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

July 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS1231

LOCATION

السبخة, Sabka, Raqqa, Syria

As many as four civilians were killed and a number of others were injured following alleged Coalition artillery fire on Sabka. Baladi News and Al Etihad Press reported that the four were killed after their car was targeted while traveling on the road which connects Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. Three of the six sources which

Summary

First published
July 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1263

LOCATION

الرشاد, Al Hittila, Al Rashad, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Euphrates Post reported the death of one civilian female in an airstrike on Al-Rashad, though it didn’t say who was responsible for her death. Alghad Al Soury blamed “the air force” – usually a reference to regime attacks.  

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

July 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1295

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

According to Euphrates Post, two civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. Hasaka Marsad also named these two victims and blamed the Coalition for their deaths. This event might or might not be related to the two events that the Coalition has admitted responsibility for — see S1138b and S1138c below. In their

Summary

First published
July 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1327

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 17 civilians including women and children died and 10 more were wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, according to local media. Most sources put the death toll at six with 10 more injured and blamed a “US bombing” of Raqqa neighbourhoods. However, on August 5th the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights “documented

Summary

First published
August 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 17
(2–7 children1–5 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
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

August 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS1359

LOCATION

بلدة الطيبة, Al Tayba, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two children were killed and many others wounded in strikes on al Tayba village, according to numerous local sources. At present it is unclear who was responsible for the incident; some sources have cited Russia and the regime, whilst others held the Coalition suspect. A Tweet by @palestinedam said that “the death of a child

Summary

First published
August 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
31
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1391

LOCATION

البياطرة, al Bayatra, Raqqa, Syria

The death of a young man, named Ali Ismail al-Mu’idi, was reported by local media. His death followed an alleged US-led Coalition airstrike on the city of Raqqa. No other details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
August 19, 2017
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

August 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1423

LOCATION

Fardous, Raqqa, Syria

Five family members of a ‘Kazakh ISIS fighter’ (a woman, her two sons and one daughter) died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Fardous in Raqqa, according to local media. Smart reported that “a local source told Smart that the family was made up of a woman and three of her children, and including a

Summary

First published
August 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman)
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

September 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1455

LOCATION

النهضة, Nahdah neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 11 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a school in Raqqah’s Al Nahda neighbourhood, local media reported. Baladi and Al Hasaka Rasd put the death toll at nine – both blaming the US-led Coalition. According to RT Arabic, “The Syrian government has accused the international coalition of committing a new massacre

Summary

First published
September 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(3 children)
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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1488

LOCATION

العشارة, Al A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that members of ISIS families died in airstrikes which hit homes in al A’shara/Al Hawa – though none of the reports said who was responsible for the incident. Moreover, there was some dispute over the location of the strike, and whether the homes struck belonged to civilians. According to Euphrates Post, “Two

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 6
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, Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1520

LOCATION

Hawari school, Raqqa, Syria

One adult male civilian, named as Said Mohammed al-Said, died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hawari school in Raqqah, according to local sources. Reports said that the victim was the father of six daughters.  

Summary

First published
September 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
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

September 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS1552

LOCATION

Al Zubari, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died and at least three were injured in airstrikes on Al Zubari, according to local media – though it was unclear who carried out the attack. Most sources didn’t apportion blame, though one said that Russia had bombed the town. According to the Smart News Agency, “a civilian was killed and others were

Summary

First published
September 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1588

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Four civilians from one family died in the conflict in Raqqah city, local media reported, though at present it is unclear how they died. The majority of sources alleged a land mine explosion was responsible, however, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently suspected ‘bombing” was the cause. Raqqa24, among other sources, named four of the victims.

Summary

First published
October 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 women1 man)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1624

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A named adult male civilian died in the besieged neighbourhoods of Raqqah, according to a local source. Details of his death are presently unknown. Airwars will amend the entry when new information is available.

Summary

First published
October 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1656 RS2666

LOCATION

السيال, Abu Kamal, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between three and six civilians died in an airstrike on the home of Mohammed al-Shabib Abu Jassim, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Iraqi air force, Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. According to Eldorar, “The sources said that in conjunction with the artillery

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1–2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
18
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, Iraq Irregular Forces
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2018

Incident Code

CS1720

LOCATION

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Multiple sources reported the death of eleven civilians and seven or more wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Bahra village, northwest of the town of Hajin. A tweet from @BassamJaara was the only source with an estimated tally of more than 30 casualties, claiming that: “More than 30 people, mostly children and women,

Summary

First published
February 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 30
Civilians reported injured
7–24
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

July 26, 2018

Incident Code

CS1784

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that alleged Coalition airstrikes hit the village of al Sha’afa, either killing two civilians or injuring “several”. According to Al Haal shelling by the “International Air Force […] focused on the side of the river” and resulted in “several civilians injured, in addition to material damage.” Step News also identified the US-led

Summary

First published
July 26, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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 10, 2018

Incident Code

CS1807

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source alleged that several dozen prisoners being held by Islamic State were killed when their prison was struck by the US-led Coalition or its allies the SDF. The Facebook site Exiles of the Euphrates claimed the following: “An old and sly policy of Daesh – when you want to lose a village or

Summary

First published
October 10, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Democratic Forces, US-led Coalition
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

December 18, 2018

Incident Code

CS1877

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported the killing of the Basem Al-Hussein family as a result of artillery shelling on the town of Hajin. The bodies of eight named family members were allegedly pulled from the rubble, mostly women and an unknown number of children. All sources reported on the incident on December 21st, but the exact date

Summary

First published
December 18, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1–7 children7 women1 man)
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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1580a RS2591

LOCATION

معبر مائي بين هجين و العباس, Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between ten and 30 civilians were killed, including four named men, and “dozens” more were injured, following a continuation of airstrikes on the river crossing, however this time the crossing linking Hajeen with Al A’bbas town. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, however others

Summary

First published
October 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 30
(4 men)
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, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS1618a

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, one civilian was reportedly killed in alleged Coalition artillery strikes 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 states that “An

Summary

First published
October 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4
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

June 24, 2020

Incident Code

CS1948

LOCATION

الطريق بين بنش ادلب, Road between Idlib and Binnish, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was reportedly killed in alleged US-led Coalition or Turkish drone strikes on the road between Idlib city and Binnish, Idlib governorate, on June 24th, 2020, according to local sources. The Syrian Civil Defence in Idlib told Smart New Agency that “an ammunition drone had targeted a Santa Fe car with missiles and destroyed

Summary

First published
June 24, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Turkish Military
Suspected target
Other
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2022

Incident Code

CS1989

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians, including a woman and a child, were reportedly injured in declared British drone strikes on the city of al-Bab on December 20, 2022. An alleged member of ISIS was also injured in the operation. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that a Yemeni person was severely injured by a drone

Summary

First published
December 20, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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.
Known belligerent
UK Military
Known target
ISIS
Geolocation
Exact location (other)
Belligerents reported injured
1
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2015

Incident Code

RS193 CS152

LOCATION

الخفسة, Khafsa, Aleppo, Syria

Seven civilians were killed and several injured in an alleged Russian, Assad regime or Coalition airstrikes on Al Khafasa. According to Shaam News Network, significant damage was caused to a water purification plant in the village, after seven raids. It said the plant provided water to most of the Aleppo neighbourhoods. It was additionally claimed

Summary

First published
November 26, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
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
Unknown, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2014

Incident Code

CS008

LOCATION

جرابلس, Road between Manbij and Jarabulus (Road 216), Aleppo, Syria

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a coalition airstrike “on Islamic State buildings” killed “several” civilians who were being held captive, as well as five Islamic State militants. The full translated quote from SOHR reads as follows: “Also at least five members of the Islamic State were killed and others wounded following a

Summary

First published
September 28, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
Suspected target
ISIS
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2015

Incident Code

CS041

LOCATION

دير الزور‎, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Extensive coalition air raids on Islamic State-controlled oil fields reportedly killed four civilian oil workers, according to a number of sources. Local website Step Agency listed what it said were the targets struck: “The alliance planes at dawn today launched more than five raids targeting Islamic State near the town of Abu Kamal in the

Summary

First published
January 11, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4–5 men)
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

July 25, 2015

Incident Code

CS106

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Damascus Centre for Human Rights Studies, reported that Ahmad al Awad had died in what was described as a Coalition strike at Bukamal. While single source, a Coalition attack was confirmed in the vicinity in daily reports at the time. In its civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on

Summary

First published
July 25, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested 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
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2015

Incident Code

CS141

LOCATION

الهول, Al Hawl, Al Hassakah, Syria

Three civilian men were reported killed when their vehicle was struck in a Coalition airstrike, according to reports. This incident is presently single source only with VDC naming the three men. In its July 2017 monthly report, the Coalition classed the event as non credible on grounds of proximity: “Oct. 31, 2015, near Al Hawl,

Summary

First published
October 31, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2016

Incident Code

CS187

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Airstrikes in the Al Hosh and al Fouroussiya areas of Raqqah killed at least three civilians including a child according to reports – although it was unclear whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Coalition. Ten Daesh fighters were also said to have been killed. The Syrian Observatory reported in English that

Summary

First published
March 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
35
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

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