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

August 3, 2017

Incident Code

CS1323

LOCATION

حارة البد, al Badou and al Thakana neighbourhoods, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 20 civilians including seven children and their mother died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the al Badou and al Takana neighbourhoods in Raqqa, according to local media. All sources blamed the US-led Coalition, and put the minimum death toll at eight. According to Sound and Picture and Raqqa18, 10 people from the

Summary

First published
August 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 20
(7 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 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1382

LOCATION

الملاهي, Malahi, Raqqa, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, up to 20 civilians reportedly died following alleged US-led Coalition attacks on the Malahi area in Raqqa. The Coalition later confirmed having unintentionally killed three and injured nine in this strike. Local media reported on the death of 15 or more civilians after “Muawiya bin Abi Sufian” school was

Summary

First published
August 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS1187

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Twenty civilians, including women and children, were killed and 30 more were injured in a series of alleged Coalition airstrikes on Abu Kamal in eastern Deir Ezzor, local media reported. Multiple sources blamed the Coalition, putting death counts at either four or five non-combatants. Euphrates Post also reported that the first strikes at 11am hit

Summary

First published
July 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
(1–2 children2–4 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
30
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
20 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 22, 2018

Incident Code

CS1846

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike that targeted the souk (market area) in Hajin, killed between 14 and 20 civilians according to local media, in what was described as “another massacre”. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least 19 people were killed, including five ISIS fighters and 14 civilians, including five children and three women.

Summary

First published
November 22, 2018
Last updated
March 9, 2023
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 20
(5–9 children3–8 women1 man)
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
Suspected target
ISIS
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2019

Incident Code

CS1879

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Shaafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to sources on the ground, alleged Coalition air and artillery fire targeted a house which ISIS was reportedly using, killing several ISIS members in addition to a number of civilians. According to the official Al Shaafa Facebook page, one of the shells landed on the house of Al-Hamad Al-Ali, killing both him and Ibrahim Al-Hasan. His

Summary

First published
January 2, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 20
(1–5 children1–5 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–70
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2018

Incident Code

CS1828

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 20 civilian died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Shaafa, according to sources on the ground. Deir Ezzor 24 reported that “many” civilians had died in the strike – and blamed the Coalition. Al Shaafa Official put the death toll at 20, again pointing to the US-led alliance – and adding that

Summary

First published
November 9, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 20
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2016

Incident Code

CS300 TS002

LOCATION

جب الكوسا, Jeb el Kussa, Aleppo, Syria

Twenty people were reported killed and 50 injured after clashes at Jeb el Kussa, south of Jarabulus. According to Al Alam “these people fell during battles between militants and extremist groups backed by Turkey and the so-called “democratic forces of Syria” and armed groups backed by America. The Syrian Observatory confirmed casualties in the ranks of

Summary

First published
August 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
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, Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

CI569

LOCATION

باب لكش, Mosul, Bab Laksh, behind Watan school, Nineveh, Iraq

A local source said that twenty civilians, including women and children, were killed by airstrikes and/ or indiscriminate shelling on the area behind Watan school in Bab Laksh neighbourhood in West of Mosul, on the evening of March 21st-22nd. A family member later posted: “My wife moved to God (passed away) – the daughter of

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
(1 child3 women)
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 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS720 CS188

LOCATION

خشام, Khusham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least two civilians including a girl and a woman died in airstrikes on the town of Khusham. While the majority of the sources allege that this was a Coalition incident, other reports say Russia was responsible. According to Free Deir Ezzor, Russian raids targeting oil fields in Khusham killed two civilians displaced from Qaryatain,

Summary

First published
March 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 20
(1–8 children1 woman)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 10, 2018

Incident Code

CS1709

LOCATION

غرانيج, Granij, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Twenty civilians were said to have died in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Granij, according to some local media. The high end claim appeared to have originated with ISIS. According to Euphrates Post, “a number of civilians were killed as a result of air strikes likely belonging to the International Alliance aimed at the town of

Summary

First published
January 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS736 CS191

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Between 15 and 20 civilians including up to eight children and five women died in airstrikes on Ar Raqqah, according to multiple local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime – with one source suggesting the warplanes responsible may have belonged to the

Summary

First published
March 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 20
(3 children3 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
25–40
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition, US-led Coalition
Named victims
10 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2015

Incident Code

CS078

LOCATION

سلوك, Slouk, Raqqa, Syria

Two or three alleged Coalition incidents were clustered together in most news reports: the killing of a family of five at Slouk; the death of a child near Ma’adan; and up to 15 further civilian deaths in other airstrikes in the vicinity. According to SOHR, “international coalition aircraft last night carried out several strikes in

Summary

First published
June 11, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 20
(1 child2 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

June 7, 2016

Incident Code

CI248

LOCATION

سومر و العربي والزهور ودنه دان, Mosul, East neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

A local source said 20 civilians were killed or injured along with three Daesh fighters after Coalition jets allegedly targeted four neighbourhoods in central Mosul. A single source, Yaqein, said the strikes took place in the evening. Among those targeted was a Daesh ’emir’ from Morocco, whose white Hyundai was destroyed. But civilian casualties were

Summary

First published
June 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 20
Civilians reported injured
2–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
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

July 1, 2017

Incident Code

CI795

LOCATION

النبي جرجيس, Mosul, Nabi Jarjis, Nineveh, Iraq

Multiple local sources quoted witnesses as saying that an entire family – consisting of nine people – died after airstrikes hit their houses in the Nabi Jarjis area of Old Mosul. Iraq News and others said that there were women and children among the dead. The sources did not say who had carried out the

Summary

First published
July 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 20
(2 children2 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

May 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS873

LOCATION

رطلة, Ratlah, Raqqa, Syria

At least 17 civilians – reportedly displaced persons – were killed when buses transporting them were hit by Coalition airstrikes according to local reports. The Syrian Observatory reported that 18 people were killed in Coalition airstrikes in the vicinity of al-Kasrat, of whom at least 10 members of ISIS. The Observatory said that some attacks

Summary

First published
May 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 20
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
20
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 9, 2016

Incident Code

CS410 TS019

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

At least thirteen civilians were reported killed and eight injured in either a Turkish or Coalition airstrike on al Bab. The Coalition later denied responsibility. Al Jazeera – citing ISIS – said two families were among 13 dead civilians after multiple “Turkish airstrikes” on the city. The Syrian Observatory said that “no less than 12

Summary

First published
December 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 20
(7 children4 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
12
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
12 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 26, 2018

Incident Code

CS1793

LOCATION

Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 23 civilian non combatants – including 18 women who were reportedly the wives of ISIS fighters on external missions – died along with seven ISIS guards in an alleged Coalition airstrike on an ISIS-held house (and perhaps others) in al Sha’afa, according to sources on the ground. One source added that a child

Summary

First published
August 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18 – 20
(1 child18 women1 man)
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

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

CI502

LOCATION

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that 20 civilians were killed and 18 injured, mostly children and women, after Coalition airstrikes allegedly targeted a residential building in Al-Shafaa (Shifa) neighborhood in western Mosul. Some sources quoted ISIL media reporting this incident. Others said local press sources provided the information. Most reports blamed the US specifically for the raids.

Summary

First published
March 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
Civilians reported injured
18
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 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1375 CS319

LOCATION

البصيرة, al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between four to 20 civilians were reported killed and 12 or more injured after an alleged Coalition, Russian or Assad regime strike at al Basira, according to local media. A photograph published by Euphrates Post showed what appeared to have been a major strike in a built up area of the town. And a video

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 20
(3 children3 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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2014

Incident Code

CI010

LOCATION

عوينات, Awinat, Nineveh, Iraq

According to news agency NINA, a “US air strike on the village of Aouinat northwest of Mosul killed five civilians, according to a source in forensic medicine in Mosul.” The Al Rafidain website (in a report dated ten days after the event) placed the death toll higher at between 10 and 20, saying two houses

Summary

First published
October 17, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
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 1, 2017

Incident Code

CI743

LOCATION

حي الزنجيلي, Mosul, Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported more than twenty civilians died – mostly children and women – after artillery shelling and/or an airstrike hit their houses in Zanjili neighbourhood, West Mosul. Among the victims were eleven members of one family. Most sources blamed Iraqi government forces for the shelling, while others did not say who was responsible. Local

Summary

First published
June 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
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

April 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS751 CS201

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

At least five and as many as 20 civilians were reported killed and 53 injured after heavy alleged Coalition, Russian and/or Syrian regime night time strikes on Raqqa. Most sources allege that these were Coalition and regime raids – with the Coalition responsible for those after midnight and the regime for early morning strikes. Coalition

Summary

First published
April 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
(1–3 children1–4 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
53
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 25, 2016

Incident Code

CI376

LOCATION

البعاج, Al Baaj, Nineveh, Iraq

Local media and the area’s MP reported that 20 civilians were killed and 55 injured after unknown aircraft targeted Al Baaj city west of Mosul. According to Zahid Kotuna, the elected MP for the area, an unknown warplane carried out a fierce air strike on the densely populated civilian town of Baaj 140 km west

Summary

First published
December 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
Civilians reported injured
55
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS1230

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A number of sources shared images and videos documenting an alleged white phosphorous bombardment of Raqqa by the Coalition and reported that a “several” civilians were wounded and killed. Eldorar News claimed that up to 20 civilian were killed, but was the only source to go into further detail about civilian casualties. Hadi Al Abdullah

Summary

First published
July 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2015

Incident Code

CI043

LOCATION

الكرمة, Garma, near Fallujah, Al Anbar, Iraq

Seven civilians from one family – including young children – were killed and 8 injured when a house was allegedly struck by a coalition aircraft. However other sources attributed the attack to an artillery assault by the Iraq Army. The dead were later named by the Iraqi Spring Centre. Seven additional people were named as

Summary

First published
February 24, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 20
(2 children4 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
14 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2017

Incident Code

CS909

LOCATION

مسبح الشراع, area behind al Shira' swimming pool, Raqqa, Syria

Between 15 and 20 civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on the area behind al Shira’ swimming pool in Raqqa, according to local media. Euphrates Post, Mohab Naser and Step News Agency said 15 non-combatants died in Coalition raids on residential homes. LCCSY – also blaming the Coalition – put

Summary

First published
June 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 20
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

January 6, 2017

Incident Code

CI395

LOCATION

حي الزراعي, Mosul, Agricultural, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources and relatives of victims said that more than 20 civilians from three families were killed, including children and women, after Coalition airstrikes targeted their houses in front of Saddam mosque at the entrance of Farms district, north of Mosul. Mosul Ateka reported that “18 people were killed in the Farms district after three

Summary

First published
January 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 20
(2–4 children2–7 women1 man)
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 20, 2017

Incident Code

CI726

LOCATION

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that twenty civilians, including one woman, were killed and dozens were injured in heavy airstrikes on Shifa neighbourhood in West Mosul. A journalist had informed Yaqein that: “the bombing caused the deaths of more than twenty civilians [who were] burned in their homes, mostly women and children” and that “the shelling caused

Summary

First published
May 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
(1 woman1 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, Iraq Government Forces, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2019

Incident Code

CS1909

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

During intensive air raids, a farm in Al-Baghouz was struck by air- and artillery fire on the outskirts of Al-Baghouz town. Step News was the only source that reported over 20 civilians were killed in the strike. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights blamed the Coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces while all other sources

Summary

First published
March 14, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
(1–2 children1–2 women)
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
View Incident