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

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

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1119

LOCATION

الصور, Al Soor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Eight civilians, including a child, were killed and “many” others were wounded in Al Soor in northern Deir Ezzor following airstrikes allegedly carried out by the Coalition, local sources reported. Sharqiya Voice and Al Jisr TV reported that the strikes hit a shopping area of the city, which were believed to have targeted the “consumer

Summary

First published
June 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1517

LOCATION

near As Safiyah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian and the injury of another in an event near As Safiyah, Syria. Their February 2018 civilian casualty report noted, “The Coalition conducted a strike which destroyed a bridge across a canal being used by Daesh to move vehicle-borne

Summary

First published
September 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
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, 2021

Incident Code

CS1959

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qa’em, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was reportedly killed and three other civilians, including women and children, were wounded in US airstrikes on the Al Qa’em area near the Syrian-Iraqi borders on June 28, 2021. Local sources also reported that between four and 11 militants, with at least four members of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization, were also killed. The

Summary

First published
June 28, 2021
Last updated
December 20, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3
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 Forces
Belligerents reported killed
4–11
Belligerents reported injured
12
View Incident

Incident date

December 10, 2015

Incident Code

CS155

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In a casualty event previously unknown to Airwars, CENTCOM confirmed on April 22nd 2016 that one civilian was killed during a US airstrike against a high value target in Raqqah. According to the official release, “On Dec. 10, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during strikes against Siful Sujan, an ISIL external operations planner, it was

Summary

First published
December 10, 2015
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
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1250

LOCATION

البچري, Bajari, old town, Raqqa, Syria

One woman died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Bajari, according to local sources. Smart News Agency and Baladi reported that “likely” Coalition raids on Bajari killed a woman. In April 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for this event, noting: “Coalition aircraft struck an identified Daesh mortar firing position. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed

Summary

First published
July 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS917

LOCATION

أبو النيتل, Abu al Naital, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and three civilians died in a Coalition airstrike on Abu al Naital, local media reported. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh facility. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of the strike.” The

Summary

First published
June 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
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.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2017

Incident Code

CS1325

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In an event not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition self-reported a civilian harm event in July 2018, noting that it had unintentionally killed a civilian on a motorbike in the city centre of Raqqa. According to the report, “August 3, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria via self-report. During a strike on reported Daesh fighting positions,

Summary

First published
August 3, 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

September 30, 2018

Incident Code

CS1801a

LOCATION

Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Al Sousah. In its February 2019 report, the Coalition noted the following: ” Coalition aircraft engaged multiple ISIS vehicles, including a machine-gun equipped pick-up truck engaging friendly forces with machine gun fire. The ISIS

Summary

First published
September 30, 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

May 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS797

LOCATION

الصور, Al Soor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least seven and as many 14 civilians were killed including four children and dozens more were reportedly injured in airstrikes on Al Soor, 55km northeast of Deir Ezzor city, according to local reports. The Coalition later confirmed killing one civilian in the town that day. There were conflicting reports at the time as to

Summary

First published
May 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 14
(4 children4 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1400

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian near Raqqa, Syria. Their October 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed an ISIS weapons cache, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed.” In July 2019 the Coalition provided Airwars with the

Summary

First published
August 20, 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

December 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1697

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians died and nine others were wounded in artillery or air strikes on Hajeen, according to local media – though it was unclear who was to blame. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “Awwad Zayed Hussein al Zayed was killed by Syrian regime artillery shells”. The victim was also named by DE24

Summary

First published
December 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS1457a

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian and the injury of three others in an event near Abu Kamal. Their February 2018 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that destroyed Daesh weapons facility under and headquarters one civilian was unintentionally killed and three

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

CS1740

LOCATION

البوكمال, Near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a previously unknown event, the UK for the first time admitted that its forces caused civilian harm during an airstrike against so-called Islamic State. In a written statement to Parliament on May 2nd, UK Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson MP stated that “one civilian was unintentionally killed,” when a UK Reaper drone

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
UK Military
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2018

Incident Code

CS1715a

LOCATION

البحرة, Barah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Barah. The UK later confirmed this was an RAF strike. In its February 2019 report, the Coalition noted: “Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS fighter operating a motorcycle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as

Summary

First published
January 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2016

Incident Code

CS171

LOCATION

الغازلي, Al Ghazili, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, CENTCOM later confirmed the death of a civilian in a US airstrike in Al Ghazili, near Ayn Isa. According to the official release, “On Feb. 2, 2016, in Al Ghazili, Syria, near Ayn Isa, during a strike on an ISIL vehicle, it is assessed that one civilian

Summary

First published
February 2, 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

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS853

LOCATION

الدوير, Al Duweir, Raqqa, Syria

One 30-year-old civilian died after his motorbike was struck at Al Duweir checkpoint between al Salhiya and al Qouriya, according to local sources. In February 2019, the Coalition conceded this death, noting: “Coalition forces had intelligence on an ISIS member traveling via motorcycle in Mayadin. Coalition aircraft struck the motorcycle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally

Summary

First published
May 23, 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

July 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1196

LOCATION

حارة ﺟﺎﻣﻊ ﺍﻟﺒﺼﺮﺍﻭﻱ, al Basrawo mosque area, Raqqa, Syria

A civilian male was killed by a declared Coalition bombing of the Al Basrawo neighbourhood of Raqqa on July 13, 2017, local sources reported. Most sources who reported the incident alleged that the US-backed SDF militias were responsible. But there was confusion: Alraqqa Ahluna initially said the victim died in an “SDF bombing”, but subsequently

Summary

First published
July 13, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2018

Incident Code

CS1827

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that between 11 and 26 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin, in what some sources described as “a massacre”.  In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for just one death in this event, with their monthly civilian casualty report noting: “Near Hajin, Syria, via media report. Coalition aircraft conducted

Summary

First published
November 9, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 26
(2–3 children2 women)
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
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Incident Code

CS397

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian in Raqqa. Their January 2017 civilian casualty reported noted “During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that one civilian pedestrian was unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast.” In July 2019, the Coalition

Summary

First published
November 26, 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

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