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

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1265b

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, one civilian was reportedly killed in an alleged Coalition artillery strike in Raqqa. Although Amnesty researched this incident on the ground, Airwars has decided to grade it “weak” due to the depth of material provided. According to the Amnesty report,

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2014

Incident Code

CS008

LOCATION

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

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

Summary

First published
September 28, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2014

Incident Code

CI017

LOCATION

القيارة, Qayyarah, Nineveh, Iraq

Multiple civilians were reported killed as a result of air raids launched by the coalition south of Mosul. The National Iraqi News Agency cited forensic sources as saying that 16 people, including six women and children, were killed. Other media reported that up to “22 Daesh militants” were also killed in coalition airstrikes in the

Summary

First published
November 17, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(3 children3 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 29, 2020

Incident Code

CS1949

LOCATION

جديد عكيدات , Jadid Akidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that a civilian was killed and two others were wounded when the US-led Coalition forces and SDF undertook a landing in Jadid Uqaydat in Deir Ezzor on September 29th, 2020. Two other people, described as oil merchants, were reported arrested as a result of the operation. The killed person was named by

Summary

First published
September 29, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Democratic Forces
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 25, 2015

Incident Code

CS047

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Martyrs website identified a single non-combatant victim of a reported Coalition strike in Aleppo.  He was also named by the Damascus Centre for Human Rights Research which said he was originally from Idlib, though didn’t specify if he was a civilian or a militant. However, all other sources described al Jolani as a

Summary

First published
January 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2023

Incident Code

CS1990

LOCATION

الشحيل, Al Shahil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian was injured during a declared raid carried out by CENTCOM and partner forces in Al Shahil on January 21, 2023. Up to three alleged ISIS members were also arrested during the raid. CENTCOM released a statement that “US Central Command forces conducted a partnered helicopter and ground assault raid in eastern Syria, Jan. 21,

Summary

First published
January 21, 2023
Last updated
June 9, 2023
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
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
Geolocation
Neighbourhood/area
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2015

Incident Code

CI050

LOCATION

تل كيف‎, Telkaif, Nineveh, Iraq

Eight civilians including three women were claimed by NINA to have been killed in a coalition airstrike on Telkaif, 20km north of Mosul. A dozen militants also reportedly died in the attack.  

Summary

First published
March 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2015

Incident Code

CI082

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Up to 15 civilians including women and children were allegedly killed in a reported coalition airstrike at Mosul, which was also said to have injured seven people. The National Iraq News Agency (NINA), citing what it described as a local source, reported that “the international coalition aircraft bombed houses belonging to unarmed civilians believed to

Summary

First published
July 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
Civilians reported injured
7
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
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
January 18, 2022
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

November 5, 2015

Incident Code

CI135

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Heavy Coalition airstrikes on Mosul resulted in a number of civilian casualties, according to reports. Face Iraq said medical sources in the city reported no fatalities. However three civilians were said to have been injured after an airstrike hit a Daesh prison in the western Badush area of the city. And one student was said

Summary

First published
November 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 children)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2015

Incident Code

CI159

LOCATION

شارع السكلات, Hit, Alscalt Street, Al Anbar, Iraq

It was reported by several sources that the Coalition struck Hit city, resulting in the injury of eight civilians including three children and two women. According to the local site Hit News, an airstrike struck a militant vehicle carrying weapons, ammunition and food, injuring civilians in the immediate vicinity. The Coalition has confirmed targeting an

Summary

First published
December 16, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
8
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 26, 2016

Incident Code

CI183

LOCATION

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

According to multiple reports, an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hawijah resulted in at least 13 civilian deaths. Al Jazeera reported that 16 died in the incident, which it attributed to the Coalition. The Al Amaq Agency (which often distributes Islamic State propaganda) reported that 13 civilians died in a ‘Coalition strike’ while 11 were injured.

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
Civilians reported injured
11
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 9, 2016

Incident Code

CI200

LOCATION

العصرية, Asriya, Al Anbar, Iraq

In a major mass casualty incident, 69 civilians were reported killed and 100 injured after alleged Coalition or possibly Iraq government aircraft allegedly struck the village of Asriyah. All of the victims were said to be from the Al Bojaber tribe. According to al Rafidain and other sources, fifteen of those killed were said to

Summary

First published
March 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
69
(10 children10 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
100
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2016

Incident Code

CI240

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, East, Nineveh, Iraq

A reported Coalition strike on the home of an ISIL fighter in Mosul also allegedly killed his wife and children, according to local reports. NRN News, citing a source in the east of the occupied city, reported: “The Daesh fighter was standing at the door of his home when the first missile struck him and

Summary

First published
May 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2–4 children1 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2016

Incident Code

CS235

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Two adult male civilians, named as Mohammad Abdi al Barho, 20 years old, and Ahamad Jaber al Issa, 23 years old, were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Manbij, according to local sources. Manbij Mother of the World reported that the two men died when Coalition planes struck them while they were on a motor

Summary

First published
June 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

CS259

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian named as “Ammar al Hassan the son of the lawyer Abu Ammar al Aouni” was reported killed in a fresh Coalition strike on the city of Manbij. According to the Manbij Agency for Documentation, he died when the home of of Mr. Suleiman Al Hassan was struck near al Hikma hospital. One source

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2016

Incident Code

CS286

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Five or more civilians including three women were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike in the al Rabita street area of Manbij town, scene of fierce ground clashes between ISIL occupiers and assaulting SDF forces. According to al Tokhar al Kabil, “members of the Karissli family have been martyred. They are Firyal Karissli and

Summary

First published
July 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
13
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2016

Incident Code

CS333 TS005a

LOCATION

دويبق, Dabiq, Aleppo, Syria

Twelve to 14 civilians, including up to seven children and five women, were killed in air raids on the village of Dabiq in Aleppo governorate, according to local reports. It was alleged that both the Coalition and Turkey were responsible. The Syrian Network reported “at least 8 civilians died in International Coalition warplanes missiles fired

Summary

First published
October 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 14
(4–7 children4–5 women)
Civilians reported injured
23
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
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 25, 2016

Incident Code

CI309

LOCATION

ليلان, Lylan, Kirkuk, Iraq

Five civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strikes in the Lylan area south of Kirkuk. The Baghdad Post cited a local source as saying that an air strike carried out by international coalition aircraft near the village of Lylan killed five civilians. Iraq Amsi said the strikes took place in the evening.  

Summary

First published
October 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS363

LOCATION

northern countryside of Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Three individuals were killed in a Coalition strike, local sources reported. Euphrates Post said that international coalition strikes killed three individuals traveling in a car “in the desert of Al Raqqa.”. It identified the victims as being from Bokros in Deir Ezzor province though did not clarify if they were civilians. The Deir Ezzor and

Summary

First published
November 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2016

Incident Code

CS380

LOCATION

تل السمن, Tall al Samin, Raqqa, Syria

ISIL’s media wing was among those reporting the deaths of five civilians in an alleged Coalition air raid on Tal al Samin. According to Al A’Amaq, “five people were killed after their home was targeted with an air raid in the village of Tal al Samin Janoubi, north of Raqqa.” However, heavy artlllery strikes were

Summary

First published
November 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 3, 2016

Incident Code

CI359

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq

At least nine civilians, including women and children, were reported killed and several others wounded due to an alleged Coalition strikes, according to several local sources. Yaqein reported that the Coalition killed 21 civilians, mostly women and children and wounded ten others included 7 children. A source told Yaqein that “the bombing focused on the areas

Summary

First published
December 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 21
(2 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
13
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

December 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS417 TS025

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Three unnamed civilian males were reported killed in a Turkish (or less likely Coalition) action at al Bab. The Coalition later denied responsibility. According to Step News, “Turkish planes targeted al Bab, east of Aleppo, with three raids and there are news about casualties.” VDC later reported three unidentfied male civilian deaths – though said

Summary

First published
December 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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, Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2017

Incident Code

CS428

LOCATION

الضبعان, Dabaan, Raqqa, Syria

At least two civilians were killed in a reported Coalition airstrike on Dabban village in Raqqa governorate. According to the Syrian Observatory, “the international coalition’s warplanes bombed places in Dabaan area in the countryside of Al-Raqqah, and confirmed information about the death of two people.” ISIL also said that “two people were killed in an

Summary

First published
January 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
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 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS458

LOCATION

سحل الخشب, Sahil al Khashab, Raqqa, Syria

Several civilians were reported injured following alleged Coalition airstrikes on Sahil al Khashab. According to Raqqa is Benig Slaughtered, “several civilians were injured following the targeting by the international coalition planes the village of Sahil al Khashab with an air raid.” All other sources reported similar.  

Summary

First published
January 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2017

Incident Code

CI453

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq

Local sources said that seven civilians were killed and many others injured after Coalition airstrikes targeted the city of Al Qa’im, in the west of Anbar province. While two sources blamed the Coalition for the raids, Al Mayadeen Alhadath (Facebook) said “planes of [the] Iraqi forces were committing a massacre in the bombing of the

Summary

First published
February 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Iraq Government Forces
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
January 18, 2022
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

February 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS525

LOCATION

سلحبية, Salhabiya, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Salhabiya, 25 km west of Raqqa city, according to the Smart news agency. Jisr TV reported that the Coalition carried out raids on al Salhabiya, but didn’t mention any casualties.  

Summary

First published
February 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS539

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five non-combatants died in an airstrike on Makta’a Hajar in Manbij, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or the Assad regime was responsible. According to LCCSY, “five civilians from Hatla village in the eastern countryside were killed when the international coalition targeted members of Daesh who

Summary

First published
February 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2017

Incident Code

CI512

LOCATION

Mosul, Souq al-Sha’areen neighborhood, Nineveh, Iraq

A UN report on the protection of civilians in context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: “In the morning of 5 March, an airstrike targeted an ISIL post in the ISIL—controlled residential area of the Souq al-Sha’areen neighbourhood, in central Mosul. Sources reported that a civilian home was hit, killing seven civilians,

Summary

First published
March 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident