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

February 25, 2018

Incident Code

CS1730

LOCATION

ظهرة العلواني, Zahret Al Alwni, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that 10 to 25 civilians had been killed and dozens wounded as a result of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Zahret Al Alwni – an IDP camp located between Al Sousse and Al Sha’afa. Most sources reported that 16 non combatants had died. According to most reports, the victims of the airstrike

Summary

First published
February 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 25
(7 children6 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
4 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2018

Incident Code

CS1794

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that “a child and a person were killed by an SDF artillery bombardment on the town of Sousse”. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that SDF artillery targeted al Soussa, “causing material damage” – though it said there was no information on civilian harm at

Summary

First published
August 27, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
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

October 30, 2018

Incident Code

CS1817

LOCATION

متجرعطية العبيدي الشيخ القديمات, Shop of Attia Al Obaidi Al Sheik Al Qadimat, Al Shaafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were reportedly killed in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Shaafa, Deir Ezzor, on October 30th, 2018, according to local sources. Al Shaafa town’s Facebook page wrote on October 30th that an alleged Coalition airstrike on “the shops of Atiyya Al Obeidi Al Sheikh Al Qadimat on the public street at the division

Summary

First published
October 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2018

Incident Code

CS1854

LOCATION

أبو الحسن, Abou Al Hasan , Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 12 and 30 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, which one source described as a “massacre of defenseless Sunni civilians”. According to Step News, 12 civilians were killed whereas the number of dead exceeded 30 according to Official Al Shaafa Facebook page. Most victims were women and children according to sources

Summary

First published
November 25, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 30
(4–8 children2–6 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–15
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 25, 2019

Incident Code

CS1891

LOCATION

الباغوز, Between Al-Baghuz Fawqani town and Al-Marashdah village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike killed a total of 42 people, including 13 civilians in addition to 29 members of ISIS according to local reports. Among other sources, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Coalition “shelled places on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River, in the eastern sector of Deir Ezzor countryside,

Summary

First published
January 25, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 13
(3 children1–2 women6–7 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–10
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
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Belligerents reported killed
29
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1425b

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Boulil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported that a Coalition airstrike struck an ISIS vehicle, killing two young men who had previously been arrested and forced to join ISIS. Two members of ISIS guarding them were also killed in the attack. The source reported that increasing numbers of young men were forcibly

Summary

First published
August 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1163a

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

In the Amnesty and Airwars’ joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, 11 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes 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 by Amnesty/Airwars stated that

Summary

First published
July 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(4 children1 woman2 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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2019

Incident Code

CS1931

LOCATION

الحداجة, Al Hadaja, Al Hassakah, Syria

Local sources reported that two civilians were killed during a landing operation from the International Coalition forces. According to Asrar7days, “local sources indicated that the US occupation helicopters carried out an aerial landing by the lake of Al-Bassel dam towards the east, reaching Wadi Al-Raml and another in Al-Haddaja village amid fear and panic among

Summary

First published
September 4, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2021

Incident Code

CS1965

LOCATION

مزرعة تشرين, Mazra'a Tishreen, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian, a “young” man, Abboud Al-Akeeb, was allegedly killed by US-led Coalition and Syrian Democratic Forces’ raid on Tishreen Farm, north of Raqqa in Syria on 2nd October 2021, according to multiple sources. The attack was reported to have happened at dawn. Athar Press reported that “American forces and “SDF” carried out raids in

Summary

First published
October 2, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2023

Incident Code

CS1996a

LOCATION

near NLZ, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, one civilian was injured by declared US military live fire exercises near NLZ, Syria on September 4, 2023. In the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) Civilian Harm and Mitigation Response Report released on May 31, 2024, the US military stated that “Regrettably, based on

Summary

First published
February 11, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Unknown
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

RS666 CS183

LOCATION

البوكمال, Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between one and four civilians died in an airstrike on al Bukamal according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the US-led Coalition were to blame. SyrianPC said four non-combatants died in a Russian shelling of “oil separators in the Al-Hajjana area”. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently also

Summary

First published
February 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(1–4 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2014

Incident Code

CS018

LOCATION

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

An internal Coalition report noted that “Open source video indicated that three civilians were killed in a deliberate strike on an oil collection point in DeZ.” Airwars researchers have identified what they believe to be the [graphic] video in question, which was posted to YouTube on November 11th 2014. The Coalition was unable to verify

Summary

First published
November 5, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2015

Incident Code

CS051

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

An internal CENTCOM review cited claims from a redacted Twitter user that “Coalition aircraft killed an entire family in an airstrike on Ar Raqqah ‘in response to the killing of Jordanian pilot Mu’adh al-Kasasibah.’ The allegation was accompanied by an attached photo showing the alleged victims wrapped in white cloth.“ An internal review found that

Summary

First published
February 4, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2015

Incident Code

CS084

LOCATION

العدوانية, Al-'Adwaniyah, Al Hassakah, Syria

In a previously unreported incident, CENTCOM reported on January 2016 that the US had injured a non-combatant during an airstrike. The release stated: “On June 19, 2015, near Tall al Adwaniyah, Syria, during a strike against two ISIL vehicles, it is assessed that one civilian was injured when appearing in the target area after the

Summary

First published
June 19, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

August 19, 2015

Incident Code

CS116

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Reports claimed that three civilians (a woman and one or two children) and 8 Daesh fighters were killed following two raids by the Coalition in an area surrounding a sugar factory or grain mill near the city. Local activist Abu Ibrahim Al Raqawi said of the attack on the mill: “Although it is not a

Summary

First published
August 19, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1–2 children1 woman)
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
8
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2015

Incident Code

CS157

LOCATION

عيساوي, `Isawi, Raqqa, Syria

One person named as Ahmad Al A’bd was reported killed and his cousin Wa’el Al A’bd injured after unexploded ordnance detonated – allegedly the result of a Coalition airstrike on the village in June. In their January 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this

Summary

First published
December 16, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS199

LOCATION

جرابلس, Jarablus, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, the Syrian Observatory, reported that “no less than 13 IS [fighters] were killed by aerial bombardment by the Coalition warplanes in Jarablus, in addition to four detainees were also killed during the same airstrikes.” The Observatory’s Arabic-language report said the detainees were carrying out as punishment duty the digging of trenches for

Summary

First published
April 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2016

Incident Code

CS236

LOCATION

‏الجعابات‬, Al Ja'abat, Aleppo, Syria

One male civilian was killed and a number of others wounded, in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of al Jaabat, according to multiple sources. Both Halab News and SHRC Daily reported that he was hit by shrapnel during an air raid. However the Coalition has publicly reported no strikes in the vicinity. In the

Summary

First published
June 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2016

Incident Code

CS269

LOCATION

التوخار كبير, Tokhar Kabir, Aleppo, Syria

Up to sixteen civilians including two or more children were reported killed in an alleged noon Coalition airstrike on Al Tokhar, a village near Manbij in northern Aleppo governorate. In its own report on the event the Syrian Network noted: “Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted a residential house that is

Summary

First published
July 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 16
(2–4 children2 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
14 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2016

Incident Code

CS303

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Besera, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Syrian Observatory reported that 6 civilians died and 25 were injured when an alleged Coalition strike hit an internet cafe in the town of al-Besera. However in response to a query from Airwars, the Coalition stated that “We can confirm there were no coalition strikes at the location you have indicated. Per our strike

Summary

First published
August 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
20–25
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS340

LOCATION

الطنيرة, at Tanira, Raqqa, Syria

A man was killed when his home was reportedly hit by a Coalition strike, according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered reported that a man identified as Ali al Jreik al Jairi was killed “following the targeting of his home by an international coalition air raid.” The Syrian Observatory reported an unidentified man

Summary

First published
October 17, 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

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

CS374

LOCATION

مزرعة القادسية, Mazra'at Al Qadissiya, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian reportedly died in a Coalition airstrike at Mazra’at al Qadissiya, according to local sources. Smart News noted “Casualties due to coalition airstrikes in Mazra’at Al Qadissiya and Abu Wahel in Raqqa.” Syria News Desk reported the following: “The media opposition activist Mohamed Osman, quoting civilian sources from Abu Wahil, said Coalition aircraft targeted

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–6
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

December 8, 2016

Incident Code

CS408

LOCATION

البحرة, Al Bahra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one named civilian was reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on al Bahra. According to Al Nateq, “A Coalition airstrike in Al Bahra, in the countryside of Abu Kamal, killed civilians: one person was identified as Hassan Al-Jandeel.” In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other

Summary

First published
December 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
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 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS589

LOCATION

مزرعة الأندلس, Al Andalus Farm, Raqqa, Syria

Nine civilians from one family were killed in an alleged Coalition strike at al Andalus Farms. According to Qasioun, the strike hit a residential neighbourhoods inhabited by displaced people from Maskana. Nation Defense, which also blamed the Coalition, put the death toll as high as 18. According to Shaam News “unidentified” warplanes targeted a farmhouse

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 18
(4 children1 woman4 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS621

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

A single source, the Smart news agency, reported the death of eight civilians including two children and three women in an alleged artillery and/ or airstrike on the Second neighbourhood in Tabaqa. According to Smart, “On Friday evening [March 24th], an artillery bombardment by the Syrian Democratic Forces took place in the town of Al-Tabaqa.

Summary

First published
March 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(2 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS656

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One or two civilians died and up to five others others were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to local sources. Smart News Agency reported that “likely” Coalition strikes killed two civilians and injured another five, in addition to killing one member of IS and wounding two more. Smart reported “a local

Summary

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