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

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1537

LOCATION

Al Badou area, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that an unspecififed number of civilians were wounded in a strike near the water company or water foundation in Raqqah’s al Badou neighbourhood. The Step News Agency blamed the Coalition, while other sources also reported a raid on the area but did not apportion blame. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1538

LOCATION

Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least seven civilians were reported killed and dozens more wounded in air and/or rocket/artillery strikes on Al Mayadin – though the death toll looked likely to rise with multiple reports saying that up to 21 other civilians were still trapped under the rubble. It is currently unclear who was responsible for this incident, with

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 children2 women1 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, Russian Military, Syrian Democratic Forces
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1635

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Euphrates Post, amongst other sources, reported that “the bodies of Ramadhan Sheikh’s family were found in the rubble after being lost for nearly two months in the city of Raqqa. They’re from Jabila neighbourhood in Deir Ezzor”. DCHRS listed eight victims, including Mr Ramadhan Sheikh, his wife and six of his children. It is currently

Summary

First published
September 27, 2017
Last updated
March 23, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(6 children1 woman)
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
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1611

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In Raqqa, at least 28 and as many as 42 civilians from seven families displaced from Palmyra, Deir Ezzor and Raqqa were killed as an alleged Coalition air strike destroyed the building they were sheltering in, multiple local and international media reported. Among the killed were at least ten women and five children. This strike

Summary

First published
September 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
28 – 42
(5–11 children9–10 women6–13 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
42 named, 7 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1536

LOCATION

Imam al Nawawi mosque, al Nahda neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

According to family members and local reports, four civilians including, Fawaz Yousef Sulaiman Al-Zureiqat aka Abu Yusuf, died in a Coalition strike on the al Nahda neighbourhood, near the al Imam al Nawawi mosque. Mr al Zureiqat’s death was also reported by his nephew, who noted that “We note the death of my uncle Fawaz

Summary

First published
September 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2017

Incident Code

CI856

LOCATION

Mutaybayjah, Salah Al Din, Iraq

Local media outlet Yagein claimed that hundreds were killed and wounded following alleged US-Coalition strikes on Metebija, in the east of Salahadin province. The Iraq Spring Media Center also alleged the Coalition conducted raids in the area, though it did not refer to civilian casualties. A source who spoke to Yagein claimed: the Coalition aircraft bombed

Summary

First published
September 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 100
Civilians reported injured
0–100
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1534

LOCATION

White Garden area, Raqqa, Syria

Between 29 and 35 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the al Hadika al Baidaa area of Raqqah, according to local media. @24Raqqa put the death toll at 29, “including women and children”. But according to Raqqa Now and Almanar, more than 35 died. All sources blamed the US-led Coalition.

Summary

First published
September 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
29 – 35
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 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1535

LOCATION

الرقة, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilian males died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah, according to local sources. Few additional details are presently known, though Mr Habal was said to have died in his home. Ismail Akkush was, according to extensive Amnesty field research, killed alongside three other men, as reported in Airwars incident CS1536. We have therefore

Summary

First published
September 27, 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
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1532

LOCATION

الصور, Al Soor, Safia neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported “a number of civilians were killed” following airstrikes they believed were likely conducted by US-led Coalition aircraft. According to sources, the bombs contained white phosphorous – a chemical weapon sometimes proscribed under international law. Al Mayadeen, a pro-regime news organisation, reported “the attack [allegedly by the Coalition] led to the deaths of

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1533 RS2543

LOCATION

البلعوم, Al Mayadin, Al Baloum neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians, including one woman and one child, were reported killed following airstrikes on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor governorate. The Coalition and Russian warplanes were blamed by local media. According to Al Natek, Russian raids targeted the city resulting in four civilians deaths. Smart also believed the attack was carried out by Russian

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(1 child1 woman2 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, Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1531

LOCATION

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

Between 21 and 40 civilians, the majority women and children, were reported killed in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city. Initially the citizen journalist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), reported 40 civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition. According to RBSS, the strikes hit an apartment building and all

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21 – 40
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

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1530

LOCATION

السمرة, Al Raqqah Samra, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources reported that civilians died following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on sites near al Raqqa al Samra district. Subsequent reports documented the death of Hajj Abdullah Ali al-Khalaf al-Mqtash (pictured), with all sources considered the US-led Coalition to be the culprit. Qasioun asserted that a “number of civilians died and more were wounded” after

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1528

LOCATION

Sikat al Qitar street, Raqqa, Syria

According to the Step News Agency, the Coalition carried out “several raids on the al Shuhadaa mosque neighbourhood, Sikat al Qitar street north of the city of Raqqah. There is news of casualties.” A subsequent tweet by @818klhaifa reported the same allegation against the Coalition.

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1529

LOCATION

كرمازة, Kormaza village, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that civilians were killed after unidentified aircraft targeted Kormaza village, Tal Abiyad countryside, Raqqa. Marsad al Hassaka alleged that a vehicle was struck by “unknown aircraft”, and that the car was a “civilian pick-up” according to the source, with civilians reportedly inside. Soheb1199 released a carbon-copy of the Marsad al Hassaka report.

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1527

LOCATION

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

More than 32 civilians died in alleged US-led Coalition strikes on the city of Raqqah, according to local media. Field research by Amnesty International has since confirmed many of the civilian deaths. The civilians were in the basement of a building near Maari School when the airstrike hit, causing the building to collapse on them,

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
March 23, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
32 – 35
(16 children12 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
32 named, 5 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1525

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one civilian was killed with perhaps four or more additional casualties after a Coalition airstike near Al Hana hospital in Abu Kamal, according to local media. While a number of sources didn’t identify the culprit, at least two attributed the incident to the US-led Coalition. In July 2018 the alliance accepted responsibility for

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
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

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1526

LOCATION

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, Raqqa24 and the Shaam News Netowork, a number of civilians were killed and wounded when they were hit with artillery shells as they gathered to collect water in Raqqah’s al Badou neighbourhood. Athr Press attributed the event to ground forces, saying that “four civilians were killed and others

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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, Syrian Democratic Forces, ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

CI854

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq

Local press sources said that dozens of civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Qaem district, west of Anbar during a major offensive by ISF. According to Yagein, residential neighbourhoods of the district were targeted resulting in the death of civilians. Yagein held the Coalition responsibly. Anbar News said houses of the Al

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

CI855

LOCATION

الجماهير, Al Jamahir, Al Anbar, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of one civilian in an event near Al Jamahir, Iraq. Their December 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS headquarters, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured.” In July 2019, the Coalition provided

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1524

LOCATION

Al Mayadin, Central, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ten civilians – mostly women and children – reportedly died and dozens more civilians were injured in multiple airstrikes on different locations in Al Mayadin, local media reported, though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia was responsible. Qasiuoun laid the blame with the Coalition, reporting that jets struck “the comprehensive pharmacy”

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(2–4 children2–4 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
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1523

LOCATION

مركدة , Markada, Al Hassakah, Syria

Eleven civilians including one woman and two or more children died and many more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Markada, local media reported. All sources attributed the event to the US-led Coalition. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that four non-combatants including two girls and a woman died. Insaan Rights Watch

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11
(2–3 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
1–10
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
5 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1521

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Central, Raqqa, Syria

Five civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition air or artillery strikes in Raqqa, local sources reported. According to the Step News Agency, “five civilians were killed and others are missing under the rubble as a result of aerial and ground bombing by the international Coalition in neighborhoods controlled by IS in the middle of

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1522

LOCATION

الميادين, Al Mayadeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Seven or ten civilians, mostly women and children, were reportedly killed by an airstrike on Al Mayadin. According to Al Haddath, Coalition aircraft “launched air raids on residential areas in the eastern city of Mayadeen”, killing seven civilians, mostly women and children from the same family. This was reiterated by pro-regime outlet Tishreen. The Syrian

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 10
(2 children2 women)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

CI853

LOCATION

بطمة, Al Butma near Huwaija, Kirkuk, Iraq

Local media reported airstrikes in Huwaija south of Kirkuk province, during an Iraqi assault to capture the city from ISIS. Yagein alleged the US-led Coalition was responsible and cited dead and wounded following the raids. Alzab made a plea to ISF: We hope the security forces ascertain the proper coordinates of their goals in order to

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1519

LOCATION

Deir Ez-Zor, Al Husseiniya crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Multiple local sources reported that one civilian, Mr. Khalil Ibrahim Al-Zaher, was killed as he tried “to get out of the city of Deir al-Zour near the Husseiniya crossing on the Euphrates River after an air raid.” Sources didn’t say who was responsible for the strike. The US-led Coalition informed Airwars that as a result

Summary

First published
September 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1520

LOCATION

Hawari school, Raqqa, Syria

One adult male civilian, named as Said Mohammed al-Said, died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hawari school in Raqqah, according to local sources. Reports said that the victim was the father of six daughters.  

Summary

First published
September 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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

September 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1518

LOCATION

Al Mala'ab Al Baladi, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that one male civilian died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the municipal stadium area of Al Mala’ab Al Baladi in Raqqa. According to FSA Raqqa Sport, the victim was “a body building champion”. In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: ” After review of all available

Summary

First published
September 23, 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

September 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1516

LOCATION

الرقة, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians – a woman and her male child – died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to local media. Raqqa Sport reported: “In the name of the sports site of Raga and all the athletes of the province of Raqqa, we offer from Captain Osama Kaddour, handball player in the Youth Club

Summary

First published
September 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1517

LOCATION

near As Safiyah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian and the injury of another in an event near As Safiyah, Syria. Their February 2018 civilian casualty report noted, “The Coalition conducted a strike which destroyed a bridge across a canal being used by Daesh to move vehicle-borne

Summary

First published
September 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1515

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported six civilians killed in alleged Coalition strikes on Raqqa city, the source said “the martyrdom of a mother and her five children as a result of the bombing by international coalition aircraft on the city of Al-Raqqa last Friday” Raqqa24 and Mohammed Othman also named the vicitms and reported

Summary

First published
September 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(5 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
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident