US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident date

November 21, 2016

Incident Code

CS383

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Raqqa, Syria

A dawn Coalition airstrike on the village of al Salhiyeh killed at least nine civilians – most from one family. The Coalition has since admitted two civilian deaths in the attack. ISIL’s media wing said the target of the raid was a cotton factory in the village, where three workers also died. Ara News cited

Summary

First published
November 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 10
(2–3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
13
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2018

Incident Code

CS1875

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Shaafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A number of civilians, including women and children, were reported killed and wounded by an alleged Coalition airstrike on a “civilian house” in the town of Al-Shaafa on the morning of December 20th. The Coalition later admitted that two civilians were killed in the incident in Al-Shaafa. According to sources on the ground, between 6

Summary

First published
December 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 24
(4 children1–2 women1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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

May 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS809

LOCATION

Khirbat Farms, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an airstrike near the hamlets of Khirbat farms and Ruhayyat in Raqqa province. Their August 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS VBIED, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that two civilians,

Summary

First published
May 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1645 RS2645

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Al Masriya roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between eight and nine civilians died in an airstrike on the al Masriya roundabout in Abu Kamal, according to local media – though sources at the time were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia was responsible. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted:

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
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
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 5, 2019

Incident Code

CS1883a

LOCATION

المرشدة, Marishidah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an event previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians and the injury of another near Marishidah, Syria. This was later declared to be a US-only civilian harm event. In its July 2019 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted the following: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against

Summary

First published
January 5, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
1
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

August 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1370

LOCATION

الرقة‎, near Raqqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an event near Raqqa. Their October 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed.” Airwars had

Summary

First published
August 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2014

Incident Code

CS019

LOCATION

حارم, Harim, Idlib, Syria

Six months after US air raids had targeted the Khorasan Group (part of the al-Nusra Front) and the militant group Ahrar al-Sham, the Coalition conceded that two children had “likely” died in the attack – the first public concession of any civilian deaths after 4,000 airstrikes against ISIS over nine months. The November 5th US-only

Summary

First published
November 6, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(2–6 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
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 1, 2018

Incident Code

CS1786a

LOCATION

near Ash Shajlah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later conceded the deaths of two civilians in an event near Ash Shajlah, Syria. The Pentagon later said this was a US action. In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike against a Daesh staging area. Regrettably, two

Summary

First published
August 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared 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
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2016

Incident Code

CS213

LOCATION

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians near as Shadadi. Their December 2016 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on seven ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were inadvertently killed. One civilian passenger in the vehicle was killed

Summary

First published
May 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 5, 2018

Incident Code

CS1722

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that between 17 and 59 civilians were killed in the village of Al Sha’afa. According to a tweet by @syrians, most of the casualties were women and children. The US military has admitted to killing two civilians in the attack. Radio al Kul and Free Deir Ezzor both stated specifically that 17

Summary

First published
February 5, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 59
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2018

Incident Code

CS1754

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa: al Boubadran, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to local sources, two civilians were killed and two civilians were injured in a declared Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Soussa on May 27, 2018. Euphrates Post, Lawhat Bukmalna and Deir Ezzor 24 reported that Issa Mohammed al-Debs, an Abu Kamal local, was killed by an air raid on the Boubdran district

Summary

First published
May 27, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS432

LOCATION

السوا, Sawa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between five and 40 civilians reportedly died following a Coalition airstrike at al Sa’wa, according to local sources. The Coalition later confirmed killing just two civilians. According to Step News, “international coalition planes targeted last night oil terminal wells near the town of Al Sa’awa in the western countryside with dozens of air strikes, killing

Summary

First published
January 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 40
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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

June 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS957

LOCATION

سيف الدولة, 23rd February road, Raqqa, Syria

Five civilians including four from the same family died and several more were injured in what appears to have been an artillery bombardment, according to local sources. Multiple reports said that the Thalji building on 23 February Street was hit by shells. Most sources referred to “shelling” and “artillery” but didn’t name the culprit. While

Summary

First published
June 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(3 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS968

LOCATION

نهر الفرات، الرقة, Euphrates river, Raqqa, Syria

Up to four civilians died when their boat was struck by the Coalition as they attempted to flee Raqqa, local media said. In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh barge. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed and 10

Summary

First published
June 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1083

LOCATION

بقرص تحتاني, Bokrus Tahtani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A mother and her daughter were killed and seven others were injured in airstrikes in Bokrus Tahtani in eastern Deir Ezzor, local sources reported, but it was contested who was responsible. The victims were identified as a 34-year-old woman, who is the wife of Mohammed Abdullah al Kardoush, and their 16-year-old daughter. The couple is

Summary

First published
June 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1201

LOCATION

هشام عبد الملك, Ar Raqqah: Hisham Bin Abd Al Malek neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

Nine civilians including seven children and two women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hisham bin Abdul Malik, according to local sources. The Shaam News Network said that the strike happened near the Al-Mari’ Bakery, while RFS reported that the bakery itself was struck. All sources blamed the Coalition, with Sharqiya Voice referring specifically

Summary

First published
July 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(7 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2018

Incident Code

CS1756

LOCATION

باغوز فوقاني, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to local sources, Coalition airstrikes and artillery shelling on the town of Al Baghouz led to the deaths of up to nine civilians, including two or three children. Coalition officials indicated to Airwars that it is likely that this incident matches one of the following concession of civilian harm. In their February 2019 press

Summary

First published
May 31, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS296

LOCATION

لقطة, La'ata, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilian males were killed in Coalition strikes at La’ata. The US later admitted responsibility, noting: “Near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that two civilians were killed.” According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, dawn air raids targeted four houses in the village: “These homes were expropriated by Daesh

Summary

First published
August 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS1006

LOCATION

مدرسة خالد بن وليد, Ar Raqqah: Near Khaled Bin Waled school, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians during a day of heavy air and artillery fire on Raqqa. Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS mortar position, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed by secondary explosions.”

Summary

First published
June 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS1353

LOCATION

Hurriyah, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians. In January 2018, their monthly civilian casualty report noted “During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they inadvertently crossed into the area of

Summary

First published
August 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS827

LOCATION

الماكف, Al Makef, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians died in a Coalition airstrike on the Al Makef area of Raqqa, according to local sources. The Coalition later confirmed responsibility for the deaths. In July 2018, the Coalition conceded it had caused civilian harm in this strike: “During a strike on Daesh fighting positions and supply routes, two civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Summary

First published
May 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1085

LOCATION

قريب من القورية, near Al Quoriya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian in an event near Al Quoriya. Their October 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed one ISIS staging location, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.” This confirmed strike might relate to

Summary

First published
June 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1117

LOCATION

الطيانة, Al Tayyana, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one civilian male, but possibly as many as two, died in airstrikes on Al Tayyana, according to local media – though it was initially unclear whether the Coalition or Russia was responsible. The US-led alliance accepted responsibility in September 2017. Five sources reported that only one fatality was caused by the airstrikes, however

Summary

First published
June 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
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 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1317b

LOCATION

الفردوس, near Raqqa, Syria, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian near Raqqa. In its February 2019 report, the Coalition noted the following: “the Coalition conducted one artillery strike on ISIS defensive fighting positions. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of this strike” It was later

Summary

First published
August 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS881

LOCATION

جامع الفواز, Fawwaz Mosque, Raqqa, Syria

According to Al Araby, “a civilian was killed as a result of renewed artillery shelling of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units on al-Fawaz mosque area, in conjunction with battles.” Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named the victim as Muhammad al-Taqi but didn’t say who was responsible for his death. In July 2018 the US-led alliance

Summary

First published
May 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

January 18, 2018

Incident Code

CS1715

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a previously unknown incident, the Coalition reported in May 2018 that it had killed one civilian in Hajin. According to the monthly civilian casualty report: “January 18, 2018, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh-held building a scooter entered the impact area moments before the impact. One civilian was unintentionally

Summary

First published
January 18, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2017

Incident Code

CS425

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

A major US airstrike on an al Nusra Front headquarters – a unilateral action – killed a significant number of militants. However, up to 26 Free Syrian Army prisoners held in the building were also reported killed, along with three children. The US admitted responsibility for just one civilian death three years later. Fatah al

Summary

First published
January 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
Al Qaeda/HTS
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2016

Incident Code

CS298

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, CENTCOM later confirmed the death of a civilian in an attack on Manbij. Their November 2016 civilian casualty report noted: “during a strike against an ISIL artillery firing position, it is assessed that one civilian was killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its

Summary

First published
August 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1280

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian near Abu Kamal, Syria. Their October 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS-held building, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.” Since the target of the strike was a building,

Summary

First published
July 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS905

LOCATION

السباهية, Al Sabahiya, Raqqa, Syria

Al Raqqa Truth and the Syrian Network for Human Rights named one victim of a reported Coalition airstrike on the Al Sabahiya area of Raqqa. The victim was also named by Raqqa24 which blamed the Coalition. However, RFS reported that artillery had led to the death of an unspecified number of civilians. It didn’t identify

Summary

First published
June 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident