US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Civilians in the ruins of Mosul city. (Maranie R. Staab)

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

February 18, 2017

Incident Code

CI464

LOCATION

باب البيض, Mosul, Bab al Beith, Nineveh, Iraq

“Dozens” of civilians were reported killed and injured following alleged US Apache helicopter and Iraqi artillery strikes on West Mosul. Yaqein reported both Apache helicopter and Iraqi artillery strikes on the ISIL-occupied West of the city. Ajel al Mousul reported only artillery strikes, which it said: “caused the martyrdom and wounding of dozens of civilians.”

Summary

First published
February 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
28
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

CI859

LOCATION

الشجرة, Al Shajarah village, near Al Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

Dozens of civilians, including a whole family, were reported by local media as killed in Al Shajara near Hawija, south of Kirkurk province. Iraq News Center’s correspondent said the dozens of victims were mostly women and children and situated the incident at the villages of Al-Shajara, Ghareeb and Al-Mistah in the area of Al-Abbas in

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2017

Incident Code

CI579

LOCATION

الطوافة, Mosul, Tawafa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that that dozens of civilians were killed or injured, including 19 members from one family, in Tawafa area west of Mosul by airstrikes. Local sources told Iraqyoon that “the aircraft bombed sites in the neighborhood of the Tawafa on the right side, which led to the deaths of dozens of civilians, including

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

CI591

LOCATION

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Dozens of civilians were reported killed or injured after Coalition airstrikes and possibly unidentified mortars hit houses in Zanjili neighbourhood, in West Mosul. Suhaib Al Mashhadany posted a video on Facebook showing a young girl, allegedly the only survivor of the family after shelling hit their home. Two sources, Iraqyoon and Yaqein, blamed the Coalition

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2017

Incident Code

CI666

LOCATION

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, West / Right side, Nineveh, Iraq

In two tweets, which appeared to be based on a single statement by the ISIL press agency, it was reported that about 24 civilians died and 26 were injured as a result of alleged Coalition and Iraqi airforce raids on several districts in West Mosul.

Summary

First published
April 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
24
Civilians reported injured
26
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

CI571

LOCATION

الإصلاح الزراعي, Mosul, Isilah al Zeraei, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources claimed that dozens of civilians were killed or injured by indiscriminate artillery shelling on Islah Al Zeraei (Agricultural Reform) neighbourhood.

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 10, 2017

Incident Code

CI531

LOCATION

حي الفاروق, Mosul, Farouk, Nineveh, Iraq

Local residents and press sources said dozens of civilians were killed or injured in Al Farouk neighbourhood in the west of Mosul. This reportedly included 19 members from the same family, including women and children. They died when their house was bombed. Sources reported that many of the victims were still under the rubble after

Summary

First published
March 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
19 – 24
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS1462

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Political Security building, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A major civilian casualty incident, in which 20-24 civilians died, took place in the center of Abu Kamal city, Deir Ezzor Governorate, according to multiple local sources. Shaam News claimed “dozens” of civilians were killed or wounded. There was some contention regarding the number of civilians killed, as the raid allegedly targeted a prison of

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 24
(6 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
12 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2015

Incident Code

CI046

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Algiers, Al Faisaliah, flowers, and July neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

Sources in Mosul claimed that Coalition airstrikes hit a residential neighbourhood in the city, “killing 17 civilians, including six children, and wounded another 23 who were taken to hospitals in Mosul.” According to BasNews, Daesh/ Islamic State appeared to have recently shifted its headquarters and military positions “into residential neighborhoods,” a move which had likely

Summary

First published
February 28, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 24
(6 children)
Civilians reported injured
23–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2017

Incident Code

CI722

LOCATION

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq

Multiple local sources reported that dozens of civilians were killed or injured as a result of heavy airstrikes in Shifa neighborhood, in West Mosul. Yaqein said that the Coalition was responsible for the raids, and that they also led to the destruction of houses of civilians. Sawlf Ateka and Mosul Ista (two local Facebook groups)

Summary

First published
May 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2017

Incident Code

CI821

LOCATION

الكرابلة, Karabla, Al Anbar, Iraq

Dozens of civilians were allegedly killed in airstrikes in Karabla, Qaem, local media reported – It was unclear who was responsible. According to Yaqein, A number of civilians, including children, were killed and wounded after warplanes targeted al-Qa’im west of Anbar in light of continued attacks by joint forces supported by the international coalition. The

Summary

First published
August 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

CI648

LOCATION

المدينة القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that heavy airstrikes hit several neighbourhoods in Old Mosul on Tuesday, leading to ‘dozens of civilians killed and injured.’ One report suggested helicopters may have participated, though presently no further details are known. The Coalition later admitted it had killed one civilian in the area that day – see CI649.

Summary

First published
April 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS489 TS079

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, New Street, Aleppo, Syria

At least 15 civilians from the same family died in either Turkish or Coalition airstrikes, as the battle to seize Al Bab from ISIL continued. Up to nine other non-combatants also died. Al Jazeera initially placed the death toll at 16 and then 24, though said the fatalities resulted from “shelling and battles in the

Summary

First published
February 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 24
(3 children5 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Turkish Military
Named victims
16 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

CI602

LOCATION

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, Farouk and Makawi, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that up to 23 civilians were killed and 24 injured in airstrikes on Mashahade, Yarmouk, Farouk, and Tanak neighbourhoods in West Mosul and Old Mosul.

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
Civilians reported injured
24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1372

LOCATION

Central neighbourhoods, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources said that 23 civilians were killed and 60 injured after alleged US-led Coalition strikes targeted neighbourhoods of Raqqa. Sound and Picture reported that the “SDF militia” had engaged in the offensive during the daytime with “intensive artillery”, whilst the US-led Coalition conducted airstrikes in the night. Airwars understands that only the Coalition has

Summary

First published
August 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
50–60
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1427

LOCATION

الحديقة البيضا, Hadika Al Bayda (White Garden), Raqqa, Syria

Between 12 and 23 civilians were reported killed, and others wounded, following US-led Coalition airstrikes near The White Garden (Hadiqa Bayda) area, in Raqqa City. The Syrian Network for Human Rights documented 12 civilian casualties, whereas the majority of other sources reported 17 or 18 killed, including women and children. The air raid reportedly struck

Summary

First published
August 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 23
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2018

Incident Code

CS1836

LOCATION

البوبدران, Al Boubadran, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a residential area and reportedly killed between eight and 23 civilians, in what local sources described as “a massacre”. According to Sana News, 23 civilians died as a result of the airstrike. Step News  and Euphrates Post reported that a total of 20 people died. Step added that 17 belonged

Summary

First published
November 15, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 23
(8–14 children3–4 women1 man)
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
27 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1022 CS273a

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

In what has been described as a massacre, committed by both Russian and Assad regime and coalition warplanes, between 10 and 23 civilians were killed and as many as 35 more wounded on July 19th in Idlib city. Other sources claimed that the Coalition was involved in the incident. According to Shaam News Network the

Summary

First published
July 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 23
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
30–35
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

CI588

LOCATION

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local reports claimed that an airstrike struck the Emergency hospital and severely damaged it. This reportedly led to the death of 29 ISIL fighters and 23 civilians. Mosul Eye blamed the Coalition for the attack, which it also said injured 15 and killed 29 ISIL fighters. A report in Sawlf Ateka said that one of

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2017

Incident Code

CI755

LOCATION

البورصة, Mosul, Borsa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that 18 civilians from four named families – mostly children and women – died under the rubble. An airstrike reportedly hit their homes in the Borsa area in the centre of Mosul. It is presently unclear who was responsible for the airstrikes. Sawlf Ateka, a local Facebook page, launched an appeal to

Summary

First published
June 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21 – 23
(5 children5 women2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1660 RS2671

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 23 civilians, reportedly including two families, died and “a large number” more were injured in airstrikes on al Salhiya in Deir Ezzor, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime. Euphrates Post reported “21 martyrs and

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 23
(3 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

CI292

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported the deaths of up to 23 civilians – including 17 children and 1 woman – following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Mosul’s Najjar neighbourhood. Officials later confirmed the deaths of 10 civilians in the event. Iraqi Spring reported at the time that The coalition air force has targeted a home in which

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
19 – 23
(17 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
11
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2015

Incident Code

CI072

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Zuhour and other neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

In January 2016, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq reported that it had learned of a major civilian casualty incident in Mosul on June 8th 2015, though had been unable either to verify the claim or attribute responsibility to any party: “On 8 June, local sources reported that an airstrike in Mosul, Ninewa, caused

Summary

First published
June 8, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 23
(7–8 children9–10 women)
Civilians reported injured
13–21
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1590a

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, between 11 and 23 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty. The report summarised

Summary

First published
October 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 23
(6 children3 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

CI323

LOCATION

حمام العليل, Mosul, Hamam al Alil subdistrict, Nineveh, Iraq

The UN report on the protection of civilians in the context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: On 5 November, airstrikes hit two houses in Hamam al-Alil City resulting in the houses collapsing. Twenty-three civilians, including children, were reportedly trapped inside. In the evening of the same day, two children, one seriously

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(3 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2017

Incident Code

CI580

LOCATION

باب سنجار, Mosul, Bab Sinjar, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that an unspecified number of civilians were killed or injured after airstrikes targeted Bab al-Sinjar neighbourhood, in west Mosul. Two sources blamed the Coalition, while others did not identify who was responsible.

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 24, 2015

Incident Code

CI075

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Rifai and Hermat, Nineveh, Iraq

Iraqi news agency NINA claimed that multiple Coalition airstrikes on the city of Mosul killed 23 people and injured a further 21. Citing an ‘anonymous security source’ the news agency reported that “Around 23 civilians were killed, including ten women and eight children, and 21 injured in the coalition bombing” which included the neighbourhoods of

Summary

First published
June 24, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(8 children10 women)
Civilians reported injured
21
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

CS223

LOCATION

أوجقناه, Ojkana, Aleppo, Syria

22 civilians including at least 13 children were reported killed and 13 people injured following alleged Coalition airstrikes in Manbij. The Shaam News Network reported that “Coalition planes launched raids on IS positions in Manbij and the surrounding area which led to the fall of civilian martyrs and wounded.” The Syrian Press Centre said that

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
22 – 23
(11–15 children6 women)
Civilians reported injured
13–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
24 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1236 RS2350

LOCATION

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 22 civilians including as many as 11 children died in airstrikes on Zor Shamer, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. There were no reports of injured civilians. @eldorar, Syrian free army, Ahmad Shibli and the Smart News Agency pointed

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 22
(5–11 children2–4 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
13 named, 7 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS497

LOCATION

مزرعة تشرين, Tishreen Farms, Raqqa, Syria

A reported airstrike at Tishreen Farms killed up to 22 non-combatants, according to reports. Both Russia and the Coalition were blamed, though the latter denied responsibility. Asharqiya Voice reported the deaths of 10 people, while Raqqa is Being Slaughtered described “a massacre against 14 civilians after Coalition planes bomb Tishreen farm north of Raqqa.” Smart

Summary

First published
February 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 22
(1–5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident