US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident date

April 5, 2017

Incident Code

CI610

LOCATION

الشفاء, Mosul, Shafa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that 16 civilians were killed and many were injured in Coalition and Iraqi government airstrikes on Al-Shafaa neighbourhood in West Mosul. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh mortar position. Regrettably, 16 civilians were unintentionally

Summary

First published
April 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 25
Civilians reported injured
3–25
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2016

Incident Code

CI257

LOCATION

بادوش, Badush, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that 25 civilians were killed and 48 wounded following an alleged Coalition targeted residential neighbourhoods in Badush, north-west of Mosul. Iraqi Revolution reported “dozens of raids, while Iraqi Spring Media said four families were killed. The US later confirmed two separate casualty incidents in Mosul that day from the strikes – but

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
25
Civilians reported injured
48
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2017

Incident Code

CI661

LOCATION

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

A single local source reported that dozens of civilians were killed and injured after Coalition airstrikes allegedly hit Tal Afar city, West of Mosul. According to Yaqein, “dozens of civilians were killed and wounded on Monday in a raid by coalition warplanes in the district of Tal Afar west of the city of Mosul, the

Summary

First published
April 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 24
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1691 RS2781

LOCATION

الجردي, Al Jarthi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 24 civilians died in an airstrike on Al Jarthi town, local media reported – though it was unclear whether the Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The majority of sources, however, attributed the event to Moscow. According to Al Haal, “Abu Hassan al-Khalifa (a resident of the town) told al-Hal, that

Summary

First published
December 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23 – 24
(10 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–30
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
15 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2017

Incident Code

CI690

LOCATION

الإصلاح الزراعي, Mosul, Isilah Zeraei / Agrarian Reform, Nineveh, Iraq

Local media sources said – based on a statement issued by the Al Amaq (ISIL) press agency – that Coalition and Iraqi Air Force airstrikes hit several neighbourhoods in West Mosul, killing 24 civilians and injuring 75 others. A local resident reported that Azzawi Haj Hamid was among the deadly victims in Agrarian Reform neighbourhood.

Summary

First published
May 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
24
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
75
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, Iraq Government Forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2018

Incident Code

CS1875

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Shaafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

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

Summary

First published
December 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 24
(4 children1–2 women1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2017

Incident Code

CI662

LOCATION

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Two sources reported that dozens of civilians from three families died when ‘joint forces aircraft’ (either the Coalition or the Coalition with ISF aircraft) hit Zanjili neighbourhood in West Mosul. Al Jazeera said that “local sources reported that dozens of members of three families were killed in the bombing of the Zanjili district of Mosul.”

Summary

First published
April 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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, Iraq Government Forces
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

March 9, 2017

Incident Code

CI523

LOCATION

العامل, Mosul, Amil, Nineveh, Iraq

Local residents and press sources said that dozens of civilians were killed or injured and many were still under rubble, after reported Coalition airstrikes and shelling by Iraqi forces targeted Amil neighborhood, west of Mosul. Iraqi Spring reported that “the government forces shelled their homes in Amil neighborhood at the right side of Mosul after

Summary

First published
March 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 24
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1243

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

At least 11 people, including children, were killed and a number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Ma’dan in eastern Raqqa governorate. However it was contested as to who was responsible. Step News Agency alleged that the Coalition had caused the deaths, while an ISIL propaganda video alleged that Russia was to blame. The

Summary

First published
July 20, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 24
(6 children1 man)
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

CI854

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq

Local press sources said that dozens of civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Qaem district, west of Anbar during a major offensive by ISF. According to Yagein, residential neighbourhoods of the district were targeted resulting in the death of civilians. Yagein held the Coalition responsibly. Anbar News said houses of the Al

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

October 5, 2014

Incident Code

CI007

LOCATION

يت, Hit, Al Anbar, Iraq

It was reported by several sources in Hit that Coalition or Iraqi jets struck a number of civilian houses, killing up to 22 persons. Eight children and 3 women were reportedly among the dead. One of those quoted on the event was Nabil Souri, an Iraqi citizen working at Hit hospital, who learned that many

Summary

First published
October 5, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18 – 24
(8 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
43
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

CS365

LOCATION

الهيشةة, Al Hīshah, Raqqa, Syria

As many as 24 civilians were killed in attacks – possibly carried out by both SDF and Coalition – according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered initially reported 7 victims killed “in the international coalition raids and Kurdish militia artillery.” It later released an updated casualty assessment, counting 23 victims as victims of

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 24
(2–6 children5–9 women)
Civilians reported injured
30
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
16 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2017

Incident Code

CI541

LOCATION

باب سنجار, Mosul, Bab Sinjar, Nineveh, Iraq

There was a single claim that ‘dozens’ of civilians were killed or injured after Coalition airstrikes allegedly struck the emergency building at the general hospital in Bab Sinjar, in West Mosul.

Summary

First published
March 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2017

Incident Code

CI464

LOCATION

باب البيض, Mosul, Bab al Beith, Nineveh, Iraq

“Dozens” of civilians were reported killed and injured following alleged US Apache helicopter and Iraqi artillery strikes on West Mosul. Yaqein reported both Apache helicopter and Iraqi artillery strikes on the ISIL-occupied West of the city. Ajel al Mousul reported only artillery strikes, which it said: “caused the martyrdom and wounding of dozens of civilians.”

Summary

First published
February 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
28
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

CI859

LOCATION

الشجرة, Al Shajarah village, near Al Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

Dozens of civilians, including a whole family, were reported by local media as killed in Al Shajara near Hawija, south of Kirkurk province. Iraq News Center’s correspondent said the dozens of victims were mostly women and children and situated the incident at the villages of Al-Shajara, Ghareeb and Al-Mistah in the area of Al-Abbas in

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 24
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2017

Incident Code

CI579

LOCATION

الطوافة, Mosul, Tawafa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that that dozens of civilians were killed or injured, including 19 members from one family, in Tawafa area west of Mosul by airstrikes. Local sources told Iraqyoon that “the aircraft bombed sites in the neighborhood of the Tawafa on the right side, which led to the deaths of dozens of civilians, including

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

CI591

LOCATION

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Dozens of civilians were reported killed or injured after Coalition airstrikes and possibly unidentified mortars hit houses in Zanjili neighbourhood, in West Mosul. Suhaib Al Mashhadany posted a video on Facebook showing a young girl, allegedly the only survivor of the family after shelling hit their home. Two sources, Iraqyoon and Yaqein, blamed the Coalition

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2017

Incident Code

CI666

LOCATION

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, West / Right side, Nineveh, Iraq

In two tweets, which appeared to be based on a single statement by the ISIL press agency, it was reported that about 24 civilians died and 26 were injured as a result of alleged Coalition and Iraqi airforce raids on several districts in West Mosul.

Summary

First published
April 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
24
Civilians reported injured
26
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

CI571

LOCATION

الإصلاح الزراعي, Mosul, Isilah al Zeraei, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources claimed that dozens of civilians were killed or injured by indiscriminate artillery shelling on Islah Al Zeraei (Agricultural Reform) neighbourhood.

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 10, 2017

Incident Code

CI531

LOCATION

حي الفاروق, Mosul, Farouk, Nineveh, Iraq

Local residents and press sources said dozens of civilians were killed or injured in Al Farouk neighbourhood in the west of Mosul. This reportedly included 19 members from the same family, including women and children. They died when their house was bombed. Sources reported that many of the victims were still under the rubble after

Summary

First published
March 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
19 – 24
(2 children2 women)
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2017

Incident Code

CI821

LOCATION

الكرابلة, Karabla, Al Anbar, Iraq

Dozens of civilians were allegedly killed in airstrikes in Karabla, Qaem, local media reported – It was unclear who was responsible. According to Yaqein, A number of civilians, including children, were killed and wounded after warplanes targeted al-Qa’im west of Anbar in light of continued attacks by joint forces supported by the international coalition. The

Summary

First published
August 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
(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, Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS1462

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Political Security building, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A major civilian casualty incident, in which 20-24 civilians died, took place in the center of Abu Kamal city, Deir Ezzor Governorate, according to multiple local sources. Shaam News claimed “dozens” of civilians were killed or wounded. There was some contention regarding the number of civilians killed, as the raid allegedly targeted a prison of

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 24
(6 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
12 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2015

Incident Code

CI046

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Algiers, Al Faisaliah, flowers, and July neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

Sources in Mosul claimed that Coalition airstrikes hit a residential neighbourhood in the city, “killing 17 civilians, including six children, and wounded another 23 who were taken to hospitals in Mosul.” According to BasNews, Daesh/ Islamic State appeared to have recently shifted its headquarters and military positions “into residential neighborhoods,” a move which had likely

Summary

First published
February 28, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 24
(6 children)
Civilians reported injured
23–24
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

May 19, 2017

Incident Code

CI722

LOCATION

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq

Multiple local sources reported that dozens of civilians were killed or injured as a result of heavy airstrikes in Shifa neighborhood, in West Mosul. Yaqein said that the Coalition was responsible for the raids, and that they also led to the destruction of houses of civilians. Sawlf Ateka and Mosul Ista (two local Facebook groups)

Summary

First published
May 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

CI648

LOCATION

المدينة القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that heavy airstrikes hit several neighbourhoods in Old Mosul on Tuesday, leading to ‘dozens of civilians killed and injured.’ One report suggested helicopters may have participated, though presently no further details are known. The Coalition later admitted it had killed one civilian in the area that day – see CI649.

Summary

First published
April 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS489 TS079

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, New Street, Aleppo, Syria

At least 15 civilians from the same family died in either Turkish or Coalition airstrikes, as the battle to seize Al Bab from ISIL continued. Up to nine other non-combatants also died. Al Jazeera initially placed the death toll at 16 and then 24, though said the fatalities resulted from “shelling and battles in the

Summary

First published
February 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 24
(3 children5 women)
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, Turkish Military
Named victims
16 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2017

Incident Code

CI417

LOCATION

قرب مسجد الخشاب ، العربي, Vicinity of Al Khashab Mosque, Al Arabi, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said heavy artillery shelling which targeted Al Arabi neighbourhood at the left side of Mosul had left dozens of civilians dead or wounded. In October 2020, the US-led Coalition conceded killing 12 civilians and injuring a further ten in this event. Iraqyoon said at the time that witnesses had reported to the Iraqi

Summary

First published
January 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
10–15
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2017

Incident Code

CI544

LOCATION

باب الطوب, Mosul, Bab al Tor, Nineveh, Iraq

Local residents and military and medical sources said that up to two dozen civilians were killed or injured due to different kinds of shelling, and strikes by US Apache helicopters. This reportedly occurred during an ongoing battle around the Bab Al Tob area and other ancient neighborhoods in the center of Mosul. Naynawa Alghad reported

Summary

First published
March 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 24
Civilians reported injured
6–50
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

September 7, 2017

Incident Code

CI841

LOCATION

Abassi, Kirkuk, Iraq

At least 12 and as many as dozens of civilians were reported killed following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Abbasi, Huweija in the Tamim province. According to Al-Rafiden the Coalition launched 17 raids on the Huweija area. The Coalition was accused by the outlet of a bombardment on the city, that killed and wounded dozens

Summary

First published
September 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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