US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident date

January 14, 2017

Incident Code

CI424

LOCATION

حي الضباط, Mosul, Dhubat / Officers, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that ‘hundreds of civilians’ were killed or injured due to Coalition airstrikes and shelling with artillery and missiles, which targeted the ‘Police and other neighborhoods’ in the East and North of Mosul. News of Iraq said 17 civilians were killed in two separate incidents in the Dhubat (Police) district of Mosul. It

Summary

First published
January 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(2 men)
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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 14, 2017

Incident Code

CI459

LOCATION

معمل طحين العكلات, Mosul, Aeklam flour mill near Shaam Gate, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that up 16 persons were killed and ten others injured after Coalition airstrikes targeted the ‘Aeklat’ flour mill at the right side of Mosul. Iraqi Spring reported that the raids took place close to Sham Gate. Ajel Al Mosul said that the “airstrike that targeted a house in a flour mill at

Summary

First published
February 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 16
(3 children3 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2017

Incident Code

CI493

LOCATION

near Al Qa’im, Al Anbar, Iraq

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars the Coalition assessed that it didn’t harm civilians: “72. Feb. 27, 2017, near Al Qa’im, Iraq, via social media report: After review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.”

Summary

First published
February 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2017

Incident Code

CI525 CS562

LOCATION

السنجك, Sanjak, Al Anbar, Iraq

Local sources said that an airstrike targeted ISIL members on the Iraq-Syria border, which also resulted in the death of a civilian woman. Unusually, the incident was attributed to both sides of the border. Geolocation by Airwars volunteer Christiaan Triebert (see map below) has concluded that they are almost certainly the same incident. On the

Summary

First published
March 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

March 19, 2017

Incident Code

CI559

LOCATION

الموصل الجديدة/الآبار, New Mosul/Abar, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Locals reported the deaths of 46 civilians including 28 children and 18 men and women with 80 others injured – mostly children and women – by different kind of shelling in many neighborhoods of Old Mosul. At least 26 bodies reportedly reached the local forensic medicine hospital. Iraq News Center spoke of two dozen civilians

Summary

First published
March 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
46 – 47
(28 children)
Civilians reported injured
80
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

April 21, 2017

Incident Code

CI657

LOCATION

الحضر, Hatra, Kayrawan and Balij, Nineveh, Iraq

A single source reported that about twenty civilians died when Iraqi forces, “backed by the Popular Populist militia and the US-led Coalition” launched an attack on Hatra, Qayrawan and Balij, South of Mosul, in Nineveh province.

Summary

First published
April 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
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

May 5, 2017

Incident Code

CI691

LOCATION

الاقتصاديين, Mosul, Itkisadeen/ Economist, Nineveh, Iraq

Residents and local media sources said that one civilian was killed and three others were injured after Coalition airstrikes targeted ISIL positions in Iktisadeen (Economists) neighborhood in West Mosul. Sawlf Ateka (local Facebook page) reported that Mahmud Yassin Mahmood al-Mawla was killed after the raids hit houses next to his.

Summary

First published
May 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
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

May 19, 2017

Incident Code

CI725

LOCATION

near Mosul, Iraq, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on July 7th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on social media claims of civilian harm “near Mosul, Iraq”. According to the Coalition report, “112. May 19, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via social media: The report contained insufficient information on the time, location and

Summary

First published
May 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 30, 2017

Incident Code

CI794

LOCATION

الموصل القديمة, Mosul, Old City neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

Local press and resident sources said that dozens to hundreds of civilians, including the bodies of ‘hundreds of children and women’, were under the rubble in various areas in Old Mosul. Heavy shelling and air strikes had allegedly hit their homes. Local media provided striking accounts of streets filled with dead bodies, and called for

Summary

First published
June 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 100
Civilians reported injured
24–100
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

CI858

LOCATION

Al Qaim, plaster factory, Al Anbar, Iraq

Two sources alleged the US-led Coalition conducted air raids on Al Qaim west of Anbar province, resulting in 87 civilians killed. However, there was some confusion about the status of the vehicles reportedly struck. Local sources who spoke to Yaqein said aircraft targeted an area near the plaster factory in the province. It initially alleged

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
87
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2016

Incident Code

CI294a

LOCATION

Shora village near Qayyarah, Nineveh, Iraq

Following the New York Times Magazine’s Uncounted investigation, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of a civilian in an event in Shora, a village near Qayyarah, Iraq. According to reporters Azmat Khan and Anand Ghopal, “Mohammad Mansour Abdullah’s house was next to the home of an Army Officer who fled Shora when ISIS took over. An

Summary

First published
October 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
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
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2014

Incident Code

CI014

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq

An alleged coalition airstrike reportedly hit a market at Al Qaim in western Anbar, killing at least 3 people and injuring up to 35. Two of the victims were named as as Mohamed Ahmed and Ahmed Munir Khitab. Significant damage was reported at the scene. However, the coalition denies carrying out any airstrike in the

Summary

First published
November 4, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 15
(0–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
14–35
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
37 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 3, 2015

Incident Code

CI047

LOCATION

الجمهورية, Fallujah, Jamhouriya, Nineveh, Iraq

Aircraft bombed a primary school and a hospital in the Jamhouriya neighbourhood of Fallujah, reportedly killing up to 12 civilians and injuring 9. Local media reported that children were among the dead, including 11-year old Suhaib Jassem Batawi. According to Arabi21, the attack was the work of the Iraq Air Force and had killed three

Summary

First published
March 3, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 12
(1–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
4–9
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

June 29, 2015

Incident Code

CI079

LOCATION

حديثة, Haditha, Al Anbar, Iraq

In a previously unknown case, CENTCOM reported on January 15th 2015 that US aircraft injured or possbily killed two or more civilians after an attack on an ISIL tactical unit and vehicles: According to the statement: “On June 29, 2015, near Haditha, Iraq, during strikes against one ISIL tactical unit and two ISIL vehicles, it

Summary

First published
June 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2015

Incident Code

CI144

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident which may relate to incident CI143 – or was unknown to Airwars – the Coalition announced in January 2017 that it was investigating a possible civilian casualty event near Manbij almost 14 months earlier. According to the statement “five reports of civilian casualties received in November are still being assessed… Sept. 20,

Summary

First published
November 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

CI176

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq

On October 27th 2017 the Coalition published an assessment of a civilian casualty event dated January 12th 2016, naming Airwars as the source of reporting. The Coalition’s report stated: “1. Jan. 12, 2016, near Al Qa’im, Iraq, via Airwars report. After a review of available information, it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2016

Incident Code

CI208

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Eight civilians were reported killed after missiles of unknown origin struck the Al Noor quarter and Aisha mosque in western Mosul. NRN News published a detailed report: “Our Nineveh correspondent reports that four men, two women and two children were killed after the fall of a number of missiles on the neighbourhood of Al Noor

Summary

First published
March 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(2 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6
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
3 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

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

CI272

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq

Multiple sources claimed that an alleged Coalition strike on the al Sanjak and Karabila areas of Al Qaim killed 45 children and a woman. However, no Coalition strikes were publicly reported in the vicinity. Yaqein reported that most of the civilians are still under the rubble caused by the intensity of the shelling and the

Summary

First published
August 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
42 – 46
(41–45 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
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 22, 2016

Incident Code

CI304

LOCATION

بخديدا (Bakhdida), Qaraqosh, Nineveh, Iraq

The Coalition announced in December 2016 it was conducting an assessment of a possible civilian casualty event: Currently, three reports received in October are still being assessed… Oct. 22, 2016, near Qaraqosh and Hasana, Iraq. On January 2nd 2017 a new Coalition report noted: No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area

Summary

First published
October 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
0–1
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, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2016

Incident Code

CI336

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, East, Nineveh, Iraq

A father told the Norwegian Refugee Council that 3 family members were killed and mother and 2 children were badly burnt when their home in Eastern Mosul was shelled. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

First published
November 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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 11, 2016

Incident Code

CI369

LOCATION

النور والتأميم, Mosul, Noor and Ta’mim, Nineveh, Iraq

Fifteen civilians were reported killed in fighting between ISIL and Iraqi forces. Said Noor Ahmed Halbusi, a doctor at a field hospital, told Anadolu he had received 15 bodies, including seven from one family. The civilians were killed in fighting between Iraqi forces and ISIL inside Mosul it said. Yaqein reported the same figures but

Summary

First published
December 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
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

January 8, 2017

Incident Code

CI403

LOCATION

حي الحدباء, Mosul, Al-Hadba, Nineveh, Iraq

One civilian was reported killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes that targeted an ISIL member in a civilian vehicle, in the Hadbah neihbourhood in the northeast of Mosul.  

Summary

First published
January 8, 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 20, 2017

Incident Code

CI472

LOCATION

Mosul, Wadi Hajar, Nineveh, Iraq

At least four civilians were reported killed following a rocket attack by either the ISF or the Coalition on a mosque at Wadi Hajjar, according to an eyewitness. Amnesty International published the following account: “An attack struck Khaled Ibn al-Waleed mosque, in Wadi Hajjar, at close to 3pm on or around 20 February (witnesses could

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

CI504

LOCATION

New Mosul neighbourhood, Nineveh, Iraq

An eyewitness, Ghania Hassan – resident of the al-Jadida (New Mosul) neighborhood – told Foreign Policy that more than 56 civilians were killed after a Coalition missile hit a house where they were gathered, reportedly forced to by ISIL combattants. The eyewitness account as written down by Sam Kimball, Foreign Policy: “If they stopped the

Summary

First published
March 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
56
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2017

Incident Code

CI570

LOCATION

حاوي الكنيسة, Mosul, Hawi al Kanassa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources told Ninawa Media Center that civilians were killed and injured by indiscriminate shelling in the area of Hawi church (Hawi Al Kanissa), in the west of Mosul.

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
2
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

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

CI603

LOCATION

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

In an event previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition denied social media claims of having caused civilian casualties at Tal Afar. According to the June report, “22. April 3, 2017, near Tal Afar, Iraq, via social media: No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographic area of the reported civilian casualties.”

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

CI668

LOCATION

الإصلاح الزراعي, Mosul, Islah al Zirai, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that nineteen civilians died when international Coalition or Iraqi aircraft hit Islah Al Zerae neighbourhood in West Mosul. Yaqein also noted that two houses were fully destroyed. Several other sources reported that in total on that Friday, up to 36 civilians were injured or killed as a result of airstrikes on West

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
19 – 35
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2017

Incident Code

CI702

LOCATION

مشيرفة, Mosul, Meshrfa, Nineveh, Iraq

A girl and a man were killed by mortar fire in western Mosul, according to local reports. Sawlf Ateka posted on Facebook that a girl named Rama was killed by a mortar which landed on their home in the Meshrfa neighborhood of western Mosul. The attack wounded “all members of her family” as well. Separately,

Summary

First published
May 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2017

Incident Code

CI737

LOCATION

حي الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al Zanjili, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 29th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of a self-reported civilian harm claim “near Mosul, Iraq”. According to the Coalition report, “94.May 29, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that

Summary

First published
May 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident