US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident date

December 14, 2018

Incident Code

CS1873

LOCATION

حاوي السوسة, Hawi Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported a “massacre” caused by “several missiles directed at the area Hawi Al-Soussa”. All sources blamed the Coalition. The alleged airstrike reportedly targeted a house inhabited by displaced persons, and killed a number of civilians, including women and children. No exact numbers were reported. Step News for example noted that Coalition missiles “targeted a

Summary

First published
December 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(2–3 children2–3 women)
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 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS4254a

LOCATION

مزرعة الرشيد, Al Rashid Farm, Raqqa, Syria

In a series of raids on the towns of Rashid and Aweij in the countryside of Raqqa, an alleged Coalition airstrike struck Al Rashid Farm. Four civilians were reported killed in strike, including a woman, and six others were wounded. In their June 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were

Summary

First published
January 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 woman)
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 31, 2018

Incident Code

CS1821a

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injuries of four civilians in an airstrike near Hajin. There are indications that this was either a French or Dutch action. In its April 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted one strike on a Daesh improvised explosive device

Summary

First published
October 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
4
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

July 13, 2019

Incident Code

CS1923

LOCATION

بادية (فليطح) فلطيح, Faltih (Fletih) desert (Badit Faltih), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Abed Abdullah al-Numan, a shepherd from the town of Al Tayana, was killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike when he was out working in the Faltih(Fletih) desert (Badit Faltih), north of Deir Ezzor – near the Syrian-Iraqi border, according to local media. Suriye u.a.d. reported that the victim was killed by a Coalition helicopter, whereas

Summary

First published
July 13, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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

May 1, 2020

Incident Code

CS1944

LOCATION

حقل كونيكو النفطي, Koniko Oil Fields, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian was reported killed on May 1st, 2020 allegedly by a sniper bullet fired at him by the American troops in Koniko oil field in Deir Ezzor or by YPG/QSD members who guard the oil field as local sources said. The victim who worked as a teacher in Raqqa city was identified as Yasser

Summary

First published
May 1, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, YPG
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2022

Incident Code

CS1985

LOCATION

ذيبان, Thiban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman was killed and two others, including a minor, were injured in an alleged airdrop operation carried out by the Coalition and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Hawija neighborhood of Thiban town, east of Deir Ezzor, on October 28, 2022. Nahr Media reported that a woman named Nadia Mustafa al-Ali was killed and

Summary

First published
October 28, 2022
Last updated
November 22, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
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
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Incident Code

TS083 CS514

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab city, Aleppo, Syria

Between 12 and 29 civilians including up to five children and five women died in airstrikes on Al Bab, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Turkey or the US-led Coalition. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 29
(4–5 children5 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
7
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
Named victims
12 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2014

Incident Code

CS002

LOCATION

الحسكة, Al-Hasakah, Al Hassakah, Syria

The Syrian Martyrs website claimed that six unnamed civilian males were killed in a Coalition airstrike on Al Hassakah. It said it had obtained the news via the Syrian Network for Human Rights, though that original report cannot presently be traced. In July 2017 the Coalition classed the event as Non-Credible, saying there was too

Summary

First published
September 25, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(6 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 21, 2014

Incident Code

CS035

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilian men were reported killed in an event near the town of Al Bab, after a US aircraft dropped a 500lb bomb on a fleeing ISIL suspect. They were later named by the VDC and Syrian Martyrs. Social media also reported civilian deaths, with one tweet noting: “At least two civilians martyred in the

Summary

First published
December 21, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children3 men)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2015

Incident Code

CS068

LOCATION

تل مجدل, Tal Majdal, Al Hassakah, Syria

An alleged 10am Coalition targeted strike on a vehicle carrying ISIL militants (including prominent Egyptian Abu Abdul Rahman) also killed three nearby civilians, according to SN4HR. However another source described the attack as being carried out by a booby-trapped motorbike. One victim was identified as the owner of a generator repair shop in the marketplace where

Summary

First published
May 19, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
15
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2015

Incident Code

CS100

LOCATION

مزرعة الأسدية, Al Assadiyah near Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A boy named as Amjad Mohammed was reportedly killed along with eleven alleged Daesh militants, in a fresh coalition airstrike on the outskirts of Ar Raqaa. According to SOHR, the child may have belonged to ‘Cubs of the Caliphate’ – an Islamic State indoctrination unit for young children in the city. One report claimed he

Summary

First published
July 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2015

Incident Code

CS135

LOCATION

جبل عبدالعزيز, Abdulaziz Mt, Al Hassakah, Syria

A single source listed an adult male non-combatant as a victim of Coalition action. According to VDC, Ahmad Nayef Al Hamad was from Baseera in Dayr ez Zawr, and was killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Abdulaziz mountain in Al Hassaka. In their January 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that

Summary

First published
October 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2016

Incident Code

CS179

LOCATION

الدشيشة, Dashisha, Al Hassakah, Syria

Two civilian brothers named as Farhan and Adnan Ali Khodar were reported killed after their motorbike was struck in an alleged Coalition airstrike. According to the Damascus Center, the two brothers were buried together. In their February 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this

Summary

First published
February 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2016

Incident Code

CS217

LOCATION

كلجبرين, Kaljibrin, Aleppo, Syria

A fierce battle for the town of Kaljibrin left up to 39 civilians dead – with both Daesh and the Coalition blamed for the fatalities. So-called Islamic State launched a major assault on Kaljibrin, later releasing a video in which it boasted of capturing weapons there. However Coaltion aircraft then reportedly struck at Daesh forces

Summary

First published
May 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
28 – 65
(18–21 children4 women6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12
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
28 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2016

Incident Code

CS253

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Four civilians were reported killed and 15 injured in multiple Coalition strikes on Manbij, according to local reports. In a separate incident, 17-year old Zaki al Mohammad died when the Aleppo Road [or Al Hajj Street] bridge was destroyed. Lens Young Manbij also reported that “yesterday on Saturday one of the doctors at the general

Summary

First published
July 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

CS324

LOCATION

Subha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Coalition denied that it had killed or injured civilians near Deir ez Zawr on October 1st, despite local claims. According to reports, multiple bridges were targeted in Coalition strikes on October 1st, with Step News reporting that “Coalition warplanes destroyed a number of bridges including Al-Abbas bridge in Abu Kamal, and Al-Nawam.” Other reports

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

CS356

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maraat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Airstrikes variously blamed on the Coalition, on Russia and on the Assad regime targeted Fatah al Sham positions in Maarat Mislin, reportedly also killing four civilians and injuring at least two more. Initial reports – which said the town was struck three times – claimed either Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. The Syrian

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
March 24, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS390

LOCATION

قرية مراط, Marat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In confused reporting, both Russia and the Coalition were blamed for the deaths of between 4 and 5 civilians at Marat (see also the next report.) According to Euphrates Post (which like all sources did not attribute responsibility) the home of Thabet al Darwish was targeted by warplanes killing five family members: “two women and

Summary

First published
November 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1–3 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
7
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

January 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS424

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

Targeted air or drone strikes – most likely unilateral US actions – reportedly killed two high ranking militants along with a number of fighters. However sources also claimed there were civilian casualties. There were two reported evening attacks. In the first, a car was destroyed on the Sarmada-Bab al Hawa road, killing four people inside.

Summary

First published
January 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS461

LOCATION

هنيدة, Hunaida, Raqqa, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike near Hunaida. According to the Syrian Observatory, “Explosions were heard in the western countryside of Al-Raqqah city, caused by bombing by warplanes believed to belong to the international coalition on an oil refinery area in Hunaida area at the countryside of al-Tabaqa, which injured several

Summary

First published
January 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

February 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS494

LOCATION

طريق بلدة الكرامة, Al Karama Road, Raqqa, Syria

A single source reported the deaths of two civilian truck drivers in a Coalition airstrike. According to Smart News “Two people were killed on Wednesday, in raids by international coalition aircraft on the eastern countryside of Raqqa… Sources said that international coalition aircraft targeted two trucks being used to transport oil, loaded with more than

Summary

First published
February 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS529

LOCATION

البارودة, Al Barouda, Raqqa, Syria

Four civilians died and nine were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Barouda village in the western Raqqa countryside, according to two local sources. Smart said that the wounded included women and children. Smart’s source added that the warplanes “targeted the village despite there being no military headquarters for the organization [ISIL] there”.

Summary

First published
February 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
7–9
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

February 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS540

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria

A reported Coalition strike on an ISIL HQ which killed and injured up to a dozen militants also led to the injuring of three civilians, according to a single source. According to Smart News Coalition planes launched an attack at al Mansoura “on an ISIL headquarters, killing five elements and wounding six others, including a

Summary

First published
February 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS573

LOCATION

زور شمر, Zor Shmar, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Zor Shamr village, east of Raqqa, according to a single source. Smart news agency reported that the strike was “likely” carried out by the Coalition. They reported that “the bombing targeted a fuel tanker while it was crossing the village of Zor Shamr (45 km

Summary

First published
March 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

CS605

LOCATION

Al Jadida, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Jadida village, according to local sources. According to Halab Today, “The school of Al-Jadida village in the southern countryside of Aleppo was destroyed due to warplane shelling”. The source didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently – which blamed the Coalition –

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS640

LOCATION

قسطل الغزالي, Al Qastal Al Ghazi, Hama, Syria

A local source told the Smart News Agency that “seven detainees and three elements of IS were killed by the bombing of warplanes likely belonging to the international coalition, on a school in the village of Qastal al Ghazi east of the city of Hama.” No other details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS673

LOCATION

شعيب الذكر, Sho'aib Al Zakir, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 40 civilians including a woman and her six children died after their boat sank while it was crossing the Euphrates River near Sho’aib Al-Zikir. While most local sources blamed the UIS-led Coalition, one news organisation said the boat had instead capsized because there were too many people onboard. The Smart News Network reported:

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 40
(6 children1–7 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS706

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians were initially reported killed and four injured in alleged Coalition strikes at al Tabqah. According to Madar News “A local source said that likely Coalition warplanes launched raids on Al Mangih district, Dawar al-Ajrawi and the cloth market in the town of Al-Talba, killing two civilians and injuring four others.” The Syrian Mirror carried an

Summary

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

April 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS739

LOCATION

البوعاصي, Al Bu A'ssi, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Bu A’ssi village, according to the Smart News Agency. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
April 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS771

LOCATION

هنيدة, Hunaida, Raqqa, Syria

The Smart News Agency reported that “aircraft likely belonging to the coalition launched three raids on the town of Huneida (36 km west of the city of Raqqa), killing three civilians, and four members of IS, in addition to wounding 11 others.” The Step News Agency reported that there had been a Coalition strike on

Summary

First published
May 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
11
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident