US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident date

December 29, 2016

Incident Code

CI380

LOCATION

مستشفى ابن الاثير, Mosul, Ibn Al Athir Hospital, Nineveh, Iraq

According to several sources, at least 16 civilians killed following the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted the children’s hospital in Mosul. CENTCOM confirmed the incident the same day and announced an investigation. A number of ISIL fighters were reported killed along with between five and 16 civilians when the Coalition targeted a vehicle at Ibn al-Athir

Summary

First published
December 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 16
(1–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
7–14
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

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

CI324

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Sehab, Nineveh, Iraq

An Iraqi security source who spoke with Airwars reported the deaths of 16 civilians spread among several families. The source said they were all in a house in a neighbourhood of eastern Mosul when it was hit by an airstrike at 7 PM on November 6th. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2017

Incident Code

CI515

LOCATION

النبي شيث, Mosul, Nabi Sheet, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that 16 civilians were killed and dozens of others injured in violent clashes and airstrikes on Nabi Sheet neighbourhood. Mosul Ateka posted a photo (see below) of the aftermath, stating “This is the area of Nabi Sheet, the centre of Mosul city, and the main market for handicraft and construction…” A UN

Summary

First published
March 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
(4 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
7–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2015

Incident Code

CI048

LOCATION

برطلّة, Bartalah, Nineveh, Iraq

According to NINA, a source in the forensic medicine department of the local hospital reported that numerous civilians died “in bombing by the international coalition aircraft [which] targeted a stronghold of the Islamic State in Bartalah north of Mosul.” Among 16 alleged civilian victims were five children and two women, whose bodies were said to

Summary

First published
March 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(5 children2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2015

Incident Code

CI115a

LOCATION

الموصل‎, West Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Local and medical sources said that 13 civilians were killed and up to six more injured after Coalition planes struck their homes in the centre of Mosul, while three more civilians died after a shop was reportedly struck by the Coalition in the west of the city. This report relates to the west Mosul allegation.

Summary

First published
September 27, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

CS185

LOCATION

عين العروس, `Ayn al `Arus, Raqqa, Syria

According to reports up to 16 civilians including 10 members of a family died in Ain al A’rouss “following Coalition raids.” One adult male civilian victim – the head of the family – was named by VDC as Faeour al Abo. According to Shaam News, Daesh targets had been struck in the town: “International coalition

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
March 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 16
(3 children6 women7 men)
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
Named victims
15 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 2016

Incident Code

CI254

LOCATION

الفلوجة‎, Fallujah, Al Anbar, Iraq

It was reported that airstrikes and artillery shelling of neighbourhoods in Fallujah killed at least 10 civilians and injured 15 more. However, it was not clear from the reports who was responsible, as they referred to aggressive shelling government and international. One report said that the emergency Fallujah General Hospital received thirteen wounded including five

Summary

First published
June 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 16
(4–7 children3–6 women)
Civilians reported injured
13
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 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS734

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, al Zouikat, Raqqa, Syria

Sixteen named civilians including eight children and five died in an alleged Coalition airstrike near the Al A’jrawi roundabout in Tabaqa, according to local media. In January 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “ Coalition aircraft engaged with what was positively identified as an ISIS defensive position on the balcony of a house,

Summary

First published
April 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(8 children5 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
16 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 10, 2016

Incident Code

CI187

LOCATION

حي المزارع, Mosul, Mazari / Farms, Nineveh, Iraq

An alleged Coalition targeted strike on a secret ISIL medical facility reportedly killed 16 doctors, seven Daesh fighters and an unspecified number of patients according to a single source. According to NINA, “the international Coalition carried out airstrikes in eastern Mosul which targeted a secret hospital for Daesh elements. The attack killed 16 Daesh doctors

Summary

First published
February 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2016

Incident Code

CI355

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, South, Nineveh, Iraq

Sixteen civilians, including women and children, were killed in the alleged Coalition raid in the south of Mosul, according to a single source – Iraqi Spring Media Center. Amsiraq published pictures of damaged buildings in south Iraq which it said had been caused by Coalition and government shelling. There was no mention of civilian casualties.

Summary

First published
November 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(2 children2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1484 RS2442

LOCATION

جديد بكارة, Jadid Bakara, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A major civilian casualty incident took place on the village of Jadid Bakara, Deir Ezzor Governorate. Reporting remains contested and various local sources have blamed Russia, the Regime and the US-led Coalition. Between 11 and 15 civilians died, “dozens” were reportedly wounded, and the death toll included at least one women and five children. The

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 15
(5 children1 woman5 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, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
8 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2016

Incident Code

CS220 RS824

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

As many as 15 civilians including at least three children reportedly died in Coalition airstrikes in support of a major Kurdish ground offensive against Daesh near Manbij. Citing the Syrian Observatory, Reuters noted that “U.S.-led air strikes in support of the ground operation [reportedly] killed 15 civilians including three children near Manbij in the past

Summary

First published
May 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 15
(1–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2016

Incident Code

CI313

LOCATION

تل كيف‎, Tel Kepe (Tel Kayf), Nineveh, Iraq

A local outlet reported that numerous civilians have fallen victim to daily bombardments neighbourhoods in Telkaif north of Mosul. Mosul Youth and Girls, State and Flag reported that 15 people died, including children and six women. It attributed the violence to daily bombardment carried out by the besieging forces. Given reported British actions in the area

Summary

First published
October 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(2 children6 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2017

Incident Code

CI736

LOCATION

المدينة القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Multiple local sources and eyewitnesses reported that 15 civilians were killed, including children and women, and more than 20 others were injured after airstrikes hit their homes in Farouk Street in Old Mosul. Most sources blamed the Coalition for the shelling. Witnesses had told Al Jazeera that the civilians had died after raids hit popular

Summary

First published
May 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(2 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
8–20
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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 10, 2019

Incident Code

CS1885

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike struck a field hospital in the outskirts of the town Al Soussa in the eastern suburb of Deir Ezzor on the night between Thursday January 10th and Friday January 11th, killing more than 15 non-combatants including doctors and wounded patients being treated by ISIS on the site, according to reports. It is

Summary

First published
January 10, 2019
Last updated
March 22, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
Civilians reported injured
1–6
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2016

Incident Code

CS275

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

A report on August 5th 2016 by local blogger Hathifa al Yaman Abu al Majd claimed that approximately 15 civilians had died in a Coalition strike two weeks earlier, with their bodies still buried under rubble. “American Alliance planes – around 15 days ago –  committed a massacre against three families opposite al Fatah mosque near

Summary

First published
July 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2018

Incident Code

CS1871

LOCATION

الكشمة, Al Kashma, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike on a house reportedly killed 15 civilians from one family on the night of December 11th, in Al-Kashma. All sources said that the airstrike was conducted in Al-Kashma, except for Al-Shaafa Facebook page which reported that the event was in the adjacent village of Al-Shaafa. Possibly explaining the confusion, Andolu News

Summary

First published
December 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(2–4 children2–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS487 CS169

LOCATION

عجاجا, Ajajah, Al Hassakah, Syria

Up to 15 civilians were killed including two children, following an airstrike on the village of Ajajah. The attack was initially attributed to the Coalition. However later reports blamed the deaths on Russia. According to the Syrian Observatory “Two children and a man were killed and others injured in bombing by warplanes believed to be

Summary

First published
January 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 15
(1–2 children13 men)
Civilians reported injured
9–15
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
Named victims
22 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1086

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least two civilian males were killed and six others were injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Soussa in the east of Deir Ezzor governorate, a number of local sources reported. Some sources reported that as many as six people died while JP News alleged that 15 people were killed. However, they were the

Summary

First published
June 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 15
Civilians reported injured
6
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
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1557 RS2579

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between nine and 15 civilians died, including an entire family, following alleged airstrikes in a second reported ‘massacre’ at Abu Kamal in 24 hours. Reports were contested: some sources blamed the Coalition, while others believed Russia were the likely culprit. Many of the known sources did not apportion blame. The strikes were conducted after midnight,

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 15
(2 children4 women7 men)
Civilians reported injured
15–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
15 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2015

Incident Code

RS021 CS134

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

According to the Syrian Observatory, “preliminary information reported the death of civilians – including women and children – in the bombing by Russian warplanes on areas at the eastern outskirts of Palmyra city which is controlled by the ‘Islamic State’.” According to most sources, between 12 and 14 members of two Bedouin families died, including

Summary

First published
October 6, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 15
(5 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1158

LOCATION

تل الجاير, Tall al-Jayer, Al Hassakah, Syria

At least 11 people and as many as 15, including three children and two women, were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on the village of Tall al-Jayer, local sources reported. Several described the deaths as a “massacre”. Two unidentified people were also reported killed not including the named civilians listed below. All nine sources reporting the incident

Summary

First published
July 4, 2017
Last updated
March 24, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 15
(3 children3 women2 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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
9 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS1671

LOCATION

الدعيج, Al Duaij, Al Hassakah, Syria

Up to 15 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Duaij, according to local media. Al Khabour reported that “the international Coalition targeted a civilian car in the village of Al-Duaij in the town of Tal al-Jayr east of al-Shadadi, killing one civilian and wounding the others seriously.” Shaam News, Masar Press, Baladi

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 15
(1–6 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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
Named victims
2 named
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

December 16, 2016

Incident Code

CS416 TS024

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between eleven and 15 civilians were reported killed in a Turkish (or less likely Coalition) action at al Bab. According to LCCSY eleven civilians died, “most of them killed in Coalition raids on al Bab.”However, the source had consistently denied civilian harm from Turkish actions during the al-Bab campaign. Al Bab News reported “more than

Summary

First published
December 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 15
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, Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 21, 2017

Incident Code

CS842

LOCATION

كديران, Kdeiran, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 15 civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Coalition airstrike on Kdeiran village, local media reported. In January 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “Coalition aircraft engaged with what was positively identified as an ISIS Headquarters. Coalition munitions destroyed the building. Regrettably, nine civilian bystanders in the streets

Summary

First published
May 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(2–4 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2017

Incident Code

CS1591

LOCATION

Markada, Al Hassakah, Syria

Up to 15 civilians died following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Markada in the southern countryside of Al Hasakah governorate. It was claimed that the Coalition targeted a number of locations in the town controlled by so-called Islamic State. The attack left an unknown number of others wounded. Airstrikes hit a vegetable market in the

Summary

First published
October 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
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 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

September 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1445a

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, 15 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty. Only five of the victims were

Summary

First published
September 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(3 children2 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident