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

July 27, 2018

Incident Code

CS1786

LOCATION

السوسة, Outskirts of Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported the death of two or four civilians after missiles struck aid vehicles near the town of Al Soussa. According to Smart News, Coalition raids struck “three trucks loaded with food”, killing four civilians. The media outlet noted that the four came from “Salba and Mkeymen the eastern suburb of Hama in the

Summary

First published
July 27, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2018

Incident Code

CS1808

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A named adult civilian male was reported killed by Coalition shellling at al Soussa, in an attack which also was said to have killed five ISIS fighters. Radio al Kul and a number of other sources noted only the deaths of the ISIS fighters. According to Syrian PC one of them was a high value

Summary

First published
October 12, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2018

Incident Code

CS1842

LOCATION

قرية الحنة, Al Hanna village, Al Hassakah, Syria

According to local sources, people took to the streets in demonstration after one man was killed and his two children injured or killed when shells hit their house in Al-Hanna. Jisr TV reported it was a total of 14 shells that caused the killing of the man and the injuries of his children. According to

Summary

First published
November 19, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2019

Incident Code

CS1909

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

During intensive air raids, a farm in Al-Baghouz was struck by air- and artillery fire on the outskirts of Al-Baghouz town. Step News was the only source that reported over 20 civilians were killed in the strike. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights blamed the Coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces while all other sources

Summary

First published
March 14, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
(1–2 children1–2 women)
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, Syrian Democratic Forces
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2016

Incident Code

TS007 CS371

LOCATION

مدينة الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians were reported killed and three injured in ‘Coalition’ strikes on Al Bab. However, other reports claimed that Turkey and its FSA allies may have been responsible. Sky News reported that Turkish tanks were advancing on Al Bab, while France 24 described Turkish airstrikes on the city. Reporting casualties, Halab News said

Summary

First published
November 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Turkish Military, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2018

Incident Code

CS1821a

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injuries of four civilians in an airstrike near Hajin. There are indications that this was either a French or Dutch action. In its April 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted one strike on a Daesh improvised explosive device

Summary

First published
October 31, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS911 CS232

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria

Between three and five civilians died and up to 17 others were wounded in an airstrike on Al Mansoura village, according to local media. Multiple reports said a strike hit a car travelling along the al Rasafa road and killed those inside. It was unclear who was responsible for the deaths, with allegations against Russia,

Summary

First published
June 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
2–17
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2014

Incident Code

CS017

LOCATION

سلوك, Suluk, Raqqa, Syria

An internal Coalition report, citing web sources, noted claims that civilian casualties had been alleged at Slouk “on a strike on some grain silos.” The aircraft was likely to have been a US armed drone, due to the Hellfire missile used. An initial investigation concluded that there had been no civilians injured: “The only strike

Summary

First published
October 28, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

December 25, 2019

Incident Code

CS1942

LOCATION

البوكمال, Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Around ten people were killed and an unknown number wounded in alleged Coalition artillery strikes that reportedly targeted Iranian and Lebanese militias in the city of Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor governorate, on December 25th, 2019, according to local sources. It is unclear if those killed were civilians or belligerents. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

Summary

First published
December 25, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Belligerents reported killed
7–10
Belligerents reported injured
2
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2014

Incident Code

CS038

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

In one of the the worst known incidents of mass civilian casualties reportedly caused by coalition bombings, at least 51 non-combatants were killed when aircraft struck an Islamic State local headquarters, which was also being used as a temporary prison. Somewhere between 150 and 400 people were being held by ISIL on petty charges at

Summary

First published
December 28, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
51 – 65
(2–4 women30 men)
Civilians reported injured
20
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
31 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2022

Incident Code

CS1982

LOCATION

الزر, Al Zer, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two children under the age of 18 were killed during a joint Coalition and Syrian Democratic Forces airdrop operation in the village of Al Zer on July 4th, 2022. Sources were conflicted as to whether the two killed were civilians or members of ISIS. Al Khabour posted on Facebook that a young man named “Muhammad Fateh Khalaf

Summary

First published
July 4, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 children)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
Suspected target
ISIS
Geolocation
Village
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2015

Incident Code

CI048

LOCATION

برطلّة, Bartalah, Nineveh, Iraq

According to NINA, a source in the forensic medicine department of the local hospital reported that numerous civilians died “in bombing by the international coalition aircraft [which] targeted a stronghold of the Islamic State in Bartalah north of Mosul.” Among 16 alleged civilian victims were five children and two women, whose bodies were said to

Summary

First published
March 5, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(5 children2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2015

Incident Code

CS072

LOCATION

رأس العين, Road between Al I'dwania and Raja’an, Al Hassakah, Syria

A number of sources reported that a “civilian car” was struck “on the road between Al I’dwania and Raja’an,” near Al Hassakah, killing a family of four. Those killed were described as a man, his wife, mother and daughter – all from the village of Raja A’an in Ras al-Ain.  

Summary

First published
May 26, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child2 women1 man)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 7, 2015

Incident Code

CS091

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In a casualty incident later confirmed by the US, its aircraft targeted a vehicle in the vicinity of Al Shefa Hospital in Raqaa, wounding seven civilians in the process. No fatalities were initially reported, but the hospital was reportedly damaged. In a Facebook posting marking the event, locals insisted that all of those injured were

Summary

First published
July 7, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2015

Incident Code

CS113

LOCATION

مروح, Marwah, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians, all members of the same family, were killed in an alleged Coalition strike on the Daesh-occupied town of Al Mourouj (or Al Mourwah) according to multiple reports. Saudi newspaper Asharq al Awsat reported that “six civilians were killed on Friday evening [August 14th] after an international Coalition plane bombed the village of Al

Summary

First published
August 14, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(0–1 children6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2015

Incident Code

CS128

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

An internally displaced person, a young girl named as Fatima Hasan Al Steif from Aleppo, was allegedly killed by a Coalition strike according to sources. Fatima was said to be the daughter of Hasan Al Steif, and the family had been displaced from the town of Al Safira, in Aleppo province, to Raqaa. In its

Summary

First published
September 20, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2015

Incident Code

CS142

LOCATION

مسطاحة, Mestaha, Aleppo, Syria

Three teenage civilian males were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike. They are listed as being from Mestaha in Aleppo but it is not clear whether they were killed there.  This incident is currently single source.  

Summary

First published
October 31, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 18, 2016

Incident Code

CI179

LOCATION

المعارض المنفيس, Mosul, Exhibitions area, Nineveh, Iraq

Multiple local sources claimed that 11 civilians were killed and 6 others wounded after Coalition aircraft allegedly targeted cars in the Exhibitions area east of Mosul. According to the National Iraqi News Agency, residents in the city’s Exhibitions area said the casualties occurred when aircraft fired on vehicles: “The bodies of civilians were handed over to

Summary

First published
January 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 11
Civilians reported injured
6–11
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

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

CS185

LOCATION

عين العروس, `Ayn al `Arus, Raqqa, Syria

According to reports up to 16 civilians including 10 members of a family died in Ain al A’rouss “following Coalition raids.” One adult male civilian victim – the head of the family – was named by VDC as Faeour al Abo. According to Shaam News, Daesh targets had been struck in the town: “International coalition

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 16
(3 children6 women7 men)
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
15 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 6, 2016

Incident Code

CI219

LOCATION

حاج علي, Haj Ali, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources claimed “dozens of civilians” including children and women were killed or injured after Coalition or Iraq government jets targeted Haj Ali village in Qayyarah south of Mosul. While most social media reports blamed the Iraqi military for the event, others blamed the Coalition or both. Yaqen, for example, said it was a joint

Summary

First published
April 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
30
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–40
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

June 16, 2016

Incident Code

CI254

LOCATION

الفلوجة‎, Fallujah, Al Anbar, Iraq

It was reported that airstrikes and artillery shelling of neighbourhoods in Fallujah killed at least 10 civilians and injured 15 more. However, it was not clear from the reports who was responsible, as they referred to aggressive shelling government and international. One report said that the emergency Fallujah General Hospital received thirteen wounded including five

Summary

First published
June 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 16
(4–7 children3–6 women)
Civilians reported injured
13
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2016

Incident Code

CS254

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Heavy reported Coalition strikes on the al Hunaithal neighbourhood of western Manbij led to the additional deaths of five named civilians, according to reports. Al Hall described the location as al Rabita Street. On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child2 women)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

CS282

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians was reported killed and injured during alleged Coalition airstrikes in support of heavy ground fighting in Manbij. According to blogger Hathifa al Yaman al Majd “Warplanes last night targeted Al Jilawi neighbourhood behind al Hawatma neighbourhood, on Jarablos road. Missiles hit civilian houses and destroyed seven houses in the area,

Summary

First published
July 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 25, 2016

Incident Code

CS301

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the death of a young civilian male following an alleged Coalition strike on an ISIL prison. The group noted on August 28th: “Martyrdom of Khalil Al-Gharieb, detained by the organisation Daesh due to an international Coalition warplane raid several days before on the organization’s prison in the city of

Summary

First published
August 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2016

Incident Code

CI293

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Dawassa area, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources claimed a Coalition targeted the Al Dawwasa area south of Mosul, resulting in 3 to 7 civilian deaths and 11 injuries. Citing a local source, Al Araby said: the air strike targeted the al Dawwasa area (south of Mosul), which targeted some residential buildings in the area. The source said seven civilians were

Summary

First published
October 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
Civilians reported injured
11
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

October 24, 2016

Incident Code

CS347

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

3 civilians were killed when a garage was bombed by the Coalition, according to a local source. Smart News reported that 3 civilians were killed when a garage belonging to ISIL was struck by the Coalition. According to the account, six cars belonging to ISIL were also destroyed. The report noted other raids on that

Summary

First published
October 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS360

LOCATION

لقطة, Lakta, Raqqa, Syria

At least 7 civilians were killed by by a Coalition airstrike, according to an ISIL-controlled outlet. ISIL-controlled Al A’amaq reported that “international coalition planes” targeted two homes in Lakta, “and killed at least seven civilians.” Thus far, Al A’amaq is the only source that references this incident specifically. However, other monitors and outlets, including the

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS378

LOCATION

الهزيمة, Al Hazimah, Raqqa, Syria

Between three and seven civilians were reported killed along with a number of ISIL fighters following alleged Coalition airstrikes. Raqqa Post reported that “civilians were killed along with IS members after raids on the village of Hazima. The operation of pulling out victims from under the rubble has been delayed due to continuing Coalition flights

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
7
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 29, 2016

Incident Code

CI355

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, South, Nineveh, Iraq

Sixteen civilians, including women and children, were killed in the alleged Coalition raid in the south of Mosul, according to a single source – Iraqi Spring Media Center. Amsiraq published pictures of damaged buildings in south Iraq which it said had been caused by Coalition and government shelling. There was no mention of civilian casualties.

Summary

First published
November 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(2 children2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2017

Incident Code

CI395

LOCATION

حي الزراعي, Mosul, Agricultural, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources and relatives of victims said that more than 20 civilians from three families were killed, including children and women, after Coalition airstrikes targeted their houses in front of Saddam mosque at the entrance of Farms district, north of Mosul. Mosul Ateka reported that “18 people were killed in the Farms district after three

Summary

First published
January 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 20
(2–4 children2–7 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
11
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
3 named
View Incident