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

April 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS688

LOCATION

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The state news agency Sana reported the death of ‘hundreds of people’ in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hatla. The Coalition said they were not responsible. However in its own published reports for that day the Coalition did later confirm three strikes in the province. According to Sana: “The General Command of the Army and

Summary

First published
April 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 100
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 22, 2017

Incident Code

CI573

LOCATION

رجم الحديد, Mosul, Rajl al Hamid, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources and the UN reported that up to hundred civilians were killed or injured after airstrikes targeted residential houses in Rajm Hadid neighborhood, on March 22 in West Mosul. According to the UNHCR an airstrike [not specified] hit a residential building in the neighbourhood. It said: “ISIL reportedly filled the house with people from

Summary

First published
March 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 100
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
7
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 9, 2017

Incident Code

CI805

LOCATION

الميدان في موصل القديمة, Al Meydan, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Omar al Halbusi, an Iraqi blogger, claimed that roughly 100 civilians were killed and 220 others were injured in alleged artillery bombardment by the Coalition and the Iraqi government on the Al Meydan area of Old Mosul in the two days prior to July 9th. Ninawa Media Center added that 30 families which made up

Summary

First published
July 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
100
Civilians reported injured
100–220
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

September 2, 2017

Incident Code

CI837

LOCATION

U'boor district of Anbar, Al Anbar, Iraq

A single report from Yaqein claimed the US-led Coalition had conducted an intensive aerial bombardment resulting in 200 civilians killed and injured within a 48 hour period. The specifics of the civilian casualties, including the toll and identity is currently unknown. Yaqein described indiscriminate bombing by the warplanes of the international coalition aircraft, asserting that

Summary

First published
September 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
50 – 100
Civilians reported injured
50–100
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2019

Incident Code

CS1908

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that an alleged Coalition airstrike struck Al-Baghouz camp on the night of March 13th. Sources reported varying numbers of civilian deaths. Several sources reported that up to 100 civilians were killed in the airstrike. One source, Christian Turner, tweeted that 20 civilians were killed. All sources reported that most of the victims

Summary

First published
March 13, 2019
Last updated
March 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 100
(2–3 children2–3 women1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 28, 2018

Incident Code

CS1859

LOCATION

الكشمة, Al Kashma, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a building which appeared to be in use as a Daesh prison at dawn on Wedneday November 28th. Reports on the number of civilian casualties varied widely between six and 100 civilians. RT reported that six civilians died in the attack, whereas other sources such as Baladi News and Horrya

Summary

First published
November 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 100
Civilians reported injured
50
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 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1294

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Multiple reports said that 99 civilians died and approximately 120 had been wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa within the last 72 hours. These numbers, however, are general numbers and Airwars has not, so far, been able to break them down to specific locations. Al Hasaka Rasd, @raassaf77, @freedom_raqqa1, @mogthdarqqat, @alksndr111, @Mohamma26725093 produced carbon

Summary

First published
July 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 99
Civilians reported injured
0–120
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

Incident date

December 7, 2016

Incident Code

CI363

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Multiple neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

Nearly 100 civilians were killed or wounded in Mosul due to airstrikes and artillery bombardment, according to a local source. Iraqi Spring Media Center reported the deaths of 98 civilians in Mosul during the preceding 48 hours due to aerial and artillery bombardment targeting residential areas. In an emailed response to a report submitted by

Summary

First published
December 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
98
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

April 19, 2017

Incident Code

CI654

LOCATION

الثورة, Mosul: Thawra neighbourhood, Nineveh, Iraq

Multiple sources reported that more than 90 civilians died in a major incident in Al Thawra (Revolution) neighbourhood in Old Mosul. As Reuters noted, “Dozens of civilians were killed on Saturday by air strikes targeting homes in the Thawra district on the western side of Mosul, a neighborhood declared by Iraqi forces restored overnight by

Summary

First published
April 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
90
(1 child3 men)
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
Iraq Government Forces
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

CI858

LOCATION

Al Qaim, plaster factory, Al Anbar, Iraq

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

Summary

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

Incident date

March 26, 2017

Incident Code

CI581

LOCATION

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Al Batool Hospital, Nineveh, Iraq

Local residents and press sources said that at least 15 civilians were killed and many more injured, mostly children and elderly people, by alleged Coalition airstrikes near Al Batool hospital in Zanjili. Al Amaq [ISIL press agency] posted a video of the strikes on YouTube. Free journalist (Facebook) posted six graphic photos of several reported

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 85
(4 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–215
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 31, 2017

Incident Code

CI741

LOCATION

حي الزنجيلي, Mosul, Zanjili and Shifa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that more than twenty civilians were killed or injured after air strikes and artillery shelling hit their homes in Zanjili and Shifa neighborhood, in West Mosul. So far all sources blamed Joint Forces – a reference to both Iraqi and Coalition actions. A source had told Alaraby news that “the Iraqi forces

Summary

First published
May 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 84
(27 children31 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–103
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

June 29, 2017

Incident Code

CI790

LOCATION

الموصل القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Local residents and press sources said that at least 80 civilians were killed and others injured – mostly children and women – after shelling and airstrikes hit their houses near the Al Nouri Mosque in the ongoing battle for the liberation of Old Mosul. Half of the civilians died as a result of air strikes,

Summary

First published
June 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
40 – 82
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 4, 2017

Incident Code

CI687

LOCATION

17 تموز, Mosul, July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq

Residents and local media sources said that Iraqi or Coalition airstrikes and shelling by Iraqi forces hit Al Walaa school, in the 17 July neighbourhood in West Mosul. This reportedly led to the death of up to 81 civilians – of whom 18 were children – and left 86 civilians injured. The school was said

Summary

First published
May 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
69 – 81
(18 children29 women)
Civilians reported injured
60–86
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

June 8, 2017

Incident Code

CI753

LOCATION

حي الزنجيلي, Mosul, Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources referred to the United Nations Human Rights Office saying that 50 to 80 civilians were killed after airstrikes and shelling hit Zanjili neighborhood in West Mosul. In January 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: “Coalition aircraft struck an ISIS building and unintentionally killed 10 civilians.” Sawlf Ateka posted a video

Summary

First published
June 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
50 – 80
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2017

Incident Code

CI758

LOCATION

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

Multiple local sources, as well as sources in the Iraqi army, reported that dozens of civilians were killed or injured in the fighting for the liberation of Shifa, Zanjili and Health neighbourhoods in Old Mosul. Alaraby news said that Iraqi forces allegedly used heavy shelling and air strikes on the area in an attempt to

Summary

First published
June 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
19 – 80
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2017

Incident Code

CI498

LOCATION

لجامع عمر الاسود في حي الفاروق, Mosul, Omar al-Aswad mosque, Farouk, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that up to 80 civilians were killed or injured after Coalition or Iraqi airstrikes targeted the Omar mosque area in al-Faruq neighborhood in western Mosul. The mosque was used as a shelter by displaced families, according to the Niniva Media Center. Reuters cited three local witnesses, noting that “The Omar al-Aswad mosque,

Summary

First published
March 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
50 – 80
(1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Incident Code

CI471

LOCATION

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, West / Right side, Nineveh, Iraq

Local and press sources said that 89 civilians, including 32 children, were killed and 134 others injured due to Coalition airstrikes and artillery shelling during the last 72 hours in the west of Mosul. We have reduced the figure to between 60-80 civilian deaths and 80-100 injuries for February 20th-21st in order to avoid double

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
60 – 80
(32 children)
Civilians reported injured
80–100
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 17, 2017

Incident Code

CI549

LOCATION

الميدان, Mosul, Medan, Nineveh, Iraq

According to local residents and the recently formed Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, up to 80 civilians died when heavy airstrikes and shelling destroyed multiple houses in Meydan neighbourhood in Old Mosul. According to Iraqi Spring Media Centre, 20 houses were destroyed. It spoke of “dozens of bodies” under the rubble. Activists and aid workers

Summary

First published
March 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
40 – 80
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 1, 2017

Incident Code

CI679

LOCATION

الموصل: غرب, Mosul, West, Nineveh, Iraq

According to local sources – which referred to a statement by Al Amaq (ISIL press agency) and residents of West Mosul – up to 79 civilians were killed and 159 wounded, mostly women and children, after airstrikes of the Coalition and Iraqi forces hit many neighbourhoods in West Mosul over a four day period. M.N.N.

Summary

First published
May 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
79
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
159
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Incident Code

CS1401

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and other local sources reported that 78 civilians were killed in alleged US-led Coalition and SDF artillery strikes during the past 24 hours on the city of Raqqa. It is important to note that these are general civilian casualty numbers, and could encompass other civilian casualty entries.

Summary

First published
August 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
78
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 3, 2015

Incident Code

CI101a

LOCATION

الرمادي, Ramadi city: eastern area, Al Anbar, Iraq

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq noted in January 2016 that two possible civilian casualty incidents had taken place in the vicinity of Ramadi on September 3rd of the previous year. The Coalition has confirmed carrying out strikes in the area on that day. According to UNAMI, “[an] airstrike reportedly hit a residential area

Summary

First published
September 3, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
28
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

September 3, 2015

Incident Code

CI101

LOCATION

بين جزيرة الخالدية, حصيبة والبوعبيد, Between Khalidiya Island, Husaybah and Albu Obaid, Al Anbar, Iraq

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq noted in January 2016 that two possible civilian casualty incidents had taken place in Ramadi. The Coalition has confirmed carrying out strikes in the vicinity that day. According to UNAMI, “On 3 September an airstrike hit a bridge in Jazeera al-Khaldiya, around 20 kilometres east of Ramadi, Anbar,

Summary

First published
September 3, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
46
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2017

Incident Code

CI797

LOCATION

حي الزنجيلي, Mosul, Zanjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Local medical sources reported that civil defense teams had pulled as many as 74 bodies from the rubble in Zanjili neighbourhood (West/Old Mosul). The civilians had died as a result of different kinds of shelling on their houses. Airwars researchers contacted local medical sources, who said a total number of 74 civilians were killed. This

Summary

First published
July 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
74
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS826

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a major casualty incident, up to 73 civilians including 15 children and six women died and up to 120 others were wounded airstrikes on Abu Kamal, according to local media. The majority of the victims were reportedly displaced people. Conflicting sources blame the US-led Coalition and the Iraqi air force. Additionally, one source attributed

Summary

First published
May 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
60 – 73
(12–15 children6 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
24–120
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
27 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2017

Incident Code

CI787

LOCATION

الموصل القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that at least 90 civilians were killed and injured as a result of ongoing fighting and shelling in Old Mosul, especially in the vicinity of the Al-Nouri Mosque and the destroyed Hadba Minaret. It is presently unclear which parties were responsible. Yaqein agency reported that 71 civilians died, and others were wounded.

Summary

First published
June 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
71
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
19
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 10, 2019

Incident Code

CS1906

LOCATION

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what has been described as a massacre, between 50 and 70 civilians were reportedly killed – mostly women and children according to local media – by US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz camp. In addition to this, “dozens” were reportedly wounded. Sources described “devastating bombs of enormous proportions” which bombarded the vicinity in the

Summary

First published
March 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
50 – 70
(0–2 children0–2 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1094

LOCATION

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 42 and 100 civilians who were being detained in an ISIL prison were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on an ISIL base in Al Mayadeen, local sources reported. The Coalition later conceded having killed eight civilians. According to a number of reports, the strikes also allegedly killed between 15 to 20 ISIL members,

Summary

First published
June 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
42 – 70
(5 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 19, 2018

Incident Code

CS1813

LOCATION

البوبدران, Al Soussa: Othman Bin Affan mosque, al Boubadran village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what several sources described as “a massacre”, at least 8 and as many as 70 civilians were alleged killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Osman Bin Affan Mosque in the village of Al-Sousse after Friday prayers. The incident occurred after two other reported incidents on October 18th in and around al Soussa, targeting

Summary

First published
October 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 70
(3–5 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–100
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 3, 2015

Incident Code

CI070

LOCATION

الحويجة, Hawijah, industrial district, Kirkuk, Iraq

A Coalition airstrike on an Islamic State depot levelled a significant number of buildings, killing an estimated 85 civilians and a large number of militants. A large supply of TNT explosive detonated after the IED-making facility was struck. Bas News described the attack as one of the worst mass casualty incidents in Iraq since the

Summary

First published
June 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2023
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
70 – 85
(26 children22 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
80–100
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
6 named
Belligerents reported killed
80–100
View Incident