. Task Force Wagram continues to support the SDF in the Hajin region of Syria.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les Forces démocratiques syriennes marquent depuis quelques jours une pause opérationnelle, dédiée notamment à leur réorganisation et au renforcement de leurs positions. Poursuite des actions en Irak La situation sécuritaire est également stable en Irak, t reste sous le contrôle des Forces de sécurité irakiennes, appuyées par la Coalition. En particulier, les opérations de saisie d’engins explosifs improvisés et de munitions diverses se poursuivent à un rythme soutenu. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le 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’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien une mission de tir, qui était une mission d’aveuglement – bilan du 30 janvier au 05 février inclus). Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Les 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 20 sorties aériennes (bilan du 30 janvier au 05 février inclus). Les Rafale français n’ont pas conduit de frappe cette semaine. Réfection de la Search House, site dédié à l’instruction à la lutte contre les Engins Explosifs Improvisés (EEI) La Task Force Narvik participe à l’instruction opérationnelle de l’ICTS (Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service). Dans ce cadre, elle forme depuis quatre ans les futurs opérateurs des forces spéciales irakiennes dans le domaine de la lutte contre les Engins explosifs improvisés (ou Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED)). L’instruction s’appuie sur des outils pédagogiques conçus et financés par la France : des salles de cours, et surtout un bâtiment dédié à la fouille opérationnelle : la « Search house », outil que les militaires français ont récemment proposé d’optimiser. Inaugurée par l’ambassadeur de France en 2017, la « Search house » est conçue selon le modèle d’une maison classique, et permet d’instruire les stagiaires irakiens à la traque des différentes cachettes utilisées pour dissimuler des armes, de la drogue, des explosifs, des documents ou des téléphones dans une habitation. Elle a retrouvé une nouvelle jeunesse sous l’impulsion du détachement de sapeurs, avec des améliorations telles que l’ajout d’un faux plancher par exemple. L’objectif est d’améliorer l’outil avant la prochaine session d’instruction contre-IED prévue au printemps. De son côté, la Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Plusieurs stages sont en cours, notamment dans le domaine du tir et du combat urbain. En particulier, des militaires français de la Task Force (TF) Monsabert encadrent depuis sept semaines les stages de tir que la division a sollicités, pour améliorer le niveau des soldats irakiens au combat. Immergés au sein de la 24ème brigade irakienne, là où se trouve l’unique champ de tir de la division dans la région de Bagdad, les spécialistes du tir au combat entraînent chaque semaine entre 100 et 200 soldats irakiens.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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 attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1893

Incident date

January 29, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that the Coalition fired several missiles at or near residential buildings in Al-Baghouz town, claiming the lives of up to 14 civilians. One source claimed the attack was by a US B-1 bomber. In a September 20 2021 strike report for the incident, the US Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) admitted that a Coalition strike took place, but the allegation of civilian harm was deemed non-credible: ” After a review of all available  records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as  a result of a Coalition action”.

Three women and five children of the same family were killed according to all but one local sources that reported the incident. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR) was the only source that claimed three women and four children were killed and reported a total death toll of 10 civilians. Jesr Press put the death toll at 14 civilians. 

The family was reportedly fleeing the area of Mohsan, following intensified clashes between ISIS and Kurdish militias. Other civilians were reportedly injured in the attack and one source claimed that “there are no hospitals or clinics to provide aid”.

The UN Commission of Inquiry included this event in its September 2019 report, noting: “Towards the end of January, SDF advancement was decelerated due to the large presence of civilians, often consisting of wives and children of ISIL fighters who were fleeing the combat zone. To illustrate the point, the Commission received reports of an air strike in the early hours of the morning of 29 January, which allegedly killed at least one man, four women and three boys. The attack struck the Moshan area of Baghuz Tahtani, where a crowd of civilians had gathered to leave the town.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (8)

Haila Al-Khalif
Adult female wife of Mohammed Al-Majud Al-Kadran killed
Amna al-Mishaan
Adult female mother of Muhammad al-Majud al-Kadran killed
Sumaya al-Majud al Kadran
Age unknown female Sister of Mohammed al-Majd al-Kadran killed
Unnamed child of Mohammed al - Majud al - Kadran
Child killed
Unnamed child of Mohammed al - Majud al - Kadran
Child killed
Unnamed child of Mohammed al - Majud al - Kadran
Child killed
Unnamed child of Mohammed al - Majud al - Kadran
Child killed
Unnamed child of Mohammed al - Majud al - Kadran
Child killed

The victims were named as:

Khaled Salim Al-Suwaiy’i
Age unknown killed
Musab Ghadir Al-Obeid
82 years old killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 14
  • (3–5 children3–4 women1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of an alleged Coalition airstrike that killed eight civilians (via Deir Ezzor 24).

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 evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 20, 2021

  • SOUTHWEST ASIA – 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, eliminating their self-proclaimed territorial caliphate and freeing 7.7 million people from Daesh oppression. The Coalition will continue to work with partner forces to deny Daesh any physical space and influence in the region as well as deny Daesh the resources they need to resurge. The Coalition conducted 34,991 strikes between August 2014 and the end of July 2021. During this period, based on information available, CJTF-OIR assesses at least 1,417 civilians have been unintentionally killed by Coalition actions since the beginning of Operation Inherent Resolve. We follow a rigid targeting process for all of our strikes to ensure strict adherence to the Law of Armed Conflict while attempting to avoid collateral damage. Every accidental loss of life is tragic, and it will remain our goal to take all feasible precautions to avoid putting civilians in danger in our pursuit of a ruthless enemy. In the month of July, CJTF-OIR carried over 106 open reports from previous months and received no new reports. CJTF-OIR completed two civilian-casualty allegation assessment reports. CJTF-OIR assessed both reports as non-credible. 105 reports are still open, including one that CJTF-OIR had previously closed but reopened due to the availability of new information. The results of each investigation of an allegation will fall into one of two categories, either "credible" or "non-credible." An assessment of "credible" means that our team investigated the allegation and determined that, based on available evidence, more likely than not, the death was the result of Coalition action. A "non-credible" evaluation means that the information we have to assess the allegation, using our available resources, cannot determine, to the standard of "more likely than not", that the death was the result of Coalition action. There could be a number of reasons for this, to include no corroborating strikes at that time or that location, there was insufficient evidence to support the allegation, or there is simply insufficient or overly vague data in the allegation itself. It is important to note that while the Coalition has a substantial quantity of data at its disposal to investigate every claim, we welcome any information from any source that will enable us to determine the truth. Furthermore, we routinely reopen closed investigations based on new information that might help us attain more accurate results. Non-Credible Reports: After a thorough review of the facts and circumstances of each civilian casualty report, CJTF-OIR assessed the following two reports as non-credible. At this time there is insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition action resulted in civilian casualties. Numeric Key: [CJTF-OIR Allegation Number] / [Non-Governmental Organization Allegation Number] [Grid Coordinate]. The Military Grid Reference System coordinates specified in these reports are derived from the original allegation source. 1. Nov. 24, 2018, near Hajin, Syria via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 3246/CS1857 37SFU677407 2. Jan. 29, 2019, in al Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition action. 3268/CS1893 37SFU786153

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Between Jan. 13 - 26, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 645 strikes consisting of 1,360 engagements in Syria, and conducted nine strikes consisting of 12 engagements in Iraq.

In Syria, 645 strikes engaged 394 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 244 fighting positions, 172 supply routes, 85 staging areas, 21 vehicles, 17 buildings, 15 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 14 mortar launching sites, 13 manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, 12 command and control nodes, nine tunnels, eight weapons catches, seven pieces of engineering equipment, five launching sites for unmanned aircraft systems, two weapons storage facilities, two mortar tubes, two improvised explosive devices, one unmanned aircraft system, one machine gun, one logistic node and one check point.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Jan 23rd-29th, France reported that French Rafales conducted 7 strikes south of Hajin on ISIS fighters in the mid-Euphrates Valley.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Les Forces démocratiques syriennes, dont l’offensive est appuyée par les forces aériennes d’une part et l’artillerie de la Task Force Wagram d’autre part, ont poursuivi leur progression dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate. Après la reprise et la libération de Marashida, les opérations de reconquête des territoires occupés par Daech, menées par les FDS, entrent dans leur dernière phase, avant une période de sécurisation qui lui succèdera. Poursuite des actions en Irak La situation sécuritaire en Irak est stable, et les Forces de Sécurité irakiennes maintiennent un rythme opérationnel élevé. Elles poursuivent leurs efforts visant les flux et ressources logistiques, ce qui se concrétise par des prises de quantités importantes d’explosifs, de munitions et d’armement aux dépends de Daesh, dont il faut rappeler le régime de semi-clandestinité, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija, entre Bagdad et Mossoul. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le 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’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 33 missions de tir (7 éclairements, 4 appuis, 22 aveuglements – bilan du 23 au 29 janvier inclus). Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Les 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 26 sorties aériennes (bilan du 23 au 29 janvier inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 07 frappes cette semaine au sud de la ville d’Hajine sur des combattants de Daech, dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, là où les Forces démocratiques syriennes produisent leur principal effort. La phase de transition entre le départ du groupe aéronaval américain « USS Stennis » et l’arrivée de renfort d’avions de chasse américains explique l’augmentation du volume des sorties aériennes dont certaines ont été  effectuées depuis la Base aérienne des Emirats Arabes Unis. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Elle conseille également ponctuellement les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. La Task Force Narvik quant à elle continue sa participation à l’instruction opérationnelle de l’ICTS (Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service).

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 14
  • (3–5 children3–4 women1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • 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 attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1891a

Incident date

January 25–26, 2019

Location

الباغوز, Between Al-Baghuz Fawqani town and Al-Marashdah village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.47381, 40.93928 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on December 5th of that year – the Coalition conceded the killing of three civilians and the injuring of a fourth in a strike near Marashdah. The Pentagon later declared this as a US-only civilian harm event.

According to the report, “January 25, 2019, near Marashidah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike. 2664 37SFU781164”.

An alleged Coalition airstrike in the vicinity on this date also killed a total of 42 people, including 13 civilians in addition to 29 members of ISIS according to local reports [see CS1891].

Asked whether CS1891 might be a match for this incident, a Coalition official told Airwars: “Looking at the two reports, there is a chance these two are related as your report mentions some corroborating information, however it appears that this [Airwars] report is an aggregate of incidents and thus it is difficult to single out specific incidents with any certainty.”

Because of our inability to disaggregate these events, Airwars has created a separate civilian harm assessment for the confirmed Coalition event. We have also modified the civilian casualty range of CS1891 to avoid double counting.

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

The incident occured between 12:00 am and 6:00 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (14) [ 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
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    3
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1
  • Stated location
    near Marashidah, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU781164
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 5, 2019

  • January 25, 2019, near Marashidah, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of the strike. 2664 37SFU781164

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

Between Jan. 13 - 26, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 645 strikes consisting of 1,360 engagements in Syria, and conducted nine strikes consisting of 12 engagements in Iraq.

In Syria, 645 strikes engaged 394 ISIS tactical units, and destroyed 244 fighting positions, 172 supply routes, 85 staging areas, 21 vehicles, 17 buildings, 15 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 14 mortar launching sites, 13 manufacturing facilities for improvised explosive devices, 12 command and control nodes, nine tunnels, eight weapons catches, seven pieces of engineering equipment, five launching sites for unmanned aircraft systems, two weapons storage facilities, two mortar tubes, two improvised explosive devices, one unmanned aircraft system, one machine gun, one logistic node and one check point.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original
Official source

For Jan 23rd-29th, France report that French Rafales conducted 7 strikes south of Hajin on ISIS fighters in the mid-Euphrates Valley.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie Les Forces démocratiques syriennes, dont l’offensive est appuyée par les forces aériennes d’une part et l’artillerie de la Task Force Wagram d’autre part, ont poursuivi leur progression dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate. Après la reprise et la libération de Marashida, les opérations de reconquête des territoires occupés par Daech, menées par les FDS, entrent dans leur dernière phase, avant une période de sécurisation qui lui succèdera. Poursuite des actions en Irak La situation sécuritaire en Irak est stable, et les Forces de Sécurité irakiennes maintiennent un rythme opérationnel élevé. Elles poursuivent leurs efforts visant les flux et ressources logistiques, ce qui se concrétise par des prises de quantités importantes d’explosifs, de munitions et d’armement aux dépends de Daesh, dont il faut rappeler le régime de semi-clandestinité, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija, entre Bagdad et Mossoul. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le 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’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 33 missions de tir (7 éclairements, 4 appuis, 22 aveuglements – bilan du 23 au 29 janvier inclus). Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Les 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 26 sorties aériennes (bilan du 23 au 29 janvier inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit 07 frappes cette semaine au sud de la ville d’Hajine sur des combattants de Daech, dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, là où les Forces démocratiques syriennes produisent leur principal effort. La phase de transition entre le départ du groupe aéronaval américain « USS Stennis » et l’arrivée de renfort d’avions de chasse américains explique l’augmentation du volume des sorties aériennes dont certaines ont été  effectuées depuis la Base aérienne des Emirats Arabes Unis. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La Task Force (TF) Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’assistance et de conseil de l’état-major de la 6ème division irakienne, qui est en charge de la sécurisation de l’ouest du grand Bagdad. Elle conseille également ponctuellement les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. La Task Force Narvik quant à elle continue sa participation à l’instruction opérationnelle de l’ICTS (Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service).

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1892a

Incident date

January 25, 2019

Location

الباغوز, near al Baghouz, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.45445, 40.96604 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Within 100m (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In its monthly civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on December 5th of that year – the Coalition conceded the injuring of a civilian in a strike near Baghouz.

According to the report, “January 25, 2019, near Baghouz, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh tunnel entrance. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of a strike.
2663 37SFU806143”.

Asked by Airwars whether this might be a match for an al Baghouz allegation already listed for this date (CS1891) Coalition officials stated that “This does not appear to be the same incident.”

We have therefore created a new entry for this previously untracked event.

In May 2020 in its annual report to Congress, the Pentagon noted this to be a US civilian harm event – giving the location as Baghouz Fawqani.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (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
    None
  • Stated location
    near Baghouz/ Baghouz Fawqani, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU806143
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Dec 5, 2019

  • January 25, 2019, near Baghouz, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh tunnel entrance. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded as a result of a strike.2663 37SFU806143

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    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