Understanding Civilian Harm in Raqqa and Its Implications for Future Conflicts (Annex)
Abstract
The battle to capture Raqqa from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) officially lasted from June 6 to October 20, 2017. When Syrian forces, supported by the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition, captured the city, commentators compared the extent of the damage in Raqqa with that in Dresden, Germany, following Allied carpet bombing in February 1945.1 According to an assessment by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)s Satellite Analysis and Applied Research program (UNOSAT, previously the UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme), between February 3 and October 21, 2017, 11,001 buildings were damaged or destroyed.2 This included 5 destroyed bridges, approximately 159 structures corresponding to educational facilities, 26 structures likely related to health facilities, 8 water towers [that] are completely destroyed, and damage to one electric substation and a sewage treatment facility.3 Meanwhile, strike releases from Combined Joint Task Force(CJTF) Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) indicate that there were approximately 5,000 air and artillery strikes during this same period.4
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1165605
Entities
People
- Benjamin J. Sacks
- Gabrielle Tarini
- Karen M. Sudkamp
- Larry Lewis
- Michael J. Mcnerney
- Michelle Grise
- Nate Rosenblatt
- Pauline Moore
Organizations
- RAND Corporation