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

September 28, 2014

Incident Code

CS007

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

The US (possibly with Jordan and/or the UAE) bombed grain silos near Manjib. While CENTCOM insisted that the grain facilities were occupied by Islamic State forces, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that only civilians – workers at the silos – had been killed, although militants were also wounded. According to the Syrian

Summary

First published
September 28, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

January 5, 2015

Incident Code

CS040

LOCATION

معرحطاط, Ma`arr Hitat, Idlib, Syria

The Syrian Martyrs website, lists one civilian male as a victim of a coalition strike. It is unclear whether he was killed in his home town of Ma’ar Hatat in Idlib or in Raqqa. However, the original listing in Damascus Centre for Human Rights Studies lists him as a militant from Idlib – and reports

Summary

First published
January 5, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2015

Incident Code

CS073

LOCATION

أم حجرة, Umm Hajarah, Al Hassakah, Syria

Three civilian men were reported killed in a combined ground and air assault on the village of Umm Hajra. The Hassakah Youth Union blamed the attack jointly on Kurdish ground forces – which it said had mortared the town – as well as Coalition airstrikes: “This is even though the village is free from the

Summary

First published
June 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 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
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2015

Incident Code

CS105

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Four civilians were reported injured in fresh coalition airstrikes on the outskirts of Raqaa. Images distributed by Raqaa is Being Slaughtered Silently featured an injured boy, among other victims, receiving treatment after the event. These photographs were subsequently removed, though are archived by Airwars. In July 2017 the Coalition said it had classed the event

Summary

First published
July 25, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 22, 2015

Incident Code

CS140

LOCATION

البلعوم, Baloum, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to reports civilian facility guard Waleed Mekhlef Al Abbad was killed in a Coalition raid on the Al Omar oil field. According to local reports, midnight airstrikes were followed by a raid involving up to six Coalition helicopters. Ara News cited media activist Yasser al-Dairi from Al Mayadeen as saying the raid “targeted an

Summary

First published
October 22, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
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
1 named
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

June 1, 2016

Incident Code

CS222

LOCATION

السكاوية, Al Sakkawya, Aleppo, Syria

One adult civilian male named as Saif Al Din Mohammad Al Sheikh was reported killed by a single source. According to the Syrian Network, “Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted residential houses in Al Sakkawya village, affiliated to Manbej city in the eastern suburbs of Aleppo, which resulted in the killing

Summary

First published
June 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

July 11, 2016

Incident Code

CS258

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

In a second alleged Coalition civilian casualty event in Manbij for July 11th, up to three civilians were reported killed.  

Summary

First published
July 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1 woman1 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS290

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

As the battle for Manbij reached its final stages, so-called Islamic State claimed that Coalition aircraft had committed a ‘massacre’ of civilians in the town. However, most sources reported that ISIL was forcibly trapping civilians in the town, and using them as human shields. In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed

Summary

First published
August 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS329

LOCATION

جسر السياسية, Al Siassah Bridge [exact location], Deir Ezzor, Syria

On Thursday, October 6, 2016, one civilian was killed and several others were injured when warplanes bombed Al-Siassah bridge over the Euphrates river in Deir Ez-Zawr, in eastern Syria. Reports cited both Coalition and Russian forces, although CENTCOM reported the destruction of two supply routes in Deir Ezzor for October 5th-6th. Sham News Network reported

Summary

First published
October 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS361

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A man was killed in Raqqa by a Coalition strike, according to one local source. RBSS reported that a “young man” named Ammar Omar al Dakmawi was killed in a Coaltion raid on Raqqa. VDC identifed him as a civilian.  

Summary

First published
November 7, 2016
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

January 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS440 RS1825

LOCATION

جبل الاربعين, Al Arbaeen Mountains, Idlib, Syria

As many as 20 civilians were killed, and others were wounded, according to reports, following an alleged Russian and or Coalition airstrike on a militant-occupied building in the Al-Arba’een Mountains. Shaam News reported that seven civilians died including “four children and three women in addition in addition to others wounded.” Step News blamed the US-led

Summary

First published
January 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 20
(4 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS478

LOCATION

الغدفة, Al Ghadafeh, Idlib, Syria

A 15-year old boy named as Mohammad Haj Ahmad was reported by VDC as having been killed by the Coalition. The boy came from Al-Ghadefeh – though it is unclear whether this is where he died. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
February 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

February 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS512

LOCATION

north bank of Euphrates, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition said in June 2017 that an airstrike on the north bank of the Euphrates in Raqqa had not caused civilian harm – despite claims on social media. According to the report, “Feb. 20, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via social media report: After a review of

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS545

LOCATION

كسرة شيخ (جمعة), Kasrat Sheikh (Juma'a), Raqqa, Syria

Between one and five civilians died and nine others were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Ksrat Sheikh al Juma’a, according to single source Smart News. There was some confusion in reporting. In the first paragraph, Smart said that one civilian died, but in the second paragraph put the death toll at five. A

Summary

First published
March 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS578

LOCATION

الجينة, Al Jina, Aleppo, Syria

A unilateral US drone strike on a mosque complex near al Jina town killed between 37 and 62 civilians according to multiple reports and eyewitness statements. While the US has admitted it carried out the attack, officials have claimed that al Jina’s Omar Ibn al Khattab mosque where the casualties occurred was not targeted in

Summary

First published
March 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
37 – 62
(5–15 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
100
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
28 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS610

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

Four civilians died and five were injured in an Coalition alleged airstrike on the Al Awwal neighbourhood of Tabaqa, according to local sources. Raqqa_SL reported destruction of civilians’ homes as a result of Coalition strikes on the First neighbourhood. According to Step news agency, the Coalition struck a residential building, though the source said there

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
5
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

CS645

LOCATION

الصفصاف, Al Safsaf, Raqqa, Syria

According to the Smart News Network, “two civilians were killed and 15 others were injured by a similar shelling on the village of Safsaf and its farm, near the town of Al-Tabaqa (55 km west of the city of Raqqa)”.  

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS678

LOCATION

المشلب, Al Mashlab, Raqqa, Syria

“An air strike targeted the neighborhood of al-Mashlad in the city of Al-Raqqa, injuring civilians,” according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently. Other sources also said that the Coalition carried out a strike on Al Mashlab resulting in casualties, though numbers were not given. However the Coalition did not report any strikes on the city

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS711

LOCATION

مزرعة ميسلون, Maysaloun Farms, Raqqa, Syria

Seven civilians reportedly died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Maysalon Farm, according to local media. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named three of the victims. The victims were also named by Q_Alenzy and Syrian PC, which also blamed the Coalition. According to Mohammed Al-Abbullah, “four young men from the Maysaloun farm died as a

Summary

First published
April 20, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(1 child1 woman3 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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS744

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

According to the Smart News Agency, a “likely” Coalition airstrike on the municipal stadium in Raqqa killed two members of ISIL who were in a car which was destroyed, and wounded five civilians who were in buildings overlooking the stadium. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS810

LOCATION

near Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on April 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on social media claims of civilian harm “near Raqqah, Iraq”. According to the Coalition report, “102. May 12, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via social media report: No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in

Summary

First published
May 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 21, 2017

Incident Code

CS843

LOCATION

السلحبية الشرقية, Al Sallhabiya, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was reported killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Al Salhabiya Al Sharqiya village in western Raqqa. Although all three said the victim was killed as a result of air raids, only Sharqiya Voice alleged the Coalition was responsible. It reported that Coalition airplanes provided aerial cover to the YPG Kurdish militia units

Summary

First published
May 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

May 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS875

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
May 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 3, 2017

Incident Code

CS908

LOCATION

الملعب الاسود, Al Mala'ab al Aswad, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources reported that one civilian – reportedly from the city’s al Dari’ya neighbourhood – was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the Al Mala’ab al Aswad playing fields area of Raqqa. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
June 3, 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

June 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS941

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah: Mr. Sufi's bakery, Raqqa, Syria

An August 2017 Amnesty International report stated that a civilian casualty incident occurred in Raqqa on June 8th–9th, killing 6 civilians including 1 or more children and 2 women. Mohammed, who also witnessed the airstrike mentioned in incident S823c, described to Amnesty’s field researchers that another bombardment struck a tent near a biscuits bakery. The

Summary

First published
June 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(1 child2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS977

LOCATION

دوار الطيبة في الميادين, Mayadin, Al Tayba roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that a civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on ISIL members which killed three of its fighters in Al Mayadinn, Deir Ezzor. The victim, Mubarak Khader al Shweiti, was reportedly driving near Al Tayba roundabout when the alleged strike targeted a nearby car carrying the ISIL members, killing all

Summary

First published
June 13, 2017
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

June 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1013

LOCATION

كسرة شيخ (جمعة), Kasrat Sheikh (Juma'a), Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians died in Kasrat Juma’a village, Raqqa, according to local sources. Reports blamed Coalition airstrikes and SDF/Coalition artillery. Some other reports said that one of the victims was killed by an SDF sniper. According to Q_Alenzy, a Coalition airstrike targeted “the house of Mustafa al-Ahmad al-Muhaimid”. Other sources also said that a large number

Summary

First published
June 16, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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, Syrian Democratic Forces
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1046 RS2295

LOCATION

خشام, Khasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 16 civilians, including several women and children, were killed and dozens more injured in airstrikes on Khasham village in Deir Ezzor governorate. However, it was not clear who was responsible with allegations lodged against the Coalition, the Russian air force and the Syrian government. In total, five sources alleged that the Coalition was

Summary

First published
June 20, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
(4 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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 Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1079

LOCATION

ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﻮﺳﻌﻴﺔ, Al Tawssi'ya, Raqqa, Syria

According to Al Hassaka rasd, one woman “was killed in artillery shelling that targeted the al Tawssi’ya area in Raqqa city”. Soheb10 also reported her death and likewise blamed “artillery shelling”. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently published images reportedly showing “the destruction caused by the international coalition targeting civilian houses in the Al Tawssi’ya neighbourhood”,

Summary

First published
June 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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