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

October 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS1646

LOCATION

الشحيل, Al Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On October 18, 2017, two to four civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al Shaheel, according to local media, though sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Two men were killed identified by name by multiple sources. Al Sharqiya Observatory said that the victims died from wounds sustained in a Coalition strike.

Summary

First published
October 18, 2017
Last updated
June 20, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2–4 men)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CI871

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Al Qaim, Iraq. Their December 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike which destroyed one ISIS VBIED production facility, two ISIS support buildings and ISIS weapons cache it was assessed that one

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1645 RS2645

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Al Masriya roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between eight and nine civilians died in an airstrike on the al Masriya roundabout in Abu Kamal, according to local media – though sources at the time were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia was responsible. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted:

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
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
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1643

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 500 bodies were reported found in two mass graves at Al Rasheed high school football stadium in the city center of Raqqa. A report by M2 Akhbarak quoted Abdullah al-Erian, head of the Reconstruction Committee of the Raqqa Civil Council, stating that “so far about 50 bodies have been removed from the mass

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1640

LOCATION

البدو, Clinics in Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that four bodies were recovered from the Comprehensive Clinics area of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1641

LOCATION

الملعب الاسود, Ar Raqqah: Baladi stadium, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa RWB reported that three bodies were recovered near Al Mala’ab (the stadium) in Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. According to the report the “initial response team” was unable to identify the names due to “SDF prohibiting filming and getting close to the area“. In

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1642

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that four bodies were recovered from various areas of Raqqa city, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. In the first of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”,

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1639

LOCATION

Al Badou neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that four bodies Al Badou neighbourhood of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that the allegation provided insufficient

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1637

LOCATION

Al Heif neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that 10 bodies were recovered in the Al Heif neighbourhood of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred.

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
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

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1638

LOCATION

Al Hadika al Baidaa neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that 21 bodies including women and children were recovered from the Hadika al Baidaa (White Garden) neighbourhood of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21
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

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1645a RS2643

LOCATION

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airstrikes struck a residential neighbourhood and popular market in Al-Ghabra – according to local media. As many as four civilians were killed and others were injured. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the airstrikes, some attributing blame to Russian warplanes while others blamed the Syrian regime.  Some sources attributed blame to

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1–2 children1–2 women1 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
Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1633

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported the death of two civilians in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. According to Asharqiya Voice, they died “a few weeks ago”. Writing on Facebook on October 28th, Mohammad al Fahal, reportedly a family member of the victims, said: “My aunt has moved to the mercy of God.. Najah Ramadan al Fahl

Summary

First published
October 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1629

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Marsad Hasaka reported “the martyrdom of the child Ali Bashir Al-Daman from the village of Massada by the bombing of coalition aircraft on the city of Al-Rigga a few days ago”. Raqqa24, reporting the death on October 25th, said that the victim died “a few days ago”. However the last reported Coalition action in the

Summary

First published
October 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

October 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1630

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported the the death of a civilian male. Three sources blamed the US-led Coalition for his death.The date of the incident is unknown. Raqqa24, reporting the death on October 25th, said that the victim died “a few days ago”. However the last reported Coalition action in the city was on October 16th, with

Summary

First published
October 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1631

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah, according to Raqqah is Being Slaughtered Silently. The source reported the deaths on October 25th but didn’t say when the victims were reportedly killed. The Syrian Human Rights Committee also reported that the victims had been killed in a Coalition strike, but again didn’t say

Summary

First published
October 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1632

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Three civilians may have died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah, according to local media – though there was uncertainty over when the victims died, with one report stating they were still alive. Coordinating the Revolution in the City of Palmyra published “a clarification regarding the family of Mrs. Samira Al-Ali (Alhashosh) and her

Summary

First published
October 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
(0–2 children0–1 women)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2017

Incident Code

CI870

LOCATION

Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq

According to a single source, different areas of Al Qaim were targeted, resulting in possible civilian harm. The vague report noted Victims of aerial bombing of the international coalition aircraft in various areas of Qaim, west of Anbar. At the moment there is limited information on the incident, Airwars will amend the entry when any

Summary

First published
October 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1627

LOCATION

Al Jumaili, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported the death of one civilian male in an alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqah – possibly a last victim of the assault on the city. Raqqa 24 and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently blamed the Coalition for the man’s death in reports that were published on October 20th and 22nd respectively. Raqqa 24 said

Summary

First published
October 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 3, 2017

Incident Code

CS1628

LOCATION

البدو, Raqqa city: Baidou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

13 civilians were killed – including nine from one family – due to the “bombing of the International Air Force on the city of Raqqa during the battle for control of the city”. Kurdish news agency Hawar later published an interview with a survivor named as Yazan Abdulrahman Mohammad, in which it was stated that in

Summary

First published
October 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13
(5 children4 women4 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
13 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS1626

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A young man died following alleged airstrikes on the village of al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor governorate, according to local media. Reports said that up to five other civilians died in addition to Abdul and that people were fleeing the town while air raids were carried out. A later report from Sharqiya Voice named two families of

Summary

First published
October 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1625

LOCATION

السعدة, Al Sa'ada village, Al Hassakah, Syria

Local media reported unspecified civilian casualties following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes near Al Sa’ada village in the vicinity of Markada, Hasaka governorate, in the early hours of Sunday. People of the villages of Al-Harith, Al-Sa’dah Al-Gharbia, Al-Ashiteh Al-Gharbi, and Jana’a, all close to Markada, were reportedly displaced as a result of the air raids, Euphrates

Summary

First published
October 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2017

Incident Code

CI869

LOCATION

الحصيبة, Husaybah, main market, Al Anbar, Iraq

According to local media reported that at least 20 fatalities and several wounded occurred following alleged Coalition airstrikes on the city of Al Qaim, Anbar. Yaqein quoted one press statement in which a police source specified that international coalition aircraft bombed the area of Hasayba market. This location, as well as the number of casualties, was confirmed

Summary

First published
October 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
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

October 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1623

LOCATION

الحسين, Markada/Husayn, Al Hassakah, Syria

Local media reported civilian casualties in the town of Markadah and nearby al Husain village following alleged US-led Coalition strikes. News of civilian deaths came amidst reports of conflict in the area over the past 48 hours. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented violent clashes between the so-called Islamic State organisation and the US-backed

Summary

First published
October 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1624

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A named adult male civilian died in the besieged neighbourhoods of Raqqah, according to a local source. Details of his death are presently unknown. Airwars will amend the entry when new information is available.

Summary

First published
October 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1622

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media named two civilians as killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. The date of the incident is currently unclear: reporting on October 14th, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently said that the victims died “during the past few days”. Raqqa Media Office and SHRC reported their deaths on October 15th, also saying that

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1621

LOCATION

البدو, Baidou, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that between 25 and 35 or more civilians died in US-led Coalition airstrikes carried out at midday which struck two residential buildings in Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa. Despite this, Amnesty field research has since been conducted which only reported the deaths of 16 civilians, spread over two strikes. The Coalition initially confirmed

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 women3 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
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1621a

LOCATION

البدو, Baidou, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that between 25 and 35 or more civilians died in US-led Coalition airstrikes carried out at midday which struck two residential buildings in Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa. Despite this, Amnesty field research has since been conducted which only reported the deaths of 16 civilians, spread over two strikes. The Coalition initially confirmed

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(1 child2 women5 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.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS1620 RS2629

LOCATION

المجاودة, Al Mjawda, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to local sources, up to 12 civilians were killed in an airstrike on the town of Mjawda. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to Russia, while others attributed blame to the US-led Coalition. Both the Violations Documentation Center and Euphrates Post identified eight victims of the

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 12
(1–4 children2–3 women1 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, Russian Military
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS1619 RS2624

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Thirteen civilians reportedly died, including seven children and five women, following an attack on Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to the US-led Coalition, while others blamed Russia. At present, the culpable party remains unclear. The majority of sources alleged or suspected that

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 14
(6 children6 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, Russian Military
Named victims
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS1620a

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

The Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” reported on an incident previously unidentified by Airwars. An uncle and nephew were killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit them whilst they were on a motorbike. The airstrike occurred between 3 and 4pm, and there were no reported injured

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident