US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Incident date

March 9, 2016

Incident Code

CI200

LOCATION

العصرية, Asriya, Al Anbar, Iraq

In a major mass casualty incident, 69 civilians were reported killed and 100 injured after alleged Coalition or possibly Iraq government aircraft allegedly struck the village of Asriyah. All of the victims were said to be from the Al Bojaber tribe. According to al Rafidain and other sources, fifteen of those killed were said to

Summary

First published
March 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
69
(10 children10 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2016

Incident Code

CI222

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

The Coalition conducted several night raids on telephone exchanges and reportedly the Babylon Bank in Mosul, which resulted in the deaths of at least six and as many as 67 civilians. In November 2016 the US initially admitted to killing one civilian in the attack, noting that “during a strike against an ISIL tactical unit,

Summary

First published
April 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 67
Civilians reported injured
9–38
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2015

Incident Code

CI073

LOCATION

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

Reports claimed that a second major airstrike in a matter of days struck the town of al-Hawijah south of Kirkuk, killing many non-combatants at the marketplace and a nearby bridge. A related peshmerga offensive against Islamic State was reported in the area. Video images show the devastated market area, with many areas left burning. Almost

Summary

First published
June 11, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 60
Civilians reported injured
24–80
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

CI589

LOCATION

المشاهدة, Mosul, Al-Mashada, Nineveh, Iraq

Locals said that up to 60 civilians were killed after residential houses in the Mashahda area in old Mosul were accidentally struck. Coalition airstrikes, an Iraqi missile and artillery were all blamed. Iraqyoon reported that 12 civilians were killed in a “mistaken air strike” that destroyed four homes. Al Jazeera put the death toll at

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 60
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2017

Incident Code

CI658

LOCATION

17 تموز, West Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that 59 civilians, including women and children, were killed and dozens were injured after Coalition airstrikes and shelling on 17 July neighbourhood, as well as on Old Mosul and a health centre in Oreibi neighbourhood, all in West Mosul. It was said that more than seven houses were destroyed “over the heads

Summary

First published
April 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
59
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

September 18, 2015

Incident Code

CI106

LOCATION

الصينيه, Senjah, Salah Al Din, Iraq

A mass casualty incident was reported in Iraq, with at least 43 civilians killed and a further 68 injured, after aircraft were said to have bombed the Senyah region north west of Bayji. The target appeared to have been a former Iraq Army logistics base, while those killed were living nearby in tin shacks. Locals

Summary

First published
September 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
43 – 58
Civilians reported injured
68–70
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

CI504

LOCATION

New Mosul neighbourhood, Nineveh, Iraq

An eyewitness, Ghania Hassan – resident of the al-Jadida (New Mosul) neighborhood – told Foreign Policy that more than 56 civilians were killed after a Coalition missile hit a house where they were gathered, reportedly forced to by ISIL combattants. The eyewitness account as written down by Sam Kimball, Foreign Policy: “If they stopped the

Summary

First published
March 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
56
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 17, 2017

Incident Code

CI645

LOCATION

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

Local sources reported that Coalition and Iraqi government warplanes carried out airstrikes on Zanjili and other neighbourhoods in West Mosul, killing and wounding dozens. Iraqyoon and Yaqein spoke of more than 100 dead and wounded in the various western neighbourhoods of the city. Several other sources reported (possibly based on an ISIL press statement): “55

Summary

First published
April 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
24 – 55
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
24–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2017

Incident Code

CI516

LOCATION

حي الصمود, Mosul, Sumud, Nineveh, Iraq

Local residents and press sources said that eleven civilians were killed and more than 40 people were still under the rubble after a Coalition airstrike targeted the Sumud Quarter near the main generator. The Telegraph interviewed several witnesses, who reported: “The planes waited until one of the Daesh walked out into the street and then

Summary

First published
March 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 55
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

April 14, 2017

Incident Code

CI639

LOCATION

تل خيمة, Tel Kheimeh near Badoosh, Nineveh, Iraq

In a major alleged incident, two interviewees reported that up to 55 civilians died in an Iraqi or Coalition airstrike and ground-based machine gun fire as they attempted to flee ISIS control. The following unpublished field report was shared by Amnesty International with Airwars: “Interviewee 1: ‘I’m from Tel Kheimeh, a small village, around one

Summary

First published
April 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
55
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 20, 2017

Incident Code

CI563

LOCATION

حي الفاروق, Mosul, New Bab/ Farouq, Nineveh, Iraq

A single source reported that 55 civilians were killed by “military operations” in New Bab and Farouq neighborhoods in the west of Mosul. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
March 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
55
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 28, 2017

Incident Code

CI585

LOCATION

الرفاعي, Mosul, Rifai, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that 19 civilians were killed and 22 injured when airstrikes hit the neighborhood of the Agrarian Reform (Islah Al Zeraei) and the neighborhood of Rifai, in West Mosul. It is unclear who carried out the raids. Yaqein spoke of both “military operations by the combined forces”, “military aircraft and the International Alliance.”

Summary

First published
March 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
19 – 53
Civilians reported injured
22–56
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 6, 2017

Incident Code

CI514

LOCATION

الدواسة, Mosul, Dawassa area, Nineveh, Iraq

Local residents sources said that between 41 and 52 civilians were killed, including 23 children and one woman, and more than 70 injured after Coalition airstrikes and shelling by Iraqi government forces struck civilian homes at dawn, at the right side of Mosul. Witnesses told Iraq News that there were “dozens of women and children

Summary

First published
March 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
41 – 52
(23 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
70
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

April 5, 2017

Incident Code

CI613

LOCATION

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, Zanjili, Makawi, Fateh, 17 July, Matahen, Nineveh, Iraq

Local media reported that 51 civilians were killed and 60 wounded due to airstrikes, artillery shelling and/or possible ISIL actions in Makawi, Fateh, 17 July, Matahen and Zanjili neighbourhoods. While all sources blamed airstrikes and artillery, Mosul 24 also said ISIL had played a part in the deaths, noting “the martyrdom of more than 15

Summary

First published
April 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
51
Civilians reported injured
60
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

April 19, 2017

Incident Code

CI652

LOCATION

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

Local sources reported that 51 civilians were killed and 55 injured in airstrikes of the international Coalition and Iraqi government forces on several neighbourhoods in West Mosul. Sunnat Alliraq News spoke of the death and displacement of 106 residents of Mosul and called the government and Coalition raids an “unjust injustice”. Presently no further details

Summary

First published
April 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
51
Civilians reported injured
55
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

January 8, 2017

Incident Code

CI404

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, East Side, Nineveh, Iraq

Local reports say that the streets in eastern Mosul were covered by the bodies of dozens of civilians – their deaths caused by Coalition airstrikes and heavy artillery. Fighting was particularly intense in the Sugar Hill and Muthanna neighborhoods. Alaraby reported that fighting and airstrikes by the Coalition forces and Iraqi forces killed and wounded

Summary

First published
January 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
50
(1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
60
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2017

Incident Code

CI861

LOCATION

القائم‎, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq

Local sources reported that as many as 50 civilians died in alleged US-led Coalition air strikes on Al Qaim, west of Anbar province. However, there was doubt regarding their combatant status. Yagein said that according to one report, civilians had attempted to return to their homes when targeted and up to 50 died. However, its

Summary

First published
September 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

CI874

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qaim, Central, Al Anbar, Iraq

It was reported that raids carried out on Al Qaim had resulted in the deaths of at least 45 civilians and had left dozens of people injured. The US-led Coalition later conceded one civilian death in the event. Both Omar Al Halbusi and the Association of Muslim Scholars in Iraq blamed the Coalition, with the

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
45 – 50
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 21, 2015

Incident Code

CI068

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, near Bahauddin mosque, Nineveh, Iraq

Summary: A devastating airstrike on the Mosul neighbourhood of Rifai reportedly killed numerous non-combatants and injured up to 150 people. Among those killed in the event was Ayman al Hayali (who ran a clothing shop) and his family, including his wife and young son. Other sources claimed that 5 women and at least 3 children

Summary

First published
May 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 50
(2–3 children1–5 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
30–150
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